My DS RSVP'd for a candidate visit weekend at USNA; and because we live fairly close (2 hours), had not anticipated the need for us to incur the hotel expense for husband and/or I to stay overnight the two nights he will be there. However, I just read in the email DS received about a parent briefing that would be happening on Friday which we would miss. We would be able to participate in thursday and Saturday. Just curious if others view these briefings (or the Friday one), something we should not miss. I know the email called them "optional", so perhaps that is my answer; however, I will juggle our budget for the hotel if necessary. Thank you for the insight.