Gathering More than Notes from Your Professional Conference

Prepare

• Review the conference program and plan ahead to use your time well.
• Ask colleagues about the presenters.
• Pick at least one session to attend that you think has nothing to do with your work now!
• Consider what you most want to learn about and what would make this a successful conference for you.
• Look over the list of registrants and get ready to meet people.
• Get some sleep!

Experience

• During the conference, answer the following questions for each time slot of each day:
  
  1. What did I hear to which I reacted: “Ah, ha!”?
  2. What did I hear to which I reacted: “That won’t work in my setting”? (Then ask whether you may have judged too quickly.)
  3. What ONE tangible suggestion or idea can I take back home from this part of the conference?
• Eavesdrop! If people are talking in public spaces, it’s proper conference etiquette to listen and even to join in! How else will you meet new people? Some places/times to eavesdrop:
  
  • At breaks.
  • In the restroom.
  • In the elevator and hotel halls.
  • On the buffet line.
  • In the exhibit area.
  • During special events and outings.
• Be prepared to exchange business cards to continue conversations after the conference. Make a note on each person’s card about why you want to follow up!
• Visit the exhibit area. It’s your chance to create your own learning:
  
  • Browse books for ideas – even if you don’t buy!
  • Don’t be afraid to talk to the exhibitors– they actually know things and you are not required to give them your contact information!
  • Meet the people who congregate at the same exhibits that interest you.
  • It’s OK to consider the exhibit area an alternative to a workshop.

Reflect

Afterward, allow yourself time to think about the conference. Make some notes about the following:

• What surprised you here at the conference?
• With whom would you like to stay in touch? (Is there anyone you did not get a chance to meet and might want to contact later anyway?)
• What issues did you hear discussed that will bear watching over the next year?
• What speaking or training technique did you observe a presenter using that you would like to use, too?
• What books and other resources will you consider reading?
• What Internet sites should you (or a “cyber deputy”) visit?
• Which of your colleagues – paid and volunteer – attended this event with you and how can you help one another maintain your enthusiasm when you get home?
• Which of your colleagues (in your agency and otherwise) could not attend and how will you share your experience and learning with them?
• How will you engage the volunteers you lead in reflecting on your new learning?
• How will you report to your top executives what was valuable about attending this event? (And what will you say?)