A first-timer's guide to navigating the convention.

If you're planning to attend your first NCEW convention this fall, chances are you have questions about what to expect.

Fine. We've got answers. Here, drawn from the exhaustive knowledge of the authors and other veteran NCEW convention-goers, is everything you need to know on the topic.

Q: What do those little blue dots on the convention nametags indicate?

A: The blue dot tells everyone you're a first-time conventioneer. So if you spot another rookie you can commiserate. And if you're a veteran and spot a first-timer, you should introduce yourself, welcome the newbie to the convention scene, and try to make yourself as useful as possible.

Q: What's the dress code?

A: The dress code for men is fairly simple. Some men opt for shirt and tie; some go with jacket and sport shirt; a handful of them--including such notable style-setters as Ed Jones--regularly appear in the full jacket/suit-and-tie business uniform. Wearing ragged cutoffs and flip-flops is generally considered bad form at most business meetings. Dinners at the convention hotel, especially the closing banquet, are more formal. So pack full business attire for them.

For women--well, your authors had enough sense to turn to women members for that advice.

From NCEW treasurer Kay Semion: "What to wear to conventions? Shirts, pants, dresses, shirts, blouses, sweaters, suits but not all at once. Maybe something dressier for Saturday--or maybe not if you aren't the dress-up kind of person."

From Membership Committee chair Barb Drake: "What should I wear? Slacks and a blazer will take you through most day events and some of the more casual evenings. However, you may prefer a skirt or business suit for a day when there is a major luncheon speaker. A nice dress or very dressy pants outfit is in order for the Saturday night banquet. Dress at the receptions and other evening events ranges from funky to casual to business attire. Best advice: Don't fret. Second best advice: Wear comfortable shoes. Third best advice: Before you leave, look at the events listed on the advance program for hints of what's appropriate."

Finally, note these sage words from NCEW president John Taylor: "I think biz dress will be appropriate for War College and the mansion. We talked about encouraging people to dress up--and some may very well do so. But, with our group, people will do as they see fit. Me, I might wear a tux."

Q: I'm no shrinking violet, but I won't know anyone when I get to Providence. Will I feel awkward and left out?

A: Not if we can do anything to prevent it--and we'll be trying. Those blue dots should gain you some immediate attention. At the opening reception Wednesday night a veteran NCEW member will be asked to seek you out and introduce you to as many people as possible. In addition, NCEW board members, candidates for the board, and the humble authors of this article will be circulating, seeking out, and introducing themselves to new members. This is a strictly social occasion and offers a great opportunity to meet people in a relaxed situation.

NCEW board member Harry Austin offers the following helpful advice from his days as a first-time convention-goer: "It also took me a while to catch on that I might find some old members in the hospitable confines of the hotel bar during the off hours."

Q: Where do NCEW members hang out between organized events?

A: The bar, as noted above, but also the health club or pool. If there's an accessible piano in the hotel, and if there is a convention-goer who plays the piano, chances are you'll find a crowd around it in the late evenings.

Q: I've never had my work critiqued by total strangers before. The idea of joining a critique group gives me the heebie-jeebies. Some of these people come from much bigger shops than mine. Isn't it likely that I'll come away feeling embarrassed or humiliated?

A: From board member Charley Reinken: "This is a common concern among first-timers, but in practice it doesn't work out that way. We're all in this weird business together, and critiquers generally take great pains to be constructive and supportive. Think support group, not Spanish Inquisition. If somebody in your group is being a real jerk, just point him or her out to one of the authors, and we will send a couple of guys named Vito and Buster over to take care of the problem."

Board member Rick Horowitz tackles a related Q--How can I keep my work from being torn to shreds at the famous NCEW critique sessions?--with the following A:

"Simple: Don't submit anything. Of course, that will also keep your work from being considered in-depth, constructively reviewed, even praised to the skies if you've actually hit one out of the park. And evaluating other people's work will help you see your own stuff through fresh eyes. Anyway, tearing to shreds is strictly forbidden by the NCEW bylaws, which were written by two guys named Vito and Buster."

Q. Back to the dress code. Do special convention events require a special wardrobe?

A. Some events are more special than others. For instance, be sure to bring along a bathrobe or other easy-on garment you won't mind displaying to everyone in the hotel lobby during the occasional late-night false alarm. And give some thought to your footwear for such a festive event. Some members still have not recovered from the sight of a colleague clad in bathrobe and wingtips during a 2 A.M. fire drill at the 1992 convention. By contrast, the last accidental tear-gassing was years ago, so feel free to leave your gas mask at home, unless you are intent on making a particularly puissant political fashion statement.

Q. Do I have to attend the business meeting?

A. Of course you don't have to attend the business meeting. But you'll probably want to--and not just because of the great prizes you might win.

Q. I hear that at NCEW conventions, people I've never even met will keep coming up to me to say hello. Are they stalkers?

A. Probably not.

Q. Then what are they?

A. They are friendly fellow members, eager to include you in the various convention festivities, and drawn to you like bees to beeswax by that blue dot on your name tag. They are completely harmless. (The name tags, that is. And most of the members, too. Even if they are wearing wingtips and bathrobes.)

Dale Davenport is editorial page editor of The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and co-chair of NCEW's Member Services Committee. E-mail [e-mail]

David Holwerk, editorial page editor of The Sacramento Bee in California and co-chair of NCEW's Member Services Committee. E-mail [e-mail]