Top ten: get the most out of Credit Congress.

10. Prepare your goals in advance. Make sure you know exactly what it is you want to take away from Credit Congress. Prepare a list ahead of time and match up your goals with the sessions offered--what do you want to achieve professionally and personally, and how can Credit Congress help you reach that goal?

9. Familiarize yourself with the conference schedule (see pages 36 through 55). Take a look at the sessions offered now--don't wait until you get to the conference! By making your decisions now, you can save yourself valuable time and effort once you get to Orlando. Make a master schedule, plotting your time at Credit Congress. Don't forget the social events! Educational sessions are important, but the social engagements are just as vital to your business relationships. Casual meetings at a dinner may turn into a priceless industry connection. Make sure you take a colleague or peer with you--they may know some people you don't, and can make the appropriate introductions. Put these on your schedule so you can be sure to attend!

8. Prepare your "elevator speech." This is your quick introduction and overview of your job and your company, for use in those brief moments everyone experiences. Have three versions at the ready:

a) The 30-second version for the briefest moments

b) The one-minute version for those you'd like to network with

c) The slightly longer version for when someone asks you to tell them more

7. Explore the conference grounds. This year's conference site, the Rosen Shingle Creek resort, sits on 230-acres brimming with nature trails, an award-winning golf course and a number of restaurants and lounges, including the famous steakhouse, "A Land Remembered." By staying at the Rosen Shingle, attendees are offered an unparalleled opportunity, not only to take advantage of the additional time for networking and gaining valuable business experience, but to enjoy one of Florida's top luxury locations as well.