observations by a NEAF newbie

I learned a few things pretty quickly on day 1 while at the North East Astronomy Forum as organised by Rockland Astronomy Club. I started recording thoughts and observations in my palmtop. I note the following for anyone going in the future... 

layout

The RAC provided a programme and a small map of the facilities. Reviewing the Rockland Community College campus map in advance may be helpful.

• parking - use the south student parking lot
• event registration / tickets - level 2, inside building 5, the Fieldhouse
• trade show - in the gymnasium, ground level, inside building 5, the Fieldhouse
• food concession / snack bar - in the gymnasium, north east corner
• cafeteria - in building 7, Cultural Arts Center
• small theatre - in the gymnasium, south side
• auditorium - in building 7, Cultural Arts Center, enter via mezzanine level
• ATM - in building 7, Cultural Arts Center, on mezzanine level
• solar observing - outdoors between building 5 and 7 and the amphitheatre
• RAC booth - north-east corner of gym
• kid's corner - north-west corner of gym

Of course, this was the 2013 layout and it may change in the future. 

register for main draw prize

At the end of NEAF, day 2, after the last keynote, the RAC conducts the "big" prize draw. There are some significant items up for grabs! But in order to be included in this draw, one must "register." Registration for main draw prize is now electronic. It does not occur, oddly, if you pre-purchase your ticket. It has to be done on-site.

During our 2013 trip, it was done at registration and ticket area. They had a bank of computers set up for this. Unfortunately, during our arrival on day 1, there was some confusion as to what to do. And one of the computers was not operating.

As it turned out, this event and prize registration process could be done any time. I returned to the area Sunday morning and there was no line up to speak of. And they had a volunteer assisting people. Complete this before the Sunday afternoon draw.

The prize draw does not require the recipient to be present. The prize will be shipped, if necessary. 

buy tickets for daily draws

From the RAC booth one may purchase single or multiple ticket stubs. They are inexpensive. Multiple tickets are cheaper per unit.

Tickets are drawn over the course of each day (e.g. gift certificate). The winner names are announced over the PA and posted on a bulletin board beside the RAC booth. These tickets are also used in the final draw on Sunday.

Buy the tickets first thing upon arrival to increase chances of winning something on Saturday. Purchase your tickets before the Sunday afternoon draw.

participate in vendor prize draws

Various vendors offer free daily prize draws. Some offer many prizes ranging from token (e.g. baseball cap) to major items (a telescope).

Typically they have a form you fill out and drop in a box.

Note the time of the draw and consider setting a reminder alarm! For the vendor draws, one must be present to collect a prize.

lots of walking

While NEAF is not large, not like an international car show, you will still walk a lot. The main event, the trade show, is set up in a gymnasium with a hard floor.

And if you leave the gymnasium for solar observing or to attend a lecture in the auditorium, you'll be putting on more miles. And, of course, to and from the parking lot. And maybe that more than once...

So, wear comfortable shoes. And consider the double-sock trick if in new shoes. You can cool your heals outside on a bench, near the concession area, in the cafeteria, or by attending a talk.

food and drink

Contrary to popular belief, there is good food at NEAF!

The concession booth inside the gymnasium has a very limited selection and is not of high quality. But, it's the closest muffin and coffee. Visit the full cafeteria for real food. They offer hot meals, sandwiches, a wide selection of drinks, some desserts, etc.

Of course, there's nothing stopping you from bringing your own.

Beside the concession along the north side of the gym are tables and chairs.

Remember to drink lots of water. Stay hydrated.

take in all the activities

NEAF is more than the trade show in the gym.

There are multimedia talks and lectures in both the auditorium and gym. One might preview the speakers and topics before arrival so to have a plan. You may have to make hard decisions as talks occur simultaneously. Talks are scheduled over the whole day. Set an alarm for talks or keynotes you don't want to miss. Also, keep tabs on the posted schedule near the RAC booth: presentations may be subject to change.

Solar observing, weather permitting, is conducted all day by RAC volunteers. 

miscellaneous

Bring a knapsack or good shoulder bag. You will likely pick up a lot of paperwork, literature, magazines, etc. A back pack may ease your load. You can also keep water and snacks with you. And if you purchase small items, you'll have somewhere to stow them.

Bring your own marker or pen, if you want signatures.

Bring a notepad and pen or pencil to jot down prices. Or palmtop or smart phone. You might find several vendors carrying items you're interested in. You can note their best price and booth number.

There is an ATM near the auditorium. It works with Canadian banks. Vendors will accept cash and credit card payment.

Consider waiting to Sunday afternoon to haggle...