BLOG.SHANNONGILL.COM: 2009 NPC CARD REGISTRATION & MORE!

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Physique Athlete Contest Prep ~ NPC & IFBB ~

2009 NPC CARD REGISTRATION & MORE!

I have received quite a few emails regarding HOW TO REGISTER for your contest, and what other expenses to plan for.

    1)     NPC CARD - For 2009, it is $85 for the whole calender year. EVERYONE's cards expire Dec. 31st. You will have to register again in 2010 - Even if you never competed in 2009. It's the same for everyone. You can assume that the cost for 2010 will be $90 for the calender year.

            * NOTE: Processing can take 4 - 8 weeks! If your show is within 6 weeks or less, please print out this card from the NPCNewsonline.com website - FILL it out - FILL out a CHECK (for $85) - BRING it with you to your contest! When you show up for CHECK-IN, they will ask to see your NPC card, or you can purchase one right there on the spot! (hey, isn't it great that YOU were smart, and filled out this card ahead of time?!) hmmmm?!

    2)     REGISTRATION for SHOW - All shows are different, with local shows registration costing around $60 - and going all the way up to $100. You WILL have a deadline to register!!!! Typically this time frame is ONE to TWO weeks prior to the show! Nationals are different - please visit their sites for registration information.

    3)     HOTEL / TRAVEL - Typically $85 - $135/ night. If you know of your contest (12 weeks or so in advance is best) Please call the host hotel Immediately to book/hold a room for you! Tell the Hotel that you are with the "BLANK BLANK BODYBUILDING SHOW GROUP". Promoters hold blocks of rooms for the competitors at a discounted rate. If you do not have a Credit/ Debit card to hold the room, then ask someone you TRUST...and they TRUST you, to get the room for now, and pay in cash when you check out. (I always indicate that I will be paying in cash or with a different card during the check in process). Do it soon! Some shows have small host hotels with limited booking capacity. You don't want to get stuck 3 miles further down the road from the venue because you waiting too long. AH! Nightmare commute the morning of your show!

            Here are a few things I always ask when booking:

                   A)   I always plan on asking for 2 beds (9 times out of 10 they cost exactly the same as a one king bed). You might need to bunk with another Athlete to save some $ if you go broke or if you make a great new fitness friend and want to travel with them.

                    B ) I always ask to check in EARLY. Some hotels only allow a 4pm check in...ugh. If you request an earlier time, you allow yourself some quality relaxing and unpacking time the day before your show -

                    C)  Make sure to keep your CONFIRMATION CODE Handy in case you do need to cancel! Find out when you can cancel without incuring any FEES! This happens all the time. Please make sure to know HOW to cancel if it comes down to that!

                            *NOTE - If you are around 10-20-30 miles AWAY from your show, you may want to consider getting a hotel room. Sometimes traveling the morning of the show is so stressful with morning traffic or bad weather. By booking your hotel room for the night before, you have given yourself a wonderful little spot to focus, relax, and prep for your big day without the "normal" life distractions.

                            * NOTE - Find out what time CHECK OUT is. Some athletes choose to only book for the NIGHT BEFORE because they plan on driving home after the contest - I DO NOT AGREE. Check out is usually by noon (at the VERY latest) - but the night show does not start until 6pm! Where are you going to go for 6 hours where you can relax, re-paint, sleep, do hair and make up again??? I suggest making sure to BUDGET for a 2 night stay at your host hotel so after the contest you can go back to the hotel room, shower, crash, and pack up without being so rushed. Don't put yourself on the streets the day of your show. And besides, what if you planned to have a Photoshoot the next morning?! How will you prepare for that?

                    D )  Request a Mini-Fridge & Microwave In the room - or ask if they have any units that have a kitchenette! You have to pack your food anyway, isn't it nice not to lug a big plastic cooler and keep filling it up with ice all night long?! If they do not have either - Plan accordingly! Bring a hot plate, a larger rolling cooler, and all your utensils!

~Trainer Shannon

I HOPE THIS CLEARED UP SOME QUESTIONS....YES, THERE ARE A MILLION OTHER EXPENSES THAT YOU CAN OCCUR - BUT THESE WILL GET YOU TO THE SHOW - On stage.......

Posted by Trainer Shannon at September 9, 2009 2:09 PM