3 Tips to Surviving the 2016 CSCCa Conference

The CSCCa national conference is our favorite event of the year. Perhaps it's because we were born out of a collegiate strength program? Or maybe it's that college coaches just know how to have a good time? We don't know.

What we DO know though is how to make the most of your trip to Ft. Worth in May for both... business and pleasure. Here are the top 7 tips for surviving the CSCCa conference we gathered from veteran attendees and organizers:

1. Wednesday is the De Facto Party Night

Wednesday May 4th is the first day of CSCCa and there's a lot of buzz in the air! Since the CSCCa dinner is the following night, this makes Wednesday evening the "go to" evening for dinners, happy hours, and... late nighters. Additionally, with the exhibitor/coaches opening social getting started at 6pm it's bound to get the night kickstarted with lots of coaches all arriving on the scene, there's a guarantee that reconnecting with old coworkers and friends will ignite the party that night.

Tip: Rumor has it that some companies will be holding happy hours immediately following the opening night social (maybe it's even us...). So, visit the usual suspects (Plae, Hammer Strength, TeamBuildr, etc.) and find out where the party is.

2. Lookout for the Strength Performance Network Guys Broadcasting the Show

Unless you live under a rock, you know the media-savvy Strength Performance Network website. Well, the two brothers that run the website - David and Brian Harris - will also be live-streaming and broadcasting from the exhibitor hall including live interviews with coaches and exhibitors. Look out for them and introduce yourself; maybe you will get asked for a live interview and share your insight with the S&C community. As Ron McKeefery says, it's never too late to build your personal brand.

3. Use Some Easy Ways to Save Money & Have a Better Time

When staying at the CSCCa, consider using Airbnb rather than booking a hotel room. This will save you money even against the discounted block rate. Additionally, it makes for great memories as my partner James and I made some great friends staying in an Airbnb apartment at our last conference. I will actually be staying with them again when visiting the city for a wedding in the fall!

Although Airbnb's can be further from the hotel/convention center, consider walking or renting a city bike to get the job done. This is incredibly fun and will add a chance to explore the city you're visiting through the eyes of a local. By renting city bikes, James and I were able to stop at local breakfast spots and microbreweries to/from the conference.

Lastly, use promo codes to take Uber or Lyft around town. If you don't have either app, you get a HUGE promo credit just for trying it out. Check out these coaches from the NSCA Coaches Conference in January:

Enjoy!