The IMSC runs two days of sessions typically from 8 am to 5 or even 6 pm (counting continental breakfast), with at least one evening networking session available. (PLUS a third day of video training) During the day there are often 2-3 sessions at a given time to choose from. So if you are not interested in learning about, say, casino shops, you might go to the self-employment tax session or the one on using disguises. I did not stop to count the total sessions at the last conference but it was a lot more than 8 sessions. There were a couple of sessions each day by company reps and the rest by experienced shoppers. The most useful MSC led sessions tended to be on things like "From the Editors' Point of View," "The Ins and Outs of Legal Nevada Shopping," "What New home Clients Want," and similar topics where specific industry expertise was really benficial, IMHO.
Shopper led sessions tended to deal with "nuts and bolts" of specific skills. These may include sessions on topics like, "Constructing a Watertight Backstory for Long Interactions," (essential for new home shops, assisted living, retirement communities, and other long interactions), "Managing Aliases, and Unique Follow-Up Information for Complex Shops," "Route Planning," "Disguises," "How to Survive Two Weeks on the Road for a Route," and other practical tips for shoppers who want to really develop their advanced skills. But, there are also a number of sessions aimed at beginners, since IMSC is sponsoring conference visits for beginners with a "No shopper Left Behind," program, embedded in each conference. So, for instance, One of my sessions will be about simple ways for beginners to sample and grow into many different, and increasingly better paid shops. So, both veteran shoppers and beginners will find ways to up their shopping game (and income).
Finally, I don't know about MSPA conferences, but IMSC speakers are usually there for all 3 days and will answer questions, and have been known to hold impromtu seminars in the halls after a session and in the bar until closing time. Oh, and also at lunch time and over breakfast.
Plus in 2016 there is a third FREE day of video training at IMSC conferences.
All of the examples of types of sessions are actually ones that I have observed at recent IMSC conferences, although not all are guaranteed to be at each conference. And, I am sure that I left out a lot, including topics like, "Have No Fear about Video," which is not video training, just aimed at demystifying video, and "Safety for Shoppers," and"New and Useful Gadgets," and, and, and.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/2016 03:41PM by walesmaven.