Benefiting From Your

1. Benefiting From Your Conference Experience

2. Why Attend Conferences? • Take advantage of networking opportunities • Earn continuing education credits • Learn from speakers and other attendees • Share your ideas with peers • Enhance your professionalism • Visit an exciting host city!

3. Set YourGoals • Find out what type of development your organization could use. • Areas you want to learn more about • Skills you want to hone • People you want to meet • Questions you want answered • Areas for which you want to find referral contacts • How you want to grow as a professional

4. Before the Conference • Explore the conference schedule or brochure as soon as it is available – be strategic and selective in selecting the sessions you will attend. • Make sure to attend those sessions which address current trends in your area and have speakers who you want to meet and learn from. • E-mail key professionals who you would like to meet ahead of time – be clear and succinct about why you would like to visit with them and invite them to coffee or lunch.

5. Thinking About Presenting? • If you’re considering presenting at a conference, immediately consult the conference website and contact the conference coordinator. • The conference coordinator is who has the information regarding what forms you need to submit, deadlines, and will most likely be the one to notify you if the planning committee selects your presentation.

6. Your Conference Kickoff • After checking in with the hotel and settling into your room, be sure to stop by the conference registration desk. • Plan to check in at the registration desk as early as possible so as not to miss any program time. • The registration desk will provide you with the conference syllabus, name badge, and other important materials.

7. Session Practice & Etiquette • Many speakers provide handouts that give you clear outlines of their sessions – use these to prompt questions to ask the speaker. • Most speakers will have a Q&A period, so save your questions until after the presentation. • Be prepared to take good notes. • As a courtesy to the speakers and other participants, if you arrive late or must excuse yourself, please do so quietly.

8. Take Care of Yourself • While the excitement of a conference can get the adrenaline flowing, be sure to monitor your body’s response to the change in your routine. • Take frequent breaks, if needed. • Drink plenty of fluids. • Try to stay close to your normal eating pattern. • Be sure to get enough sleep. • Take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center or take walks on the hotel grounds.

9. Why Network? • A conference is an extraordinary opportunity to make yourself known and to get to know others. • Networking allows you the opportunity to follow through on your previously set conference goals. • This is your time to meet with those who share and common commitment and exchange contact information.

10. Networking 101 – 4 Crucial Tips • Make new friends. • Don’t only socialize with people you already know. Mix it up by challenging each other to meet new people. • At sessions, step out of your comfort zone by not sitting beside someone you have already met; instead, sit next to different people all day long. • Be sure to speak with and introduce yourself to the people on either side of you. • Always ask for the business card of the person you have just met, and offer yours in return. Before moving on to the next new contact, write the name and date of the event on the back of the card, along with any other information that will help you remember the person later.

11. Networking 101 (cont.) • Meet the innovators. • Use networking opportunities to find out what other organizations are doing. Listen in on these people’s ideas and practices, and share your own as well. • Make notes of key conversations at the end of each day, especially ones that cover your most important interests and questions. • Let your voice be heard. • If during a group conversation, if you disagree with what another person is saying or simply have a different perspective on the issue, don’t be afraid to speak up! • The purpose of conferences is shared learning, so this type of situation should be fostered. Just be sure to express yourself tactfully, without embarrassing or becoming volatile with the other person.

12. Networking 101 (cont.) • Be social. • If the conference you are planning to attend has a reception, mixer, or other networking event, don’t miss it! People tend to be more relaxed in this type of atmosphere, so it is easier to make initial contact with those who you have never met before. • While making new people aware of your workplace and professional interests is important, make sure to approach networking opportunities with a sense of wanting to learn as much about others as possible.

13. Navigating the Exhibit Hall • Use the exhibit hall floor plan from your conference syllabus to assist you before and during your exhibit hall visit. • If you have some specific goals in mind, check the floor plan and strategize. • Work the hall by sections/numbered aisles. • Use large visible booths as landmarks. This will help later when you want to return to a particular booth. • Try to first visit all the product companies you use most and the rest of the time learning about new companies.

14. Speaking With Vendors • Target the vendors you’re interested in and speak with them first. • Get as much information about their contracting procedures as possible. • The company representatives always want to know more about you and your facility. • Make sure to bring an extra bag if you plan on picking up samples. • If you prefer that samples be mailed to you, make sure to bring plenty of business cards.

15. Poster Presentations • Remember to visit the poster presentations as part of your tour of the exhibit hall. These presentations are educational, informative, and often offer continuing education credits to attendees.

16. General FYIs • Avoid taking late-night or red-eye flights. Try to arrive in the host city before dark. • Lock your hotel room door at all times. • Don’t wear your name badge outside of the convention center/hotel. • In case of emergency, bring your health insurance card.

17. 10 Steps to a Fantastic Conference • Pack layers, since meeting room temperatures vary. • Bring business cards to share with other attendees. • Set goals for your conference experience. • Pack an extra bag for vendor samples. • Network, network, network. • Ask questions. • Visit the exhibit hall. • Thank vendors for their support. • View the poster presentations. • Submit your completed evaluation form.

18. Enrich Your Mind, Make New Friends, and Enjoy Yourself!