Have you started thinking or planning about attending the 2012 AADE conference in Indianapolis? I have! I'm looking forward to it!

But...as you know, conferences can put a dent in our pocketbooks and many think twice about attending. However, attending does not have to be expensive. Here are some of my tips for making the trip financially feasible.

First, the bulk of your expense will probably be the registration costs for AADE12. Well, the easiest way to save money on this expense is to register for the conference by March 30th. You'll save $200 off of the full registration price. If the discounted cost is still out of your financial reach, AADE offers opportunities for travel and registration scholarships. You do have to be an AADE member to apply for the scholarships, and you must submit your application by April 2, 2012.

Next, let’s discuss ways to save on accommodations and food costs.

Here's a list of hotel prices in the AADE hotel block.  The prices are specially negotiated for the AADE conference, so you should consider booking through the website. Also, this year, if you book your hotel AND register for AADE12 at the same time, you can save $100 on the registration cost.

The Springhill Suites, Fairfield Inn, and Embassy Suites offer free wi-fi and breakfast-which can save you some money. And you can use the MY AADE NETWORK to find members who might be interested in sharing and splitting the cost of the hotel.

As another added benefit, AADE offers free complimentary shuttle services from the Indianapolis International Airport if you stay in the AADE's official housing block. All the hotels are within walking distance to the convention center so the only transportation cost you would need to provide would be the fare back to the airport. There will be no shortage of your fellow members who would be happy to split the cost of a cab.

As far as lunch goes, the exhibit hall has many vendors that provide plenty of food and snacks. Several times I have found myself full from sampling their delicious snacks that I have had to skip lunch. Dinner should be no problem if you attend one of the many product theater presentations, dinner corporate symposia, or the welcome reception.

So, you can see that there are many ways to make it financially feasible to attend, and I hope these tips give you a starting ground. Please leave a comment and share ways that you've found to cut the cost of attending the annual meeting.

I look forward to reconnecting with so many of you and can’t wait for this year's conference!