It may be true that "The wheel that squeaks the loudest is the one that gets the grease." ( - Henry Wheeler Shaw), but do you really want to be remembered as a squeaky wheel?

If you want to speak to an editor, agent, or author... ...keep it short. Remember others want to talk to them, too. ...let speakers get to their next session on time. ...don't follow them into the restroom - it has happened! ...do frame questions as succinct and to the point as possible. ...don't offer them a manuscript to read. ...and especially let them eat their lunch.

If you think a rule is unfair... ...indicate so on your conference evaluation, or ...talk to the director after the conference. ...volunteer to help plan the conference next year, and you may be able to effect change in that rule. It's doubtful rules will be changed on conference day.

AFTER THE CONFERENCE

If your problem was not resolved on conference day... ...ask the registrar or conference director for a refund for the affected portion (i.e. I paid for xxx, but didn't get it) - but remember some fees are nonrefundable.

If you have opinions about the conference... ...please fill out and send in your evaluation form - the planners really do want to know what they can improve. ...do make suggestions for future topics and/or speakers. ...do express appreciation for what went right.

If you want to speak at the next conference... ...write up a proposal of your topic and send it to the conference director.

If you want to help plan next year's conference... ...volunteer and you'll make a conference director's day!