Things are abuzz on the Sunshine Coast with only “two more sleeps” until “Waves” rolls onto our shores. Waves in Time 2019 is being hosted by History Queensland Inc and Caloundra Family History Research Inc and an enormous effort has gone into hosting this conference – thanks to all those who’ve been involved.
SPONSORS
No conference these days can proceed without the generosity of its sponsors so a huge THANKS to State Library of Queensland (Platinum sponsor); National Archives of Australia and the University of New England (Gold sponsors); Boolarong Press, Ancestry Australia & New Zealand, and Sunshine Coast Council Heritage (Silver sponsors); Gould Genealogy, Unlock the Past and Genebooks and My Heritage (Bronze sponsors); as well as Conference Supporter, Joy Murrin Family History Services.
SPEAKERS
I’m sure you’ve checked out the program but have you also looked at the Speaker Profiles on the Conference website? And find out about the speakers’ interests and what they think are the benefits of a genealogy conference by reading the “Meet the Speaker” interviews hosted on the blogs of the Conference Ambassadors (Shauna Hicks, Fran Kitto, Helen Smith and myself).
EXHIBITORS
There will be so many wonderful exhibitors at the Fair and the Conference that they can’t all be listed here. Do go to this link and make sure you find your way to each and see what they can offer your family history research. For those dabbling their toes in the genealogical waves, these organisations and societies are a first-step to finding out where you can source information.
Tip: If you’re visiting the Fair only, check out the conference timetable as it’s likely the exhibitor booths will be quieter during presentations.
ATTENDEES – Are you conference ready?
I’m sure you’ve already looked through the program and worked out which presentations you want most to attend. You may have also completed the form that was sent out indicating your preferences.
Tip: It’s okay if you suddenly decide you really, really want to hear the alternate presentation.
Tip: With all the talks on offer, the time between talks will be short and sweet. Never fear, the speakers will be around the conference venue and will welcome enquiries and feedback.
Tip: Have you checked out the recent newsletter from the organisers so you’re up to date with what’s happening.
Tip: If you’re on Facebook you can join the Genimates at #wavesintime2019 Facebook Group.
Social Media: the hashtag for Instagram, Twitter, Facebook posts on the conference is #wavesintime2019. Using this tag means others can also follow your posts.
WHAT TO BRING
Your sense of enthusiasm and a happy smile.
Willingness to meet and greet new people.
A print-out of the parking/walking guide from the Conference website.
https://wavesintime2019.org.au/wp-content/uploads/WALK-MAP-AND-PARKING-MAP.pdf
A print-out of the Shuttle Bus timetable.
A notebook or iPad for note taking.
A power pack and phone/iPad charger cords in case your technology gets run down.
Contact/business cards if you have them.
Blogger beads (if you’re a blogger and have them). Have you completed the form on the Genimates Facebook page with your blog name?
A jumper/cardigan/pashmina/jacket in case the air conditioning, or weather, is cool.
If you’re not attending the conference dinner and are planning to go to one of the local venues which offers bus transport, it might be wise to see if you need to book in advance.
If you want to use public transport, do remember to bring your Go Card with you. This is a link to the bus services on the Coast. https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-and-Community/Roads-and-Transport/Public-Transport/Bus-and-Train/TransLink-Sunbus
Timetables etc are available on the Translink Journey Planner.
Information on the Go Explore card can be found here.
Can you think of anything I’ve forgotten?
WELCOME
We all hope you have a wonderful time at the Waves in Time 2019 Conference, and that you manage to see some of the beautiful Sunshine Coast while you’re here. After all, we have plenty of real waves as well as genealogical ones! There’s so much fun possible for you or your non-genealogical family.
Here are some choices:
Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens
Eumundi Markets (go early for parking)
Kiva Genealogists for Families
Have you considered joining your fellow genealogists in supporting the Kiva Genealogists for Families team? You can learn more about it here.
Family history across the seas 
Pauleen, I did mention I saw your post the other day and thought it was great. Everything got so rushed before the conference I did not comment here how great this particular post is and I also wanted to thank you for all the help you gave me adding to the social media and meet the speakers posts. Thanks! Fran 💐
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Thanks Fran, it was all a bit busy towards the end. It was my pleasure to help on social media even if at times I got confused whether I was being myself or Waves 🙂
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