Many people look to save money by arriving late or leaving early. If you arrive late, you miss the Intensives, the opening reception, and the keynote address.  By the time you arrive, the conference is in full swing; others who are new to the conference have already found each other and made conference buddies. You will face a more uphill battle as a newcomer to get integrated into a group and get to know people well.

If you leave early, you miss a very full and rich EDRA celebration banquet on Saturday evening.  In Seattle at EDRA43, we are combining the EDRA Conference Awards with the prestigious Great Places Awards ceremonies at the Saturday night banquet. This should be the highlight of the conference.

It is at this banquet that culture and tradition are passed along--some years culture and tradition are made. Career, Achievement, Service, and Student awards are presented at this banquet. There is entertainment. And it provides an opportunity to sit informally with people you've met over the past several days. Friendships are forged; work partnerships may be discussed; certainly, common interests are explored.