Event Planning Guide

Tips and Strategies for the Best Experience!

  • If you will be staying overnight, make your reservations early. Some room types do sell out. Click here for accommodations at the Hampton Inn.
  • Plan ahead for meals. Hampton Inn serves a FREE hot breakfast, and rooms have refrigerators. The Portable Pie Place and Bowlicious food trucks will be available at the Armory throughout the day on Saturday. Check the General Information section for more meal options. 
  • Save money by sending in your registration form before the early-bird pre-registration deadline.
  • Make plans for your children. Children are welcomed to participate in all event activities as paid registrants. We have planned activities of interest to children and families. A parent (or other responsible caregiver) must be in attendance with their child(ren) during all workshops and activities. 
  • Invite your pastor, legislator, librarian, family and others who are interested in attending the event. Bring along grandparents or others who provide support for you during the year. 
  • Recommend your homeschool support group, co-op or other leader for FREE event admission!
  • Print the free Event Magazine (scroll to the bottom of the page) ahead of time to have important details at your fingertips!
  • CAREFULLY READ ALL CONVENTION INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY THE PROGRAM that you will receive at the event, so that you do not miss out on important information.
  • If you are new to homeschooling, make the Homeschoolers of Maine booth your first stop in the exhibit area. HOME leaders and veterans will be on hand to answer your questions and help you make the most of the event!
  • Many vendors will have materials and resources on site for purchase, so PLAN AHEAD if you are thinking of purchasing.
  • If you are planning to attend for Saturday's "Exhibit Hall Shopping Only" option, be sure to arrive early. Doors open for this event at noon and close at 4:00pm. The hall will be open until 5:30pm. Pre-register to receive a free digital unit study! 
  • Bring a large, sturdy tote bag for your purchases.
  • If you are bringing your younger children, make plans for their naptime, fussiness during a workshop session, etc., so that you can still attend and enjoy the sessions of your choice. Also, make tentative plans for teens for when they will not be participating in workshops with you. (ALL children are the parents' responsibility at all times during the event.)
  • Review your children’s learning styles, current interests and abilities, and review your records to know what types of materials have and have not worked for them. 
  • Look over the WORKSHOP SCHEDULE and select the workshops you plan to attend. Divide to conquer; plan ahead with your spouse and/or friends which sessions to attend.
  • Check the websites of the speakers (or plan to visit their booths) to find out more about the availability of previously recorded presentation topics. HOME does not record workshops and general sessions, but many speakers do have their own recordings. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring paper and several pens for taking notes.
  • If you are sick, or become sick during the event, please be thoughtful of others and stay at home or leave the event. Here are some helpful tips to help the spread of sickness and disease.
  • ABOVE ALL: PRAY for God’s wisdom and direction for you and your family, and for the HOME Event Planning Team, as the event draws near!