Following the Closing General Session on Tuesday, January 12th, there will be a book signing in Champions Foyer. Don't miss your chance to meet keynote speaker Ira Chaleff, who will sign his book, The Courageous Follower: Standing Up To and For Our Leaders. This award-winning book, now in its 3rd edition, is a landmark in the newly emerging field of leader/follower studies. To learn more about the book, visit www.courageousfollower.net.

CNIC attendees will be able to purchase a copy of this book following General Session for $25. So get in line and be sure to have your pen handy!

There are only a few days left until the official start of CNIC 2010! Are you ready? Of course you are! But in order to get the most out of your CNIC experience, here are a few notes to help you hit the ground running when you arrive in Florida:

• As you prepare for your trip, remember that although Florida winters are generally dry and mild, the current weather forecast is predicting colder temps, so be sure to pack for chilly conditions. Pack business casual clothing for the conference, as well as a light jacket to wear in case meeting rooms are chilly. For the current weather forecast, click here.

• From arriving early, to checking in and making your way through security checkpoints, airline travel can be a headache these days….but it doesn't have to be! Proper planning can make your trip a lot easier. To travel smart and travel safe, log on to www.tsa.gov and learn tips from the experts at the Transportation Security Administration.
• Don't forget to arrange ground transportation from the airport to the hotel. Arrangements can be made through Pearl Executive Shuttle, Inc., the official airport shuttle provider, by calling (888) 997-3275 or online at www.pearlexecutiveshuttle.com. Please have your flight itenerary available when making your reservation.
• Planning a dinner on the town? Or perhaps you’re planning to take a few days at the conclusion of the conference to explore Ponte Vedra Beach? Be sure to check out all there is to see, do and eat in Ponte Vedra Beach by clicking here.

• Be sure to confirm your hotel reservation. If you need a reservation, please contact SNA Meetings Assistant Nita Artis at eartis@schoolnutrition.org. Please provide the number of rooms, guest name, arrival and departure date.

• If you haven’t yet registered, it’s not too late! To register onsite, head to the Registration area of the Sawgrass Marriott, located in Champions Foyer. Already registered? This is also the place to go to pick up your badge and the conference program.
• Want to plan your itinerary in advance? You can access the conference highlights online by clicking here.
• And last, but certainly not least, be sure to join your colleagues for the “19th Hole” Networking Reception and Volunteer Activity, being held Monday evening, January 11th. School nutrition operators and industry partners are encouraged to meet someone new, form a team and work together to assemble baskets that will benefit Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. CNIC attendees are encouraged to bring a small, unwrapped item for the baskets. These items can be dropped off when you check in at registration. For ideas of what to bring, click here.

CNIC 2010 is sure to ignite new friendships, spectacular solutions, professional growth and good times for all. See you in Florida!