Things to Know Before You Go

      Please make sure you talk to your advisor and know what time to be at the airport. Also, make sure you have everything you need for your competition. Just so the dates are clear… we meet at the airport on June 27. We will be in Dallas until July 2. It will be tons of fun, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all again! :)

-Jessica Ericksen, Utah TSA State Vice President

What to do at Nationals

   Soon, as you all know, we will be attending the TSA National Conference, and some of you want to know what you can do while you are there, other than competing and attending meetings that is. Just in the Gaylord Texan Resort, the hotel we are staying at, there is a plethora of options for great ways to spend your time. There are 4.5 acres of indoor gardens and waterways, eclectic shops, and restaurants ranging from Tex-Mex to barbecue. Some things to do in the area include a mall, a rodeo, Six Flags, an aquarium, the Dallas Heritage Village, a Museum of Art, and a Museum of Nature and Science. These are just a few things to do while at Nationals! Go to http://www.tsaweb.org/2015-national-conference for more things to do while at Nationals this summer!

-Giovanna Nuccitelli, Utah TSA State Parliamentarian

Helpful Hints

      Knowing what to do at nationals can be tricky, especially if it’s your first conference. Here are some helpful hints to guide you along the way.

     Pack for success! Make sure you pack a variety of clothing for the national conference. Whether it’s a swimsuit for the pool, or a pair of grey pants, it’s important that you’re ready for the range of things you’ll be doing. What if you have extra room in your luggage? Consider bringing some food! Often, it’s easier to take a Pop-Tart on the go than to venture through food courts.

      Take some time to get to know the hotel. Figure out where some of the rooms are so when you have a competition time nearing, you won’t be running around trying to find the location.

      Take advantage of the stairs. As tired as you may be during the national conference, often the crowded elevators take much longer than the stairs.

      Make sure you make time to eat. It’s very easy to get caught in the madness of competitions and forget. Be sure that you set aside time in your schedule to eat so you can be prepared both mentally and physically for the rest of the day.

      Talk and socialize with new people at Nationals! A great part of TSA Nationals is the feeling of community within the conference. So be sure to set aside time to get to know people and learn about their TSA experience. It makes the conference more memorable and can lead to lasting friendships! Also, on Tuesday, June 30th, you have the opportunity to attend the TSA Meet and Greet. It’s scheduled from 1:00-5:00 PM, and it’s a great time to meet new people!

-Mirna Selmanovic, Utah TSA State Sergeant-At-Arms

Typical Schedule

• Saturday

• Fly in.

• Check in at the hotel.

• Relax.

• Sunday

• Competitions, as described in the official book you’ll receive upon check in.

• Conference Kick-Off State Meeting (mandatory).

• Monday

• National Officer Campaign/Opening Session (mandatory).

• Competitions, as described in the book.

• State Meeting (mandatory).

• Tuesday

• Recognition Assembly (mandatory).

• Competitions, as described in the book.

• State Meeting (mandatory).

• Wednesday

• Competitions.

• National Business Meeting- it’s long, I know, but we can’t do anything about it. (mandatory).

• State Business Meeting (mandatory).

• Thursday

• Awards Ceremony.

• Check Out.

• Fly home.

Click here to check out the complete schedule.

-Jessica Ericksen, Utah TSA State Vice President

What to Eat

      When we are all at National’s this summer, one of the most important hints for you, is to find time to eat. I mean we all love to eat anyway, but many of us can easily be caught up in the chaos of our competitions and forget about food. Anyway, this part is here to tell you about all the good ideas, helpful hints, and local eateries to satisfy your taste.

      As a suggestion, $200 is a good amount of money to take to the National Conference. This amount gives you the liberty to both eat conservatively and also to live in luxury a few times, by dining out at a nice restaurant. $200 can also allow you to get a few souvenirs. If you spend wisely, it can easily last you the entire trip. Although feel free to bring more or less, it all depends on what you’re going to eat.

      Try not to eat every meal at a fancy restaurant in the resort area. The prices are often blown up, and though you may think you have the money for it, it will run out faster than you think. But don’t be afraid to go out once in a while to celebrate or thank your hard-working advisor. It is also a good idea to eat at cheaper places such as Chick-fil-A, Subway, and other inexpensive places. Try to avoid restaurants in the hotel; they are usually overpriced—though still can be delicious if you want to try them.

      Another great option is to pack your own food. If you want to save money, this can be a great option for you. You can either take another suitcase split between your group or use the extra space in your suitcase to pack snacks like chips, pop-tarts, cereal, and even fresh fruit. Follow this link for a list of restaurants and dining opportunities in the hotel and in the resort area. For a complete list of the restaurants available at the GrapevineMills Mall, click here

-Alexei Garcia, Utah TSA State Historian

Competition Preperation

      The reason you're attending nationals is for your competitions! Make sure that while you're having fun exploring Dallas, you focus on your competitive events as well. You are required to participate in your registered events.

      Placing at state is no simple task, but it's much more difficult at the national level. The best way to secure a spot in the top ten is to continue improving your competitions up until the national conference. From making sure you have followed every rule for your event, to utilizing your peers for review, you need to continue editing and modifying your projects to ensure that you are successful.

     While you're at nationals, look at other competition entries and talk to competitors. Analyzing other's approaches to the task at hand can help you in the coming years. You can use the information you gather at the next state and national conference!

     As you go throughout this conference, contemplate your goals and the future you might want. I know many might not know what is in store for them and what they want to become. You all have different skills in the STEM areas. Take advantage of what you can learn from others. Many people have different paths for the future and can perhaps help you learn more about your options our of Jr. High and High School.

     Get to know the National officer candidates and current officers. You may also talk to others from separate companies. Sometimes they have booths you may be able to look and understand the world around you.

     Most of all have fun and find what you enjoy. Keep up the good work! See you at Nationals, and good Luck!

-Jeffrey Worley, Mirna Selmanovic, and Melissa Longhurst