Being on the program committee for TechKnowledge (in San Antonio at the end of the month; hope to see you there as it should be great!), I’ve ‘volunteered’ to lead the part of the conference orientation on tips for getting the most out of the conference (among other things).
I’ve already tapped into Tony Karrer’s tips about asking good questions, and Jim Javenkoski gave me some good advice about handling the physical side (e.g. stay hydrated). I’m also thinking about the mental side e.g. attitude (positive, social). However, rather than just put up the ideas I know about and find, I’d love to tap into the wisdom of the net. So, what would you recommend as good tips and strategies for conference attendees?
1. If you are fortunate enough to work for an organization sending a group to the conference, use the “divide and conquer”
strategy. Split up and go to different sessions rather than stay together. This will not only give you access to
more topics and speakers, but will give you an opportunity later to provide a recap in your own words– that will
help the information stick.
2. READ the session descriptions!
Jane, thanks for that. I wonder if one exception to the rule about splitting up (which I agree with) would be if one of two is new to the team and it can be a time for creating some shared understandings.
I would say twitter and/or blog the conference sessions so that you’ll be able to look up resources as you talk AND others who can’t attend that session will have the benefit of your notes plus insights!
I just wanted to second Laura’s suggestion about Twittering/Blogging. I twittered the general sessions at Learning 2007 and it worked out quite nicely for me. I hope to Twitter the general sessions at TK08 as well, and have just set up my blog to post a digest of my Twitters once a day.
I’d also say, don’t be scared to ask questions. I know that’s Tony’s thing, but it goes for outside of sessions as well. Last year at TK08, I asked questions in sessions. People would then stop me in the halls to ask me questions about, well, my questions. So don’t discount informal networking, esp for folks new to a big conference.
Finally, get involved. For my sessions (and I assume the Learning Labs as well) at TK08, my co-presenter and I are offering a wiki. This is a fantastic way to continue the conversation – if people use it. ASTD is also offering ASTD Connect, but few people seem to be using it. These are great tools to use for learning and networking, but they need to be used.
Thanks for the feedback. I intended to suggest being a contributor by being active in sessions, but you put a whole new twist on it, which I’ll reflect. And blogging/twittering the sessions is a good idea, too. I thought twitter was briefer thoughts, but it could be valuable in terms of both capturing the thoughts and reflecting on them. Again, thanks!