Welcome to Boston! We’re so glad a record-breaking number of attendees were able to join us for the 22nd Annual OCD Conference. This year is particularly special, as we’re able to host so many of you in our hometown of Boston. We’re sure you have questions as you start to get settled and begin planning your weekend, so we’re here to help! Read on for some important information you’ll need to know to make the most of the weekend.
I’ve arrived — now what?
First things first, make sure you check in, if you registered for the Conference ahead of time, or register onsite if you haven’t registered to attend yet. The registration desk is open from noon–8pm on Thursday. Attendees will also be able to check in and pick up badges beginning at 7am on the mornings of Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1.
What can I do tonight?
We’ve got some great ice breakers planned to help connect Conference attendees from the get-go! New this year is the “Louder than OCD” Cabaret and Open Mic event taking place from 6:30-9pm in Grand Ballroom A. Join IOCDF Spokeswoman Ro Vitale, as well as the co-writers of the upcoming musical, Three Times Fast, a show about the writers’ experiences with OCD. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to showcase their own musical skills during an open mic portion.
We’ve also got some old favorites in the mix to ensure there’s something for everyone. Younger attendees can check out fun events such as OCD: The Game Show for Kids and OCD Storytelling for Kids and Parents. There’s also an Adult Storytime taking place that night, as well as the always-popular OCD Pub Trivia ice breaker. We’ve also got a wide range of support groups taking place in the evening as well.
How do I know what’s going on and where talks are?
There are three easy ways to check each day’s schedule and figure out when and where you should be in order to make it to all talks, presentations, support groups, and evening activities you might want to attend.
First, each day’s schedule is laid out in the Program Guide. Everyone will receive a physical copy of the guide when they check in or register onsite at the Conference.
You can also view the schedule online. You can sort the online version of the schedule by tracks, days, and search for individual speakers to make finding the right talk super simple!
Finally, we also recommend you download our Conference smartphone app if you prefer to look up each day’s events via your phone or tablet.
I’d love to see Boston while I’m here. Got any tips on where I should go?
We love the city of Boston! Monday’s blog featured a list of staff recommendations and nearby attractions in the city in case you’re interested in exploring while you’re in town. Many of these attractions are also offering special discounts and deals for Conference attendees. Make sure you check out the discounts page for more information.
Many of these attractions are also close to the Conference hotel. Within a 15 minute walk from the Westin is the Institute of Contemporary Art, which is offering free admission all day on Friday; Laugh Boston, a comedy club located in the Westin itself is offering up to 25 percent off their shows on Thursday and Friday; and the Lawn on D, a gorgeous green space literally in the Westin’s backyard has fun events going on all weekend.
I still have questions — where can I go or who should I talk to with other questions?
There’s a whole crew of people waiting to help you make the most of your Conference experience. A good place to start is by chatting with a Conference Ambassador. All ambassadors will have a big blue and orange button, making them easy to spot. Ambassadors are a mix of people who have been to many OCD Conferences, and who are happy to help you make the most of your conference experience.
If you have specific questions about the IOCDF, membership, or our programs, we encourage you to visit our membership coordinator, Tiia Groden, at the IOCDF Info Table in the Exhibit Hall (Booth #8). Tiia will be joined by several special guests throughout the Conference as well, including two furry therapy dog friends set to hold “Pawffice Hours” throughout the Conference, and all four IOCDF spokespeople. Specific hours when everyone will be at the IOCDF table in the Exhibit Hall are listed on page 21 of this year’s Program Guide. Everyone at the table will be happy to chat with you as well!
And finally, don’t forget to share your Conference experience with us! Tag us in any posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and use the hashtag #OCDcon to share your Conference highlights. Most importantly, have an incredible weekend, and do everything you can take advantage of the amazing opportunity that is the Annual OCD Conference!
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