Information for First Time Attendees
Practical Advice from General Assembly (GA) “Veterans”
Relax—you don't have to go to everything.
The GA schedule is packed full
of things to do. While GA is primarily the business meeting of the
association, it is also a wonderful opportunity to network, connecting with old
friends and meeting new and interesting people. The hundreds of
available workshops and activities present sometimes painful choices for GA
attendees.
GA Programming goes from 7:00 a.m. until midnight but you don't have to. If you will be a delegate for your congregation, you should prioritize attending Plenary. Select several events or activities that are especially important or attractive to you and do not feel obligated to attend a program in every available time slot.
Bring comfortable walking shoes.
You might think that you'll be sitting in
Plenary or in meetings all day but the reality is that you'll probably be doing
a lot of walking. In addition to commuting between your hotel, meals, and
the Convention Center, you will be navigating 200,000 square feet of
meeting space and exhibits.
The Accessibilities Services Committee coordinates the provision of assistive devices for GA attendees, including wheelchairs, walkers, and electric scooters. If you have mobility or other physical access concerns, we ask that you please fill out an Accessibilities Services Request Form by April 30 so that arrangements can be made.
Wear your name badge.
When you arrive at GA, you will receive an official
GA name badge. You MUST wear your name badge while attending or
participating in any GA event, including evening entertainment. Name
badges help to foster a sense of community and security; they identify us to one
another and also to ushers and security personnel. It is essential that
your name badge stays with you throughout the week and is displayed
appropriately while you are in the convention center or our shared meeting
spaces.
Write your name on your program.
It is easy to misplace your GA
Program. If your name is on it, it is also easy to recover it. Lost
and Found will be in the GA Volunteer Office in the convention center.
Attend the GA Orientation and your district's In-Gathering on Wednesday, June 25
Come learn more about our host city and how to get the most out of this
year's GA. All questions answered! Topics will include information
about the GA schedule, Plenary Sessions, and the Social Witness process.
Pick up a copy of the daily newsletter for last-minute announcements, changes and cancellations.
If you will be a delegate…
After you pick up your GA name badge, you will
need to bring your credential card, signed by your minister or church officer,
to Delegate Credentialing to receive your delegate voting card and ribbon.
You must have your delegate ribbon and voting card to vote in Plenary.
If you will not be a delegate…
If you are not a delegate, you are still
encouraged to attend Plenary. The only things you cannot do are sign
petitions for Actions of Immediate Witness, vote in Plenary, or in
elections.
Take notes.
Most attendees leave GA full of new ideas and information they
are eager to share with their home congregation. However, as many
congregations will not re-convene until September, it is hard to remember
everything you want to report without the aid of notes made while the experience
is still fresh in your mind. Audio CDs of most GA programs are available
for purchase at or after GA.
Take time to care for yourself.
Bring a refillable water bottle. Put
a granola bar and an apple in your bag. Bring a sweater; air conditioned
rooms can be chilly. Allow yourself plenty of time for exploring the GA
exhibit hall; there will be more than you can take in all at once and it's a
great place to take a break or get a snack.
You will have a richer experience if you make adequate time each day for rest and reflection. A chaplain is available at any hour during GA for assistance in case of personal emergency or need for pastoral care. Office hours and after-hours phone numbers will be posted. A Sharing of Joys and Concerns led by the chaplain and a member of the GA Planning Committee will be held each evening (Wed.-Sat.) in the convention center.
For more information contact generalassembly @ uua.org.
Last updated on Wednesday, July 18, 2007.
