By Sierra Smith

The 2016 NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo taking place in Kissimmee, FL from April 3–6 is just around the corner, and I hope you’re looking forward to it as much as I am. It’s such a great experience to meet the wonderful people I’m working for during the year; it really is a payoff to watch everyone network, enjoy the educational sessions, and let off some steam at the social functions. The experience truly refuels me and drives me to make next year’s conference even more spectacular.

Every year, NIRSA Headquarters asks members to take a survey regarding many aspects of the Annual Conference—and we really do read all of your responses. One theme that I see often is how expensive it can be to attend the Annual Conference. For those who don’t attend a lot of events in hotels, the sticker shock of a $3 black coffee or a $9 sandwich is very real. It’s a far cry from your campus cafes’ charges and you may not be prepared to spend so much. I want to offer some ideas that may help you save a buck here and there if you’re planning to attend NIRSA 2016.

I travel quite often for both pleasure and on NIRSA business. I’m on a budget just like you, and I also like to treat my body right with healthy, wholesome foods. This can be hard to do on the road. Before I leave on my trip, I buy travel-size packages of almonds and coconut butter; granola or protein bars; and single-serving packages of nuts, dried fruit, and jerky. I pack these into my checked baggage along with some extra Ziplock bags, a small Tupperware (for leftovers), and a spinork utensil. I swear by spinorks and often give them to friends—that’s how great I think they are!

You might not have known that every hotel room at the Gaylord Palms has a mini fridge. It’s a great idea to make use of this perk by filling it with healthy foods like hard-boiled eggs—which are sold in all grocery stores in packages—deli meats, sliced cheese, yogurts, pre-packaged salads, and cut fruits and veggies. You also have a coffee/tea maker that will make you hot water for instant oatmeal or soups.

You’re probably wondering where you’re supposed to get this food when you’re stuck in a hotel without a car. I’m happy to tell you that you have options. When I arrive in a new city, I check out Google maps for the nearest grocery store. If it’s either not safe or too far away to walk to, I call a cab or take public transportation. I believe the $5-$10 cab fare is worth it so that I can have healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack options during my stay.

A perk of NIRSA 2016 being in the Orlando area is that there are at least two companies—GardenGrocer.com and Orlando Grocery Express—that will do your shopping and deliver your groceries to you for a $14 fee. There is a minimum order of $40 so maybe you and a friend can make a list together and split the delivery cost. And don’t forget that in tourism-geared cities like Orlando and Kissimmee, there are plenty of restaurants that are happy to deliver whatever your heart desires at all hours of the night.

You’ll be at NIRSA 2016 to network, so I’m sure you don’t want all of your meals to be sandwiches and hard-boiled eggs. At the same time, some of the restaurants at the Gaylord Palms may not be in your budget. My suggestion in that case is to get offsite and check out some of the great restaurants that the area has to offer. Just a mile away is Highway 192 which has many dining options like Logan’s Roadhouse, Charlie’s Steakhouse, Golden Corral, Starbucks, Boston Lobster Feast, Joe’s Crab Shack, IHOP, and Denny’s. So grab a few friends and go for a stroll. Or take a cab to the town of Celebration just three miles away—the cab ride will cost you between $5-$9—and enjoy dinner with a view of the lake. There are several great affordable options in and around Kissimmee.

I hope that these ideas help you make the most of your budget while at NIRSA 2016. Perhaps I’ll see you in one of the courtyards while I’m taking a break, eating a salad—that I made in my room—with my spinork.

 

For more information about the 2016 NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo, please contact NIRSA’s Sierra Smith.