If you follow conferences, especially any conference lasting longer than a day, you know that people consistently report having the flu, a cold or other illnesses when they get home. Every year, for example, we have the #SXSWFlu hashtag pop up. This is easily preventable!

I know many of you have already had the flu, a cold or H1N1, or have been exposed to someone who has (in the case of H1N1, this means you are a carrier as this nasty version of flu can transmit by air OR surface). A few precautions this weekend should keep us all healthy and happy.

There will be mini bottles of GermX and Lysol by each projector and on the registration desk. There are also wall mounted Purell dispensers around the classrooms. Please use them before and after you present, and while you attend sessions.

Please cover your mouth with the crook of your arm, not your hand, when you cough.

Wash your hands frequently – the Purell and GermX can’t do the whole job.

If you’re not sick, Airborne is not a preventative but it may help, ditto vitamins.

And last, but not least (and I am serious ab