ISTE 2015 is finally here! If you're joining us in Philadelphia for the conference, it's going to be a busy week. You'Il meet new people who share your passion for using ed tech to transform learning, discover all the latest and greatest classroom tools and tips, and connect with experts who can show you how to turn your classroom, school or district into an effective digital age learning environment.   

We know that's a lot to fit in, so we've created a video tour of the convention center to give you a leg up before you even arrive. In the video below, ISTE Attendee Experience Manager Elizabeth Glau guides you through the halls of the Pennsylvania Convention Center and gives you some must-know info about the many events, sessions and experiences you don't want to miss. 

Full transcript

Hi everyone, my name is Elizabeth Glau, and I'll be showing you around today. We'll be exploring some areas of the convention center while I give you some info and tips on some of the sessions, activities and experiences you can have at ISTE 2015.

I want to tell you a bit about where we are now: ISTE Central. Start here with registration and get an overview of the ISTE experience.

First off is a piece of info I hope you don't need to use. First aid is located here and also in Exhibit Hall D, if you find yourself needing medical assistance or even if you just need a Band-Aid from walking so much! There are detailed emergency instructions in the program and app.

In the middle of ISTE Central is the Welcome Lounge. Lounges are cozy networking zones where like-minded individuals can connect or simply catch a session simulcast or two. There are two additional lounges: the Bloggers Cafe on the 300 level, which is great for blogging, tweeting or face-to-face conversations, and the PLN Lounge near the entrance to Exhibit Hall D, where you can connect with our Professional Learning Networks. Lounges are a great place to take a minute and map out where you are going next.

ISTE 2015 features sessions in several formats to accommodate a variety of learning styles. Look for the sessions that best meet your learning needs. Step 1: Choose your learning style and quickly identify those sessions using the program icons in the app. Step 2: Refine your search with four focus areas, 39 topics and additional filters.

If you have a session in Ballroom A or B, head back here and make your way up these stairs, escalator or elevator.

There are two playgrounds right here and one up above us, where you can get hands-on time with interactive technologies. There are new playgrounds each day, so check your program!

To get to the three keynotes, walk to the right. The doors for each keynote will open an hour before the presentation start time, and people do line up early. If you'd prefer to watch the keynotes in the comfort of a lounge, all keynotes will be simulcast throughout the convention center in the lounges and in ISTE Central.

A great place to stop if you have questions is an Ask Me station. These stations are located throughout the convention center and are staffed with helpful volunteers who are ready to assist.

Before your first visit to the Expo Hall, I recommend checking out the Expo Hall map and the exhibitor list on the app. This will give you an idea of which vendors are here and where they are located, so you can plan who you want to check out and even think through your route around the Expo Hall. There are hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of conference attendees in the Expo Hall at any given time, so knowing where you want to go can really help you get oriented. The busiest time is when the hall first opens on Monday at 9:30 a.m.

Hotel shuttles drop off here. Stay on this level for 100 session rooms. Take any of the escalators up to get to the Expo Hall, keynotes and Grand Hall, where we started.

The Reading Terminal next door has coffee, restaurants and grab-and-go food options. There are also concession stands in the Expo Hall, and you can find more options using the News & Info tab on the app.

Don't miss the Communities Networking Fair on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. This is a great opportunity to connect with other ISTE members and ISTE Professional Learning Networks so you can get the resources you need when you need them!

Go up to the 400 Level on Sunday at 7 p.m. for the Welcome Celebration following the opening keynote. This is the time to let loose and kick off the conference with other attendees and a live band! Snacks, nonalcoholic beverages and a cash bar will be available.

Also up in the Terrace Ballroom are sessions like the new ISTE Debates and 1-in-3s, starting Monday morning.

When you're ready for a rest, look for an oasis to recharge your body, mind and devices. Oasis Spaces are located around the convention center and are a great place to put up your feet, power up or just take a breather.

We're so excited to have you here and hope to see you around the convention center at ISTE 2015!