We're almost there. It's almost time. Just two weeks away from ACCA's 42nd Annual Conference and Indoor Air Expo. We are thrilled you'll be joining us, and we have a handful of reminders as we're getting closer to launch time:

If you like to follow along with speakers during the workshops, you'll need to print your presentation materials before you leave home. ACCA is embracing the green message the members support so we're going "paper lite" this year. We're asking attendees to print only what they need for the sessions—and in return we'll leave those presentations online for you to review once you return home.

If you visit the Learning Labs' web page, you'll see that each session's description has a link to the workshop materials. Print out what you think you'll need, and we'll have a printing station available if you make any last-minute changes to your game plan of what you'd like to attend.

Tampa temperatures—here we come! This time of year, Tampa temps run between 60 and 70 degrees. If you plan to enjoy the mild weather Tampa offers, be sure to pack appropriately.

(Now, we all know this year's weather has been downright freaky, so packing appropriately also means paying attention to the weather reports! We wish we could guarantee mild temps, but we also wish we hadn't had several feet of snow dumped on us in DC this year, too!)

Attire for the conference itself is casual, with one exception--The Chairman's Banquet. This event, which open to all full conference attendees on Monday evening, calls forbusiness attire, with black tie optional. Yes, guys...this means you should bring a tie.

If this is your first ACCA Annual Conference and Indoor Air Expo, join us for a First-Time Attendee Orientation on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. It will be held in Room 23, and will provide lots of insight about how to get the most value from attending.

Attention Florida and Ohio contractors: Did you hear that many of the ACCA Annual Conference workshops have been approved by the states of Ohio and Florida as continuing education units? If you want to get credit for your CEUs, bring your contractor license with you to the conference. You'll need to have it for the sign-up sheet in the individual workshops. If we have your number—you get the credit!

Please consider participating in the "Throw a Book in Your Bag" drive. ACCA is once again teaming up with the Reading is Fundamental organization to make a book and cash donation to a local Tampa library. This is a great way for the ACCA network to support the city we visit each year for the Annual Conference, so please consider bringing a new children's book (or two) with you to the conference.

Bring lots of business cards. We say it every year, but many continue to underestimate the extensive networking that happens at an ACCA event. Throw some extra in your suitcase because you'll probably need them.

Getting to the hotel shouldn't be tricky. The Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina is about 8 miles from the Tampa airport. While the hotel doesn't offer a shuttle, its site does offer some alternative options. The Super Shuttle will cost about $12 each way, but you must make reservations (727-572-1111). Another option is taking a bus, which will cost about $12 each way, or a taxi, which will cost about $22 each way.

We wish you a productive week next week as you wrap things up at your business and prepare to head to Tampa. We will be happy to help you or answer any questions you may have, so don't hesitate to call us as you prepare at 703-575-4477. There's also lots of information elsewhere here on the ACCA Conference website so be sure to look around!