The Expo

[believe]

What can I expect? How much time should I plan to spend there? Can you go more than once if needed to see everything?

[hockeygirl]

That really depends on what you want to get from it. For me, I just like to go pick up my race numbers/chips, get my goody bag, and check out the race merchandise. I don't spend much time looking at all the vendors. I have been to a bunch of race expos and I have seen all the same vendors over and over so I just skip them.

Last year, we were in and out of the expo in less than an hour. (THat was first thing friday morning--there were no lines for packet pickup) I am sure if you looked around at everything you could spend a couple of hours there easily.

You can go back as many times as you want to check out the vendors/merchandise etc.

[Tiger Lily 03]

Expo is huge, there are also speakers that if you have time might interest you. I have not seen the speaker schedule however so have no idea of the timing. Your family can make signs to display if they are going, I think I recall your family won't be there this time? There are vendors galore and you certainly can see all the latest in w/o wear, toys and such. You can spend tons of dollars or just window shop. There is one side where upcoming events are advertised too. Where you pick up your race packet shirt is completely opposite of the entry point so you kind of have to weave through much of it too.

[hockeygirl]

Did I read somewhere that the packet pickup will be in the Milk House still, but the actually expo and vendors would be in the new Josten's Center? I thought I read this somewhere but i am not sure. This would help spreading things out a little if it is the case..as I felt like everything was so cramped last year.

[dsnyfan21]

Yes, I believe it was written that it will be in two buildings this year, should help with crowd control.
You thought last year was crowded?? You should have been at the DL Packet pickup/expo. That is the most crowded that I have been to so far. I was glad to be in line when it opened.

Tracy

[Tiger Lily 03]

Uh oh, I have no idea. Must look at the booklet I guess?

[hockeygirl]

Tracy-The expo itself wasn't too crowded with people when I went first thing Friday morning...but I just felt like the aisles to walk in at the expo itself were so skinny and congested. I went to the NYC marathon expo the last two years, and it was packed with people but you could navigate around so easily because the aisles were wide. Hopefully this year will be better with the two locations.

[jam217]

Last year, I went to the expo on Thursday when it opened at 3 and I walked right in. The crowds weren't too bad. When I left, there was a long line of people waiting outside to get in.

That was my plan this year as well but then they changed the opening time to noon and my plane doesn't land until 11 a.m.

[MomofCKJ]

We are hoping to get over there around 5 on Thursday. I hope it doesn't take forever. We want to get ourselves over to DTD for a little Earl Of Sandwich dinner!

Allyson :)

[momof2minnies]

Allyson,
We are right behind you probably around 6 or so.Where are you flying out of- Hartford by any chance?

Linda

[MomofCKJ]

Originally we were till Delta just messed with our flights too many times. We ended up cancelling entirely with them and taking our refund and buying Jet Blue tickets. We are flying non stop out of Boston. We arrive at 1:30 that afternoon but our friends don't arrive till 3pm or so. We are hoping to hit the Expo after they get to CSR and check in.

Allyson :)

[momof2minnies]

We are on Delta- better check our flights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[believe]

Lily...you are right that my family is not going this time. We are saving in order for Todd and I to go somewhere for his 40th Bday.

Everyone...thanks for all the input.

[TnTsParty]

I won't be getting to the expo until probably 10AM on Saturday morning - right as we pull into town. I assume it is less busy then since the only ones that would be picking up packets would be for the full. Anyone have any advice for those getting there so late?