Conference FAQ
Q: I have never been to a conference before? What should I expect?
A: Professional Conferences are a great way to learn new things, recharge your batteries, and network with others in your profession. Our workshops are designed to give you information on real life issues you face with your charges. You will be able to choose the workshops that you are most interested in. Also, there will be plenty of time for chatting with other nannies and agency owners from all over the country. You can share ideas, funny stories and even a few complaints. It is great to feel part of a community, which isn’t always easy for nannies. You will arrive on Friday and get your folder and name tag with a conference schedule. Everyone at Nannypalooza is welcoming and friendly.
Q: When are workshops announced? When do I sign up for the workshops I want to attend?
A: We hope to have workshops finalized this summer. Workshops are always subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. We do list our past offerings so you can see the types of workshops to expect. You can find them here. Typically, you never have to choose workshops ahead of time however this year we may need to adjust this. We will be sure to keep you updated to changes in our schedule and offerings. Always watch your email and the attendee facebook group.
Q: What do I wear to Nannypalooza?
A: We believe in fun and festive learning. You should be dressed in casual, yet appropriate clothes. Jeans are fine! Have a great nanny t-shirt? Wear it! Conference rooms tend to be either drafty or too warm, so wearing light layers is good.
Q: What should I bring to Nannypalooza?
A: You should bring your enthusiasm and excitement and that is about all. You may want to bring business cards, a camera, a notebook and pen and any great ideas you want to share.
Q: What makes Nannypalooza different than other conferences?
A: Nannypalooza is a conference specifically for nannies. It is designed by a full time working nanny who understands what workshops will offer you ideas and techniques that you can use right away. The conference is casual and has a fun, laid back vibe. We take learning seriously but we know play is important for kids and for us adults as well. Over the years the community has grown and is very inclusive, helpful and supportive. Lifelong friends meet each year at Nannypalooza.
Q: Can I register for only one day?
A: Unfortunately no. Because we believe that quality training should be affordable for all nannies, we keep conference fees to an all time low! Because it costs us the same whether you are there for Sat only or for both days- we can not allow Saturday only registrations. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Q: How do you keep your fees so low? Does the quality of the conference suffer?
A: The mission of Nannypalooza from its inception has been to offer quality training at an affordable price for all nannies and all businesses. This means that we do everything we can to keep quality high and costs low. We do not employ an office staff. We do all the conference planning ourselves. We do not hold our conference in tourist destinations. We print our own materials. We have some of the most generous supportive sponsors ever! WE DO NOT skimp on quality presentations. WE DO NOT offer less, in fact in comparison with many professional conferences in our industry and others we offer more.
Q: Why do you offer so many good choices at the same time? Can’t you arrange the schedule so that we can attend everything?
A: Wow! This is a great question. We feel that by offering choices we are better able to provide training for all the different populations within our community. If we only offered one workshop in each time period, there would be times that some attendees would not have a good choice for them. And we could not offer the array of topics that we can with our current schedule. This model is based on NAEYC and other successful conferences and we feel it meets the needs of the majority of our participants.
Q: I work with older kids. Are there really workshops for me at this conference?
A: Each year we try to balance the schedule with workshops for infants through older kids and teens. We also try to balance between workshops on childcare issues and professional issues, hit all the major areas of development for kids and bring in cutting edge and controversial ideas. As you can imagine, it is quite the balancing act. We encourage input- so if there is a topic you would love to hear about please let us know.
Q: Should I ask my employer to pay for this conference?
A: YES! Professional development costs are often paid for by employers and it is very reasonable to ask your employer to pay for some or all of your costs. The techniques you learn will directly benefit their children. We have a brochure you can use to start the conversation-
Q: I am a business owner. Why should I attend a conference for nannies?
A: While it is true that a majority of our participants are nannies, we enthusiastically welcome attendees from agencies and other businesses! We do offer workshops that will be of use to you and beneficial for you to bring back to your own nannies via meetings and newsletters. By attending a conference where 90% of the attendees are nannies, you put a face on your business name that will help nannies choose you next time they are searching for a job or a tax service or whatever! Personal connections are so important. Feel free to pass out business cards and let nannies know what you can do for them!
Q: I have been a nanny for many years and have a degree. Why should I attend a conference?
A: While it is true that you may be well past some of our beginner workshops, there are sessions that will be of interest to you. The field of childhood education is constantly evolving and new ideas will put a spark back into your work. Also, as a professional in your field it is wise to keep connected to your peers. Attending conferences like ours can inspire you and help you make important connections that will help you further your career. And we love when experienced nannies share their tips and techniques with others.
A: Professional Conferences are a great way to learn new things, recharge your batteries, and network with others in your profession. Our workshops are designed to give you information on real life issues you face with your charges. You will be able to choose the workshops that you are most interested in. Also, there will be plenty of time for chatting with other nannies and agency owners from all over the country. You can share ideas, funny stories and even a few complaints. It is great to feel part of a community, which isn’t always easy for nannies. You will arrive on Friday and get your folder and name tag with a conference schedule. Everyone at Nannypalooza is welcoming and friendly.
Q: When are workshops announced? When do I sign up for the workshops I want to attend?
A: We hope to have workshops finalized this summer. Workshops are always subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. We do list our past offerings so you can see the types of workshops to expect. You can find them here. Typically, you never have to choose workshops ahead of time however this year we may need to adjust this. We will be sure to keep you updated to changes in our schedule and offerings. Always watch your email and the attendee facebook group.
Q: What do I wear to Nannypalooza?
A: We believe in fun and festive learning. You should be dressed in casual, yet appropriate clothes. Jeans are fine! Have a great nanny t-shirt? Wear it! Conference rooms tend to be either drafty or too warm, so wearing light layers is good.
Q: What should I bring to Nannypalooza?
A: You should bring your enthusiasm and excitement and that is about all. You may want to bring business cards, a camera, a notebook and pen and any great ideas you want to share.
Q: What makes Nannypalooza different than other conferences?
A: Nannypalooza is a conference specifically for nannies. It is designed by a full time working nanny who understands what workshops will offer you ideas and techniques that you can use right away. The conference is casual and has a fun, laid back vibe. We take learning seriously but we know play is important for kids and for us adults as well. Over the years the community has grown and is very inclusive, helpful and supportive. Lifelong friends meet each year at Nannypalooza.
Q: Can I register for only one day?
A: Unfortunately no. Because we believe that quality training should be affordable for all nannies, we keep conference fees to an all time low! Because it costs us the same whether you are there for Sat only or for both days- we can not allow Saturday only registrations. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Q: How do you keep your fees so low? Does the quality of the conference suffer?
A: The mission of Nannypalooza from its inception has been to offer quality training at an affordable price for all nannies and all businesses. This means that we do everything we can to keep quality high and costs low. We do not employ an office staff. We do all the conference planning ourselves. We do not hold our conference in tourist destinations. We print our own materials. We have some of the most generous supportive sponsors ever! WE DO NOT skimp on quality presentations. WE DO NOT offer less, in fact in comparison with many professional conferences in our industry and others we offer more.
Q: Why do you offer so many good choices at the same time? Can’t you arrange the schedule so that we can attend everything?
A: Wow! This is a great question. We feel that by offering choices we are better able to provide training for all the different populations within our community. If we only offered one workshop in each time period, there would be times that some attendees would not have a good choice for them. And we could not offer the array of topics that we can with our current schedule. This model is based on NAEYC and other successful conferences and we feel it meets the needs of the majority of our participants.
Q: I work with older kids. Are there really workshops for me at this conference?
A: Each year we try to balance the schedule with workshops for infants through older kids and teens. We also try to balance between workshops on childcare issues and professional issues, hit all the major areas of development for kids and bring in cutting edge and controversial ideas. As you can imagine, it is quite the balancing act. We encourage input- so if there is a topic you would love to hear about please let us know.
Q: Should I ask my employer to pay for this conference?
A: YES! Professional development costs are often paid for by employers and it is very reasonable to ask your employer to pay for some or all of your costs. The techniques you learn will directly benefit their children. We have a brochure you can use to start the conversation-
Q: I am a business owner. Why should I attend a conference for nannies?
A: While it is true that a majority of our participants are nannies, we enthusiastically welcome attendees from agencies and other businesses! We do offer workshops that will be of use to you and beneficial for you to bring back to your own nannies via meetings and newsletters. By attending a conference where 90% of the attendees are nannies, you put a face on your business name that will help nannies choose you next time they are searching for a job or a tax service or whatever! Personal connections are so important. Feel free to pass out business cards and let nannies know what you can do for them!
Q: I have been a nanny for many years and have a degree. Why should I attend a conference?
A: While it is true that you may be well past some of our beginner workshops, there are sessions that will be of interest to you. The field of childhood education is constantly evolving and new ideas will put a spark back into your work. Also, as a professional in your field it is wise to keep connected to your peers. Attending conferences like ours can inspire you and help you make important connections that will help you further your career. And we love when experienced nannies share their tips and techniques with others.