Frequently Asked Questions
Not Sure What to Expect? Read On
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.
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.
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. Check the floor plan carefully to find your intended session.
The general sessions are set "classroom" 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.
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.
You must pre-register for the conference. Registration is a multi-step process that can sometimes be confusing.
First, you need to register with the AFCP office. This assures a space for you at our events and functions. You can register online or by completing the registration page on the back of the conference brochure. You will receive an email from the AFCP office confirming your registration within a week of registering. If you don't receive this confirmation, please contact us.
Second, you need to reserve a hotel room at the hotel. This assures you there is a "room at the inn." You should receive a confirmation directly from the hotel.
Third, you will be contacted by the AFCP office in March to register for classes at the conference. This step is very important as it guarantees that you can attend the sessions of your choice and that we assign meetings with higher attendance to larger meeting rooms.
Lastly, you need to check-in with registration when you arrive at the conference. You can register 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.
The onsite conference registration desk will be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 21 and will reopen at 7:00 a.m. Thursday, April 22. Coffee will be available at 7 a.m. in the Trade Show Exhibit Hall, with breakfast beginning shortly thereafter.
The hotel is located three blocks from world famous Myrtle Beach. It is only 10 minutes from the airport. Every event on campus is within easy walking distance.
The hotel has one high-rise building holding the sleeping rooms and is connected to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The meeting rooms are all located in the convention center. Check with the front desk if you need directions.
The hotel has a free shuttle to the airport, although capacity may be a problem.
Besides being able to walk to many attractions, taxis are available for longer travels.
Onsite parking is available if you drive to the conference.
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.
All attendees who are employees of member companies that participate in NANI can bring one guest at no charge. For example, if the Buyers Guide brings three employees to the conference, there is no registration free for all three employees because the Buyers Guide participates in NANI. Each of those three attendees can bring a guest at no charge as well.
Guests of other attendees can register to attend functions for all three days for only $750.
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.
The hotel will honor the discounted room rate of $185 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.
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. Temperatures will easily be in the 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.
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, so attire that you would normally wear to an evening dinner, concert and dance would be appropriate.
Saturday's dinner is a "dine around" at your choice of nearby restaurants 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.