If you've never been to an AFCP conference, you probably have a lot of questions. I hope that this section answers them, but if not, please do not hesitate to contact us. We want to make this conference as enjoyable and educational as possible.

Conference Format

The conference runs three full days, beginning early on Thursday morning and ending late Saturday night. You will want to travel to the conference on Wednesday and home on Sunday. If golf is your game, a golf outing is held on Saturday afternoon. More about that later.

Each day begins and ends with a general session in the main meeting hall. The middle of the day includes breakout sessions in any of 15 different rooms. However, breakout sessions are assigned to rooms with the goal that the sessions you want to attend are most likely in the same room.

The general sessions are set "class room" style, which means long tables with chairs allowing for easy notetaking. The breakout sessions are generally set "theater" style to allow people to sit closer together, which provides great ability to interact with the instructor and other participants.

Breakfasts, lunches and break refreshments are served in a combined trade show and dining area. Take time to check out all of the trade show vendors. They have products and services that can build your company's profitability.

Evenings are reserved for relaxation and enjoyment. AFCP does not hold business dinners, have speakers or other business functions at night. When you've set through the best educational workshops and sessions all day, you deserve some down time. Check out the evening entertainment in the "functions" page for a list of the fun events planned at this conference. We know you'll have a good time!

AFCP Conferences are relaxed, but high energy. If you are a first time attendee, feel free to sit down with a group of folks at the breakfasts and lunches. Introduce yourself and network; you will soon have a new friend.

Conference Registration

You must pre-register for the conference. To register online, click here. The registration desk at the hotel will be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 and will reopen at 7:00 a.m. Thursday, April 24. Coffee will be available at 7 a.m. in the Trade Show Exhibit Hall, with breakfast beginning shortly thereafter.

You can pickup your registration materials whenever the registration desk is open. The registration desk will be located at the entrance to the Trade Show Exhibit Hall. Signs will direct you to the correct location and you can ask the concierge or front desk personnel for directions.

Getting Around

The hotel is located in the middle of two beautiful championship golf courses. It is only 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs and the Palm Springs airport. Every event on campus is within easy walking distance, although the hotel also has several golf carts running regularly scheduled shuttles. Taxis and rental cars are available to take you off-site as well as a free shuttle to a local casino and night club.

The hotel has several buildings holding the sleeping rooms. The main pool is by the main building, but two auxiliary pools are located in the middle of the buildings holding sleeping rooms. One should be conveniently located to your room. The buildings holding sleeping rooms are smaller two-story buildings without elevators. The second floor rooms have better views of the golf courses, but if you do not want to negotiate the steps, have the hotel put you in a ground floor room. The meeting rooms are all located on the ground floor of the convention center. Check with the front desk if you need directions.

Guests

Guests are encouraged to participate in all functions during the conference. Breakfasts are generally scheduled for 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.; lunches are from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and evening functions generally begin at 6:00 p.m.

Sidetrips and Sightseeing

AFCP conferences are always held in the most interesting cities. Many people schedule time before or after the conference to explore. Your best resource is the hotel concierge. They are paid to know the best restaurants, best theaters, best golf courses, and best tourist sights and tours. Feel free to contact the concierge before you arrive or any time during the conference for help plan your explorations. You can reach the concierge by calling the hotel at (760) 328-5955.

The hotel will honor the discounted room rate of $179 per night for up to three days before and after the conference, subject to availability. It is best to book early to assure your accommodations.

Attire

AFCP conferences are informal, so you can feel comfortable with business casual throughout the conference. Dress comfortably for the daytime sessions and functions because the schedule is packed from beginning to end. You will want to be comfortable. We are located in the desert, so temperatures will easily be in the high 80s during late April; however, remember that hotel meeting rooms are notorious for supercharging their air conditioning. If you are prone to being chilled, bring along a sweater.

Evening attire is a little fancier, but it's not necessary to dress formally. Generally, men wear dress slacks and open collar shirts with or without a sport coat. Women often wear a business suit or dress slacks and blouse. Desert evenings can be very mild with temperatures cooling quickly when the sun goes down.

Thursday's dinner is an informal cocktail reception and buffet allowing for fluid movement. This is a great time to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Attire is business casual.

Friday's party is outdoors on the golf course, so attire that you would normally wear to an evening dinner, concert and dance would be appropriate. The music will be blues and the party will be upbeat, so plan accordingly.

Saturday's dinner is a "dine around" in downtown Palm Springs where you will get to sample the local fare. Feel free to dress up, but casual attire is equally appropriate. Get ready to paint the town!

Be advised that all AFCP functions are laid back enough that business suits and blue jeans are equally appropriate at all daytime or nighttime functions, so feel free to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.