Are you traveling alone to InstructureCon 2019? #SoloPandas unite!

[mlebsock]

Way back in 2017 Deactivated user asked other Wandering Pandas Flying Solo to InstructureCon to join together and  @bcrook  suggested SoloPandas as an identifier help those traveling alone to meet up. Thus the solopandas hashtag on Twitter and in the Community was born, bringing solo travelers and small groups together at Mission InstructureCon 2017 and again at InstructureCarn 2018.

The folks I met through solopandas‌ made each InstructureCon even better, so in that tradition-- 

Will you be a solo panda at InstructureCon this year? 

InstructureCon 2019

Help Others by Answering Questions

[fox]

I’ll be a SoloPanda this year! I’m returning to InstructureCon after a year off, and I will be traveling alone. I love people and I’m a lot of fun, so help me not hide in my room during the big events!!

[mlebsock · Accepted solution]

There's no need to hide in your room with so many solopandas around! I'm lucky enough to be traveling with colleagues this year, and you are welcome to join us-- the more the merrier! I can't wait to see what the Instructure folks have planned for the big events this year!

[rconroy]

I'm so dang proud of you all for carrying on the tradition, Michelle! My little #solopandas heart will be with you all! 

[mlebsock]

Deactivated user, #instcon won't be the same without you!

[zjakab]

I am a solo panda! Arriving to Long Beach on the 6th.

[kevinhitt]

#solopandas‌ here! It is my first Instructure event and also my first time in California, so new experiences all around!

[bcrook]

solopandas year 5!!  My social-introverted self is bringing my 10 year old daughter to help me as stepsforbeth medical/physical support AND solopandas has brought me together with the famed  @KristinL ‌ and we are becoming roomies for this year.  Although, after seeing her celebrity involvement status in the Community at this year's festivities, I don't think she'll be doing much rooming!  My daughter (McKenna) and I will be exploring Long Beach on Tuesday, so if you see us (I'll be in a carolina blue & black wheelchair with a floral bag on the back), please come say hello!!  Don't hesitate!

[mlebsock]

Awesome  @bcrook ! Is stepsforbeth‌ using the stridekick app again this year? I think I've figured out how to sync steps from Google Fit so I can finally join!

[bcrook]

Not that I'm aware of for this year.  Apparently stridekick raised their prices and it was outrageous.    

[jayoder]

This will be my 2nd year as a part of the solopandas! Flying in on Monday evening from Philly! You can message me on Twitter @EdTechYoder or the Instructure App! I am attending a precon session on Killer Homepage Design on Tuesday morning!

[RebeccaMoulder]

Yay Philly!

[KristinL]

Hi! I made a list in Twitter for #solopandas! DM me in Twitter (@kblundstrum) if you would like to be added/removed!

https://twitter.com/kblundstrum/lists/instcon-2019-solopandas

[mlebsock]

The list is a great idea, thank you for setting it up!

[sboldt]

I'm a solo panda flying in on Tuesday afternoon and staying for the Unconference. I'd love to hook up with anyone especially for the events. I've been a solo for the past four years. I usually entertain myself well when no one else will (LOL) but the connections make for a better, richer conference. One thing I will miss this year is the shuttle ride from Denver to Keystone. I would meet great people right from the get-go that I could connect with throughout the conference. It was just as great on the shuttle back to debrief with more people.

admin_mlebsock, it would be great to have a place for all interested solos to meet up Tuesday night and again Wednesday morning for new people coming in.

[mlebsock]

Hi sboldt,

I agree that connects make for a better conference! This year I'm lucky enough to be traveling with colleagues, but #solopandas‌ was a lifesaver the year I went alone. It was so much fun meeting new folks that I don't want to give that up this year. Great idea for a meet up point! We'll be arriving on Monday, so I'll see if I can find a good place for the unofficial SoloPanda headquarters and share that info here and on Twitter with the hashtag. Of course if you see me first please say hello!

[theresa_a_culle]

This is my first #instcon  I am traveling alone.. so I am a #solopanda? 

[zjakab]

Absolutely!It's my first InstrCon too

[sean_nash]

Solopanda here...  fourth InstCon in a row, but my first solo trip. Staying in a condo about a mile away. Hope it’s relatively safe for some walking (though I will have a car-  just looks like parking near the condo is a nightmare). Anyone know the area well?

Sean

[zjakab]

Hi Shaun, I'm staying in a motel roughly 1.6km away from the conference conference centre.I don't know the area but I hope to go on a walk today to explore a bit.I also do hope it's safe to walk as I won't have a car

[sean_nash]

Sounds similar. I think I’m on 6th street. I will have a car, but I’m almost wishing I didn’t because it won’t likely be fun finding parking in those residential areas...

[benjamin_liff]

Sean, it seems like downtown Long Beach is pretty walkable...as long as you don't mind walking 10-20 mins to get places. It's flat, which is nice

[jayoder]

I’m staying 2 blocks away at the Wyndham. I’ll be arriving tomorrow evening! Can’t wait! 

[robin_bartolett]

Any solo Pandas are welcome to meet up before wednesday's keynote! We are going to have a #pandapeeptweetup on Wed. 7/10 @ 8am outside of the Terrace Theater. Look for the sign below. All the details at https://community.canvaslms.com/community/instcon/instructurecon-2019/blog/2019/07/02/pandapeeptweet... 

[benjamin_liff]

Another solopanda here. I'm here from Maine. So far from home. :smileycry: 

I'm working from Hilton today, but if anyone is in town already, there is a cool sour beer place in downtown Long Beach I found. If anyone likes sours

Basically, if anyone else is interested in not sitting at the hotel bar by themselves this afternoon/evening, I'd be more than happy to meet up. I don't know how to initiate social contact on the internet without awkwardness, so if anyone wants to grab a beer or watch a sportsball game tonight (Monday) or Tuesday, feel free to message me here or on the InstaCon App.