This is the fifth in a series of five blogs.
First Time Conference Attendee Tip # 5: Maximize Every Moment Of Your Being At The Conference
I could start by saying come to my session. It is the most valuable use of your time at the conference. While I want this to be true, the fact is that your program committee has been working very hard to secure several outstanding programs for you, and indeed the wisest thing you can do if there are several of you from your school/company at the conference is to split up and cover all of the sessions.
As you attend sessions don't merely passively absorb the material. Instead, be on a mission. The mission is to figure out how to effectively present the session to your colleagues when you return to school. Thus, you will become an active learner and will learn the material... as opposed to just listening to it.
Don't be afraid to ask the speakers if they will send you their PowerPoint or their notes to support you in your summary presentation. You might even consider asking the speaker to support you by being connected to you electronically as you present your report on the session to your colleagues and friends. If you really enjoyed a session, you might consider inviting the speaker to present their session at your school/business either electronically or in person.
Once you arrive at the conference spend time meeting people you do not know, rather than carrying on existing relationships with people you do know. There will be plenty of time to talk with colleagues from your school/business while driving to and from the conference and once you are back at school/work.
At the conference, try not to have lunch or dinner at the same table with anyone whom you know. Instead, try to meet people and network at every meal.
As you travel to/from the industry tour try to travel with new people.
As you arrive at a session try to sit next to people you don't know.
Don't sit silently waiting for a program to begin. Treat each minute as a potentially valuable networking and learning experience.
Trade business cards with people whom you meet. Make some notes on the back of their card that will help you to remember them.
When you arrive back home from the conference, connect with your new friends via LinkedIn, FaceBook, email, etc. Think of ways in which to keep in touch, connect and help each other out. (Oh yes, if you aren't already on LinkedIn with a professional profile, establish one before the conference.)
If you find that you are very interested in a particular presentation tell the speaker. Make arrangements to stay in contact with them, and think about ways in which you might work with the speaker in the future (e.g.,professional society, joint research project, internship, informal mentorship, etc.)
As you meet colleagues think of ways in which you may work with them in the future.
Hopefully, you will be in contact with some of the people you meet at this conference 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and even 50 years from now.
Ron
Ronald G. Shapiro, Ph. D.
Education By Entertainment
(c) 2011 Ronald G. Shapiro. All Rights Reserved.
