The Definitive Homeschool Convention Guide

A homeschool convention is the perfect place to get acquainted with homeschool culture, find resources, and connect with other homeschoolers. It offers valuable insights and information for newcomers and seasoned educators alike.

At the same time, conventions can be overwhelming. From exhibitors to speakers to vendors to other homeschool families, the sheer volume of people and activities can be somewhat intimidating, especially for attendees without a plan or strategy.

Thankfully, we’ve got the tips, checklists, and to-dos necessary to make the trip fun and successful, whether you’re a convention novice or a grizzled veteran.

5 Reasons to Attend a Homeschool Convention 

Before we get into the tips, let’s look at some reasons why attending a convention is worth it. 

1) To Stay Current

Education is a constantly changing field. As a homeschool instructor, it can be challenging at times to keep up with the latest developments. What new homeschool curriculum materials are available? What new ideas or techniques will help you in your teaching? Attending a convention will help educators answer these questions and stay current.

2) To Refresh Goals

It’s important for homeschool educators to periodically stop and revisit the reasons they chose to homeschool in the first place. Why was this decision made? What were the goals originally? Going to a convention can help the entire family refocus and rededicate themselves to the homeschool process. 

3) To Visit Vendors

A convention is a great place to explore different educational materials, review curriculum options, and speak with vendors before making purchases. In a world where online shopping is now the norm, engaging with homeschool vendors and their products in person is incredibly beneficial.

4) To Find Inspiration

Those called to homeschooling understand it as a journey that requires practice, patience, and training. Homeschool conventions provide the perfect opportunity to attend encouraging workshops, where educators and other homeschoolers share their experiences and offer inspiration and advice to rekindle your passion.

5) To Get or Give Support

For nervous newbies or longtime homeschoolers wilting with discouragement, conventions can offer valuable support from others who have walked the same path. Veteran homeschool educators are often eager to share their own “deer-in-the-headlight” moments and offer comfort and guidance to those who need it.

Tips to Survive a Homeschool Convention 

Whether it’s the first time or the fifteenth time, attending a convention can be challenging for many reasons—especially for the unprepared. Here are some of our top tips to make the experience as rewarding as possible. 

Before the Convention 

Register Early 

Take advantage of any early discounts and conduct research ahead of time to get as much logistical information as possible, including:

• Venue information
• Parking
• Nearby amenities (restaurants, convenience stores, etc.)
• Featured speakers 
• Workshops and breakout sessions
• Vendors

This core information will help lay the groundwork for creating a more personalized and goal-oriented agenda. 

Think Through Travel and Lodging 

If the convention venue isn’t within a reasonable distance, travel plans will have to be made. When planning the trip, be sure to consider both cost and convenience. 

For example, staying at a friend or relative’s house in the area may be cheaper, but booking a hotel close to the convention may make the experience easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Research Vendors 

Before setting foot in the exhibit hall, set yourself up for success by developing a cogent plan. 

Since there is a finite amount of time, it makes sense to note in advance which vendors to visit and what questions to ask. It might also be beneficial to jot down or print out your current curriculum to reference at the convention. Or you could simply print out our handy homeschool convention planning sheet and let Demme Learning guide your efforts!

It’s easy to get distracted by all the hustle and bustle of the convention, but good planning can keep everyone focused and ensure your priorities don’t get lost in the shuffle. 

Review the Speaking Schedule 

Check out the speakers who will be presenting and review the topics they’ll be discussing. Then, highlight which sessions might be most valuable. Be sure to consider some alternatives in case a session is full or fails to meet your expectations. This allows for quick entry into another session or workshop without having to pour over the agenda. 

Also, don’t feel the need to attend every session offered. In fact, we suggest setting aside a reasonable amount of time to shop and rest. Many conventions are willing to email session recordings to attendees at a later date for a nominal fee. So, review the convention program and identify those sessions worth seeing live and those that may not be a priority but still have value in recorded form.

Gather Everything You Need 

Not sure what to bring to the convention? Here are ten items we suggest adding to the list: 

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A large backpack or a carry-on bag with wheels (if permitted) for catalogs, freebies, and purchases
• Notebooks and writing utensils or an electronic device to record information
• Pocket folders to organize loose papers, handouts, and curricula
• Printed or digital copies of your registration information
• Shopping lists and any other written plans or notes
• Water and snacks (if the venue allows)
• Phone chargers
• A sweater (in case the convention hall is chilly)
• Credit Cards (to track purchases and protect yourself from fraudulent transactions!) 

If traveling, be sure to notify your bank or credit card companies in advance so your purchases aren’t denied or declined. 

During the Convention 

Finally! It’s time for the actual convention! So … now what? 

Here are a few tips to help maintain your sanity:

Adjust as Needed 

Don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as planned. It’s usually pretty easy to adjust the schedule. A session isn’t what you expected? Don’t feel obligated to stay! Slip into a different one or use the extra time to do something else.

No longer interested in attending a certain vendor workshop? No problem! Feel free to adjust your schedule as needed to make the most of the convention experience. 

Take a Few Laps Around the Exhibit Hall

The exhibit hall can seem daunting at first. One way to overcome the initial anxiety is to set aside enough time to walk around the exhibitor booths at least three times. 

Lap 1. First, look over all the booths without stopping. This provides a general overview of what’s available.

Lap 2. Take some time to determine which booths are worthy of an extended visit. This will help you zero in on specific booths and provide points of comparison between vendors offering similar products or services. 

Lap 3. Visit the booths that align most with your priorities, stopping along the way to enter drawings, pick up handouts or catalogs, and gather helpful information. 

The final step is to digest everything and gather your thoughts before making any major purchasing decisions. 

Talk to Other Attendees 

A convention is a great place to meet fellow homeschoolers, expand your community, and get valuable insights from others in similar situations. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone and talk to other convention-goers. These connections can become incredibly valuable for both practical and moral support.

Take Breaks 

Conventions can be exhausting without breaks, which is why it’s vitally important to schedule time to relax and recharge throughout the day. Besides preventing convention burnout, these brief respites also provide an opportunity to digest session takeaways, review vendor literature, and reflect on how these new ideas can be incorporated into your specific home education program. 

Don’t underestimate the value taking breaks can have on your overall convention experience. It’s not unusual to leave a convention feeling tired, but most people also arrive home feeling refocused, inspired, and excited to start putting new homeschool concepts into action. 

Ready to Attend a Homeschool Convention? 

Conventions are an excellent resource for the entire family, regardless of experience or homeschooling approach. Whether you’re just starting your homeschool journey or have been doing it for years, there’s something for everyone at a homeschool convention.

Demme Learning will be exhibiting at several conventions across the U.S. this year. Our knowledgeable staff is excited to meet you and answer any questions you may have about our products. Want to see which homeschool conventions we’ll be attending in your area? View our in-person events schedule!