‘Tis the season for homeschool conventions. You can read all about what to bring to a convention, what to do, what not to do, how to survive a convention and how to get refocused. There is plenty of information around this great time of year that can bring encouragement, as well as overwhelm to attendees, vendors and speakers.
It is a busy time for everyone! So, as you go to the conventions, look for ways that you can encourage others while you are attending.
Encourage Other Attendees:
- If you bring your children, keep a close eye on them so they do not disturb other attendees while they are walking or shopping
- Don’t be in a big rush and hurrying everywhere you go
- Look out for moms who are struggling with their children or the stroller and offer to help
- Keep an eye out for little ones who have lost their mom or dad
- Offer a kind smile or encouraging word to a weary mom and be careful with “looks” that indicate that her children are bothering you
- Take good notes during sessions to offer to friends who can’t attend or have to be with their children during the session or is in another session.
Encourage the Vendors:
- I like to shop at vendors that are family business or if the author/creator of my favorite product is there, I like to support them. I can usually save money buying from a bigger vendor, but this is one way to encourage and support smaller businesses.
- Share about your favorite vendors with your friends and encourage them to check them out
- Even if you are not buying from a booth or stopping to look, give them a kind smile as you pass
- Tell the vendors thank you for coming to the convention and the hard work they put into their products
- Don’t spend too much time blocking the booth or tables if you are visiting with friends
- Don’t allow your children to take down the books or items and play with them or mess up the tables
- Don’t chat on your phone while they are helping you
Encourage the Speakers:
- Many speakers make sacrifices to be away from their family during convention season and need an encouraging word while they are spending much time encouraging others
- Give them a smile during their presentation
- Tell them how much you appreciated their session and thank them for their hard work
- Don’t spend too much time talking to them since there are many people who want to speak to them
- If they have a table in the vendor hall selling product, buy from them to support them
- If they have made an impact on your life, bring them a card and small gift to say thank you and encourage them
You will be encouraged yourself and have the opportunity to encourage others at Great Homeschool Conventions in Cincinnati, OH and Ontario, CA.
