By Kimberly Murray

Several years ago when I attended my first IAMC Professional Forum as a personal guest, I was surprised by the variety of events to attend, from breakfasts to evening receptions. I felt underprepared, but since then, with a little research and planning, I have gotten the most out of my time with IAMC.

While there are many activities for IAMC attendees each day, you may want to look into other things to do in the host community, from hanging out at a hotel pool or spa to spending a day being a tourist. Some good places for information include:

• The Skirvin Hilton
• The Colcord Hotel
• Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

As you know, fall and spring typically bring beautiful weather but can also bring big temperature variations. A good place to start deciding what to bring may be to check out average temperatures on Weather.com.

(L-R) Jack Lyne, Laura Lyne, Kimberly Murray and Art Murray at an IAMC networking reception in Phoenix, April 2008.

While IAMC events are billed as "business casual," the style can vary depending on the location, from resort to downtown hotel. Also, networking events take place somewhere new each night, and can include anything from poolside at the hotel to places such as a city museum or local botanical gardens. I find it helpful to check out where the events will take place and go from there: IAMC Networking Events

That being said, with consideration to the venue, it is safe to say that whatever you are comfortable wearing works.

IAMC offers personal guests three tiered options for participation, from $300 - which includes every "food and beverage" function - to $100 - which affords you a choice of which events you want to attend.

For more information, check out the personal guest page on IAMC.org: Personal Guest Program

Sometimes my husband Art and I like to use IAMC attendance as a jumping off point for a more extended vacation: for example, a Forum in California is a perfect start to a trip to Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas or Asia Pacific; the Northeast is an ideal departure point for Europe; the Midwest can be your door to the Great Lakes or the Rockies; and the Southeast makes a Caribbean vacation practically convenient.

You may also want to consider adding a couple of days to your trip either before or after the Forum to relax with your family and explore the host city together.

I am already looking forward to visiting Oklahoma City with IAMC in September. Art and I have made many friends through IAMC, and we always enjoy our time at the Forums. I am sure you and your spouse will find it a rewarding event in addition to a great professional development opportunity.