We've been attending National and District rose shows for many years now and NEVER have enough time to do all the things we want to do and visit with friends both old and new.
Rosarians are the friendliest people around and enjoy meeting rosarians from other parts of the country and exchange rose information, fertilizer recipes, spray techniques, new equipment and new rose varities.
If you want to meet new people, visit the after affairs in hospitality suites or the hotel lounge. Lots of people hang out there just to meet new people.
If you aren't interested in doing that, the hotel usually has a pool/spa area for a quick dip or relaxing swim.
I've taken my bathing suit every year, but haven't had time to go in due to lack of time.
If you don't go to the organized dinners, there is always a group getting together to go to some local restaurant. Always a fun time with lots of conversation and laughter.
Granted we serve on several committees and often have meetings to discuss matters, but we enjoy serving on these committees and most groups are always looking for new members to help carry on the business of running the rose society both on a District and National level.
We spend as much time on the floor looking at and photographing the roses and we enter roses in both horticulture and design as often as time allows. Talking with other exhibitors is a great way to learn a few new tricks too.
Attending the various programs is always worthwhile as there is such a variety of topics being covered. Quite often, my DH attends one meeting and I go to another one and then we compare notes and updates aftewards.
Tours of private gardens is one of the high points of any convention. Often you can see private gardens that aren't open to the public, but have been made available to the folks that attend conventions.
I must admit that I have found a few precious moments to slip away to a craft store, bead store or fabric store to find some treasure that I can't do without.
Soooooo I can't imagine not finding something to do at a rose convention....
Meg

I agree with Meg..... she expressed it very well! "There is NEVER have enough time to do all the things we want to do and visit with friends both old and new."

I've never been to Louisiana- so there are many tours, rose gardens, and other activities that I'm hoping I can squeeze in within a five day period. I'm especially anxious to try out some of the local foods....haven't had boiled crawfish in years.

Talk about variety of different activities.......there's something for everyone.

Along with some gambling at the Casino, my husband wants to check out the Barksdale 8th. Air Force Museum, and I'll probably tour the R.W. Norton Art Gallery instead.

The Quilt Show competition would be very interesting to see- even if one is not a quilter. Or how about a tour to the Antique and Classic Car Museum?

Other highlights of the tour to squeeze in are garden tours to Tyler Texas, American Rose Center, and the ever popular, local private rose gardens.

While all of the activities are listed in the January copy of ARS, (If you are a member, you have already read them.) hopefully the registration form of the show's activities will be soon placed 'on line'. Perhaps when you read the entire schedule you will be enticed to take a mini vacation in April to Shreveport.

Once you tried one of these 'National or District conventions'....you'll be 'hooked' and want to go to them each year... whenever possible.

I've been to several Conventions and do everything on the agendas. This Shreveport agenda just wasn't nearly as exciting to me. I was thinking they were planning on most of us gambling for most of our entertainment. I don't gamble. I like Art and History museums but usually on winter rainy days. The quilt show should be great. I wonder if they will sell anyof them? I won't get on the bus and travel back towards Tyler for that tour. I visit the Tyler rose garden several times a year anyway. Same with the Shreveport Rose Gardens.
I was just interested in what people do for night entertainment. Looking for Ideas because the last place I want to go is my hotel room.