Tips for First Time Attendees

Welcome to your first COSTHA Annual Forum & Expo! We are excited to have you join us in Greenville, SC for our 2020 Annual Meeting. This is a great opportunity for you to further your personal and professional growth. Take advantage of all that is offered: 

Attend the Orientation and Presentation
Don’t miss the COSTHA First-Time Meeting Attendees’ Presentation/Orientation on Sunday, April 26 at 5:15pm. This is an opportunity for you to meet other first-time attendees and learn more about COSTHA.

Sunday Night Socializer
Be sure to join us for our famous Sunday Night Socializer. This popular ice breaker provides a great opportunity for networking and to meet your counterparts from around the globe in an informal environment before the meeting begins. Guests and spouses welcome. We have limited space, so sign up for this event early. There is an additional fee for this event. Dress code for this event is business casual. 

Training Opportunities
Meet regulatory training requirements with help from optional hazardous materials / dangerous goods training courses provided in conjunction with the COSTHA Annual Forum. The courses are delivered by leading experts in the field. Training courses are an additional fee. 

In-Depth Workshops and Roundtables
Take this opportunity to learn more about the current and proposed issues impacting the industry and what it means to your company's business. These sessions are very interactive, including time for you to ask regulators questions and interact with your peers. Workshops and Roundtables are included free with your Forum registration. 

Don’t Be Shy
COSTHA is a friendly group. All COSTHA members, board members, staff, and committee members will welcome your questions. If they don’t know an answer, they will find out for you. Just ask!

If you have any specific issues you would like to see addressed during the roundtable, please email the details to chris@costha.com 

Visit the Exhibitors
Enjoy breakfast, breaks, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while perusing the exhibit hall. The expo gives you the opportunity to meet with companies specializing in your specific compliance needs (i.e. hazardous materials / dangerous goods training, software, publications, packaging, testing, etc.). 

Attend as Many Sessions as You Can
The workshops and training courses at the annual meeting cover a range of topics. There is something to suit every hazardous materials / dangerous goods transportation professional's interest! There are countless networking opportunities and regulatory briefings throughout the meeting. Be sure to sign up to attend the Kick-Off Reception on Monday, April 27 at 5:30pm in the Exhibit Area, and the Tuesday Night Networking Reception on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00pm. 

Offer Your Suggestions
Be sure to complete an evaluation at the end of the meeting. COSTHA takes all comments and sugestions into consideration while planning future meetings. An evaluation will be emailed directly to you. 

Be Creative and Have Fun
Make the Annual Meeting work for you! Seek out and attend sessions, which will do you the most good. Save some time for enjoyment and relaxation. Above all, have a safe and successful conference.

Get Involved in COSTHA!
Contact people you met at the conference. Exchange information. Join COSTHA and volunteer your talents to a COSTHA committee -- you can apply online. You will become a valuable part of the COSTHA network. 

We hope you will make the most out of your time in Greenville and that you will return to the 2021 Annual Meeting as a seasoned expert!