Training and Activity Schedule
This year, for the first time at a National Order of the Arrow Conference, contingent members have the ability to see and change their personal training and activity schedules prior to arriving at conference. This capability was the result of feedback from previous conferences when individuals did not see and could not make changes to their schedules until the day they arrived.
While we believe this ultimately provides a better experience for our conference guests, it naturally leads to a number of questions:
- Why are all the classes/activities I want full? Assignments of training classes and activities that require pre-registration were based on selections made during April and May. This demand allowed us to identify the most popular topics, assign them to the largest venues and increase the frequency of offerings. Despite this, our most popular sessions will still have demand that exceeds capacity resulting in some individuals not receiving their primary choices.
- How did the registration system assign contingent members to classes/activities? Individuals were assigned to sessions based on their preferences and the timestamp (date and time) when they chose a class. This is effectively a first come / first served approach. Once a class is full, it is closed unless individuals drop the class resulting in excess capacity.
- How can contingent members add a training session or activity to their schedule? On the ‘Schedule’ tab in the registration system, choose the ‘Add Activity’ button in the upper right hand corner. You can then choose the ‘Program Area’ that you are interested in attending and the specific training session/activity that you want to add. When you choose an activity, you’ll see those sessions that still have capacity and can add as long as there is not a conflict with your schedule.
- What does ‘Conflict’ mean in the registration system? Conflict means that the item an you want to add is at the same time as an activity you are already scheduled for. You can drop the activity you’re currently in and that will resolve the conflict allowing you to add a new activity.
- Can I audit (walk into) a training class or activity if I’m not registered? Yes, as there may be instances where individuals have registered for a session but do not show. Walk-ins are subject to availability, capacity of the venue and at the discretion of the session trainer/facilitator.
Lodge Training Day. Each contingent will have a “Lodge Training Day” on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday of conference. This morning will consist of attending the conference Signature Session in Wharton Hall with the rest of the morning being spent at the discretion of the contingent/contingent leader. This is an opportunity to meet as a contingent to discuss lodge program/operations back home, conduct your own training or participate in a conference activity as a contingent.