Are you planning to attend a JCI Area Conference or the World Congress for the first time in your life? Do you want to have an insight in the organization?

Do you want to have fun and meet new friends? Do you want to know what are the benefits a JCI Conference can offer you?

It is very important for us that members attending a JCI Area Conference or World Congress for the first time feel part of the JCI family and explore the possibilities from the first moment of their arrival. To achieve this, JCI has developed the First Timers Program.

We have prepared a short information package that we hope will be of great help for you by limiting your preparation time to a minimum and raising your level of joy and effectiveness to the maximum!

During the Conference, you will need to wear casual clothing most of the time, but you should pack some business and formal/gala clothes as well. Don’t leave your comfortable shoes at home.

Business attire is required for events such as the JCI Business Networking Event, the JCI World Public Speaking Championship, the Local President’s Meeting, the Deputy President’s Meeting, the General Assembly, etc. However, you don’t have to learn them all by heart, as you will find the official dress code for each event in the conference program. If you are an observer at these events, you may wear casual clothing; business attire is for participating members.

Yes; you will need it for the Awards Ceremony (and for the TOYP Ceremony at the World Congress) and for the Gala.

There are so many things that you can do during the conference!

We recommend you read the official program carefully and make plans in advance! This is the best way to make the most of it!

Opening Ceremony: The name speaks for itself: it is the first official JCI Program for all delegates. Chief delegates, board members and other prominent guests are introduced on stage, welcome speeches are presented, and the Conference is officially inaugurated. Stay with your delegation and you will have a lot of fun.

Training courses and seminars: JCI training courses and seminars help you acquire knowledge and develop skills. Choose those most appropriate for you, acquire the latest hands-on information and experience. Training courses and seminars vary in length, from 2 hours to 3 days. Attend as many as you can.

General Assembly: General Assembly is the supreme authority of our organization.During General Assembly, national organizations may formally express their views and discuss matters relevant to the organization through their chief delegates. It is interesting to see what goes on in General Assembly. Highlights include the elections, the inauguration, keynote speeches, and the finals of some JCI Programs (JCI World Public Speaking Championship, JCI Best Business Plan Competition, and JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur Award).

Keynote Speakers: Keynote speakers are high-ranking representatives of national or international organizations and companies who are experts in their field. The presentations of keynote speakers are among the main highlights of the Conference.

First Timers Briefing: As we have already mentioned, the First Timers Program may help you learn more about JCI Conferences and Congress. Not only can you meet with the leaders of the organization, but you can make friends and network. Win the First Timers Competition! If you want to know what this competition is about and compete for various prizes, don’t miss this briefing!

Business Network Event (BNE): If you would like to seek a business partner or offer your services or products to others, as well as meet with other members who own businesses in another corner of the JCI business world, a BNE is perfect for you. Don’t forget to bring your business cards with you.

JCI World Public Speaking Championship: The JCI World Public Speaking Championship offers members a unique opportunity to exercise and showcase their abilities and to share ideas on issues of particular importance to fellow members. The competition is intended to give the finest speakers an opportunity to compete for greater recognition and challenge. The 2008 topic is: Be Better through Active Citizenship.

JCI World Debating Championship: If you like listening to others while they discuss different topics, we guarantee you will have fun! Not only does the championship provide individuals with an opportunity for personal development, it also provides participants with the skills they need to work well as a team.

Twinning Ceremony:The JCI Twinning Program allows for voluntary and reciprocal agreements signed by two or more national organizations or local organizations in different countries, regions or cities. The objective is to exchange personal visits, ideas, projects and culture through twinning relationships. This is the official start of their twinning, with JCI President or other assigned JCI Officers as witnesses.

Awards Ceremony:“It is time to celebrate and have a good time!” “At this event, JCI recognizes and honors the outstanding achievement of its national and local organizations and individual members. Entries to this Award program were submitted online prior to the opening of the Conference. Winners were selected by judges as the best in each category.

Gala: Everything must come to an end... The Gala guarantees you an end that you will never forget! Enjoy it!

National Nights: At the national nights (parties), you will not only continue networking in a more relaxed and informal way, but you will also get closer to the hosting country’s music, dance, drinks and food.

Receptions: Receptions usually are “Invitational Only” events attended by national presidents/chief delegates, JCI board members, JCI officers and other prominent JCI guests.

JCI Information Booth: Are you familiar with the possibilities JCI Programs and Products offer you? Do you know what TOYP, BBP, CYEA, BNE, eWorld means? At the JCI Information Booth, you can learn how JCI Programs and Products can help you and your organization succeed.

International Trade Show: This is an exhibition where you will find countries and sponsors promoting their products or events. If you want a beer or some snacks, chances are you could get them for free. It is a good meeting point in a very good atmosphere and this is usually the place where you can find an internet café.

JCI Sales Booth: Here you can purchase JCI products, such as pins, T-shirts and ties.

Will I have access to the internet?

Yes, usually you can find an internet café near the Trade Show or in your hotel.

Do I have to pay for lunch?

No; lunch for the delegates is included in the registration fee. In most cases, you will find a luncheon ticket in your conference bag with detailed instructions. You may have to exchange tickets for coupons one day in advance, but in some cases tickets can be used directly as coupons at certain restaurants mentioned in your registration kit. If you have any questions on how to use those tickets, please ask at the registration desk.

Check first at the registration desk or with the Conference Organizing Committee to learn how to get your Gala tickets.

What other activities can I do?

There are many tours waiting for you to discover the hosting city of the Conference. You can find more detailed information at the Conference or Congress website. You can also check out different sport activities the hotels offer you.

To learn more about the First Timers Program, please download the PowerPoint Presentation from the JCI website, look under Programs-Downloads or contact programs@jci.cc.

The JCI World Headquarters staff always welcomes your questions during the Conference. Please feel free to stop by and ask.

We wish you a good time at your first JCI Conference and we hope to see you again.