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Convention 101. Getting the Most from Your Convention Experience Jeff Jacobs Methacton School District PSAHPERD Convention, 2012. Convention Attendance costs $$. With the poor economy, many school districts are cutting back on budgets for professional development. Districts know……
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Convention 101 Getting the Most from Your Convention Experience Jeff Jacobs Methacton School District PSAHPERD Convention, 2012
Convention Attendance costs $$ • With the poor economy, many school districts are cutting back on budgets for professional development. Districts know…… • However, no matter who is paying for you to attend, it is important to get the most for your dollars spent. • Many Districts have Title II funds for professional development purposes.
I’d like to share some ideas and tips that have helped me in the past. • Some I’ve learned from experience • Others I’ve learned from friends and colleagues
The Convention can be a very intense and stressful time! • There’s so much going on all at once! • The facility is huge!
Plan and Organize It’s well worth the time to do some planning and get yourself organized as to how best approach the convention.
Convention Program • At your earliest convenience, take the time to look through the convention booklet. ______________________ • This is usually posted on the PSAHPERD website www.PSAHPERD.org prior to the convention.
Questions to ask yourself What topics would I like to learn about? Is there specific information I would like to gather? Are there certain presenters or colleagues with whom I would like to meet or speak? Do I want to learn about new products and equipment?
Choose and Highlight Read through the titles and descriptions of the workshops. - Highlight those which interest you most. - These are the ones you should read in more detail.
Prioritize If there is more than one workshop that interests you listed within the same time frame, prioritize them. - One may be full and you will need a backup. - You may show up and realize it is not what you expected so, again, you have a backup.
Resolve the Conflict If there are two or more workshops you really want to attend during a specific time frame: - See if any of them are also offered at another time - If attending with colleague(s), you can each attend a different one and share the information - Ask presenter(s) for notes and handouts
Look at other events besides workshops • Awards Ceremonies • Banquet • General Session • Exhibit Hall - vendors - demonstrations • Silent Auction • Dance Gala These are highlighted in gray.
Ask Questions! “Asking questions is a sign of intelligent behavior.”~anonymous
Notes • As you participate in workshops, try to make note of ideas or activities that you can use immediately. • Perhaps circle them as a reminder to fill in the details before you forget. • Sometimes there’s follow-up. Make note of it and do it as soon as possible. • Set aside time to revise your notes or to write the most important points in detail.
Gather Information • Gather handouts, pickup business cards, collect e-mail and website addresses. • Many presenters like to post their presentations and handouts on their website. • Others will e-mail it to you upon request.
Suggestions As you try to follow your plan be flexible. Mix it up. Try to alternate between active and passive workshops so you’re not always sitting. Set some time aside to rest and recharge.
Allow yourself time to meet and talk with other convention goers. Building relationships and networking is well worth it!
Convention Musts • Always wear your convention badge • Carry your program and map • Meal tickets for the day • Carry your hotel key in a safe place
Helpful things to know …….. • The hallway between the hotel and convention center is on the 4th floor • Keep your receipts in one place • Know your check out time • Wifi availability • E-mail availability • Information – Stag Pass outside Exhibitor’s Hall
Benefits of Professional Membership • Professional Journal • Keystone Newsletter • Access to website • Convention Access • Networking opportunities • Local association participation • Eligibility for awards • Membership fees pay for advocacy As a member of PSAHPERD, please consider getting more involved. For additional membership benefits consider joining AAHPERD
Convention 101 By taking the time to organize and plan you will hopefully get the most out of your convention experience! Woooo Hoooo! What a great convention!