Punta Cana Conference FAQ's

To what airport do we fly?

Punta Cana International Airport

When should we arrive?

The first night of the package begins Sunday, June 24. Arrive Sunday and attend the conference Monday - Friday.

When should we depart?

Check-out is Sunday, July 1, UNLESS you have opted to extend your stay beyond the 7-day package, or opted to leave early.

Is it possible to stay extra nights before or after the conference?

Yes, if there is availability. However, you must book these nights in advance. Check with Shirley for availability & current pricing. Please note that Club Med transfers are only good for transportation between Club Med and Punta Cana Airport. It cannot be used for transportation to/from other destinations.

Where do we need to send our flight info?

Email your flight info to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax to 480-9633463. You must have your flight info to us. Flight information must be received by June 3, 2012.

Who will meet us at the airport? What do we do when we arrive?

When you arrive, get your luggage and go through customs. Walk out the front of the airport and look for someone with a Club Med sign or who is wearing Club Med attire. DO NOT pass by (or look at) the taxis, DO NOT collect info from timeshare agents (on the way out), go directly to CLUB MED signage/people. If you do not immediately see Club Med personnel/signage, do not panic!! They WILL be there in a timely fashion. In previous years, Club Med has NEVER missed an arrival! Nevertheless, we will send you the local number for Club Med when we send your registration packet.

What do we do once we arrive at Club Med?

When you arrive at Club Med, you will be greeted by the welcoming committee. Club Med GO's (Guest Organizers) will bring you a drink, take care of registration and escort you to your room.

How do I meet people / find the people in my group?

TPRS Publishing will be hosting a welcome reception Sunday evening at 7:00p.m. This will give participants a chance to connect and break the ice before the conference. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

What is the schedule? What does a typical day look like?

The conference and Spanish class schedules are posted at tprstorytelling.com. Nevertheless, here is an overview:

Teacher Training begins at 8:30a.m. sharp! Teachers are in session for 4 intensive hours, including a mid-morning break.

Spanish Classes* follow a similar schedule, beginning at 9:00 a.m. sharp and ending at 12:30p.m.

Lunch for participants runs from 12:30 - 1:30pm, but the restaurants are open for lunch most of the afternoon.

French Classes are held from 1:30 - 4:30p.m.

Optional Afternoon Teacher Training Sessions will be offered from 1:30p.m. - 3:00/3:30p.m.

Conference participants have the choice to attend optional sessions, to gather and talk shop, or to enjoy the resort. If you haven't checked out Club Med's activities, it is a MUST!

Can Spanish students* attend the teacher training sessions in the afternoons? Spanish students may attend the afternoon sessions by adding an additional $50 fee to their registration.

What type of clothing should we wear for the conference?

Most folks dress very casually, in comfortable, light-weight clothes. Believe it or not, many folks wear their swim suits with a cover-up to the sessions, so that they can dip in the ocean or pool during the mid-morning break. Keep in mind, it will be hot and humid, as one would expect south of the border in July. MUST-BRING items:

1. swim suit
2. sandals
3. water socks, if you like to snorkel
4. sun screen
5. hat
6. shorts, summer dresses, blouses, tank tops

What type of clothing is appropriate for the resort?

This is Club Med, so you can wear whatever you want. Wear the casual clothes listed above. There are also a few occasions for which you might like to dress accordingly: Examples: Mexico Day: Wear Red and Green White Day: Dress in white Formal Dinner: Dress up, if you choose. (semi-formal attire)

Will there be a list of participants in advance?

No, due to privacy laws we will not send a list. However, if you would like to add yourself to a list that is accessible to all participants, send us an email that says, I want to network ahead of time and would like TPRS to post my name, state and email address online. I am waiving all claims to privacy and will hold TPRS Publishing, Inc. absolutely harmless, if a stalker sees my name.

What should we bring for the conference?

Bring a clip board!!! We will not have tables, so that we have more room to break into groups for practice and group activities.

Bring your handouts!!! Be sure to print your handouts before you come!!

We will NOT be bringing extra hard copies. Although is NOT necessary, you may want bring your textbook(s), readers, curriculum. Just pay attention to airline luggage weight restrictions. (50lbs. on most carriers) We will be sending handouts via email a few weeks before the conference.

Will the instructors be available after the lessons are over?

Most instructors will be happy to talk shop after hours, within reason. However, keep in mind, everyone needs a break, and everyone will function much better the next day if we all are allowed to take one! The truth is, once you see all that Club Med has to offer, you will probably forget about work, once the sessions have ended.

Does the TPRS group eat together?

Although there is no assigned eating time or assigned restaurant, most TPRS folks huddle up in small and large groups to eat together. Upon participants' requests, TPRS will ask to reserve a room in the restaurant for our group, so that our group can dine together.

How many people are likely to be there with this group?

We anticipate approximately 100 participants. No more than 35-40 in a given group.

How much money should we bring?

In terms of Club Med, you will not need cash. You WILL, however, be required to give a credit card for deposit on your room. Once you give them a credit card, they will issue you a Club Med Cash Card. Any extra charges will be bill directly to your room, and then charged against your credit card when you leave. You will NOT be allowed to check in without a credit card. If you do not charge anything to your room, then you will not have to pay anything when you check out! OPTIONAL CLUB MED PURCHASES MIGHT INCLUDE:

• an optional excursion outside the resort
• a massage or facial
• items from the artisan fair
• gift shop purchases like sunscreen, a hat, aloe, etc.
• tips*

* Although tips are included, you may choose to tip your maid, bellman, or other staff member for exceptional service. It is not required, but I personally have discovered that my maid will make beautiful towel sculptures when I leave her a few bills on the bed.

-You may wish to bring a small amount of cash for taxis, shopping, and other off-site activities.

What if I am coming alone and need a roommate, not to mention friends to do things with?

You can request a roommate, and we will do our best to match you with someone who will be compatible. Over the years, many close friendships have been formed as a result of rooming together and as a result of just spending time together at the conference. Every year, a large number of participants travel alone to the conference and subsequently leave with many new, close friends. Check out the photos on TPRS Publishing's Facebook page, and you'll see photographic evidence of  the bonds of friendship formed and the great fun that ensued.