Many of you have not had the opportunity to experience convention as 2020 was canceled due to COVID and 2021 was just a virtual business meeting. 2019 had tried a cruise so the last "normal" convention was held in Granbury. As you may know, the 2022 convention will be held in Allen hosted by the Plano Area MOMs from March 31- April 3. You don’t want to miss it! Plus... it will help you get ready for 2023, the 50th anniversary of TMOM that FWMOM will host! Did you know that FWMOM was a founding club of TMOM? Now you do.

Getting back on track. I often refer to the convention weekend as a ‘mom appreciation’ weekend. Often dad takes off work and cares for the kiddos getting a full overview of what you do, all the time. Being kid-free allows you to recharge. You might learn new tricks to help with your multiples, or how to do something new. You might even spend half the weekend just sleeping or making new long-lasting connections. This weekend can be whatever you need most... rest, fun, adult interaction, and/or time alone.

Yes, there are some logistics with time and money to go, but at this time FWMOM is reimbursing up to $200 in costs for the first 26 members who register!  

So what are the costs? Convention registration is usually in the range of $100-$200 depending on how long you stay and what you decide you want to do. The hotel is your other big cost but many people share a room to cut costs, but since this convention is close, if you don't mind making the drive for whichever days you'd like to join, you can cut down on the room cost altogether. 

If you can allocate the money for a room, it will be $119 per night plus taxes but does include the daily parking fee. If you'd like to stay all 3 nights the total comes down ~$407.35, but one room can be split up by 4 people. As for staying at the hotel, you should plan to stay at least Saturday night. Friday and Saturday are better.

Check-in will start at 3. Since this is an 80's themed convention, Thursday’s welcome party will be a roller-skating party. It will be fun even if you don’t skate. 

Friday will have share shops, workshops, and some local tours. Late afternoon there will be a First timer’s meeting. If this is your first time attending you should plan to attend this. You will meet “mother superior”, the “queen bee”, and the past presidents. Many other questions about the convention will be answered. But meeting these past presidents will let you know you can approach any of them with any questions throughout the weekend. There is often a little gift for you too ☺! 

Of course, you would then want to stay for the salesroom and the dinner event. So if you are short on time you could come on Friday by 3 and still have a good experience.

Saturday starts with the Business Meeting (the reason for convention) Delegates attend and vote on things. Lunch – used to be a keynote speaker at this. Otherwise, this is a good chance for the club to go out together. Workshops in the afternoon - GO TO WHAT INTERESTS YOU THEN SHARE WITH CLUB MEMBERS LATER.  Dinner – This is the installation banquet. Usually, sit with your club, and you will have a chance to dress up and celebrate! Awards, new officers, and raffle basket winners are announced. This is also when the Scholarship winners are announced (another blog on scholarship information coming soon!)

At my first convention, I ended up with a notebook that was left on the counter along with labeling the kitchen cabinets. I had 4 different friends from church come to babysit Thursday and Friday. The first came at 9 am Thursday as I left, but she needed to pick up her child at 3, so another came at 2:30 and stayed until the husband arrived about 6. Similar thing with 2 others on Friday. There were also additional numbers of other women to call if someone didn’t show up. Fortunately, they were not needed. So all that plus the typical daily schedule was in the spiral. This goes to show that one very well deserved meeting, has left me with some of the best memories and friendships, don't miss the opportunity to create your own! 

Sue Norton has been a member of FWMOM since 1997. She was previously a member of Arlington MOMs from the moment after she found out she was pregnant until her twins turned 3. She is am Mom to 27-year-old identical twin "boys" (Young men), a 30-year-old singleton and he is the dad to my 11-month-old grandson. I am also a Past President of TMOM.