Making the Most of Conference Season - Advice from Your Peers
The camp and youth development conference season can be a heavy lift - lots of learning and fun, but long days too! Here is sound advice from your peers in the industry on how to navigate and make the most of this busy time.
HYDRATE and have a note taking system. Socialize and network when you can. - Kate Grenci
As much Justin Pritikin as possible, that's worth 10 cups of coffee. - Jack Schott
Go to a session that you have ZERO interest in! It exposes you to areas you likely don't know about. - Brent Osborne
Conferences are a great time to get ideas, network, catch up with old/new friends and fill your cup! If you are able to go to many conferences that may seem daunting, but it’s always a new opportunity to learn and grow. Challenging yourself to go to a session you might not normally, talk to someone you don’t know, or inquire about a product/policy you don’t have at your camp. If you need to step away to do something urgent for your camp, just make sure to set boundaries for what those things are! - Aaron Hack
Being intentional about meeting new people is crucial in a conference environment. You have to remember, everyone is nervous and might not be sure what to talk about, so just go for it! It's even better if you can find something to discuss outside of just work. - TGI Enterprises, Inc.
Need some sustenance? You can always find a quick (and free) snack in the vendor hall! - Matt Jackowitz
Bring a hard backed book so you can take notes anywhere! - Melanie McArdle
From the EPIC Perspective:
Plan ahead! Always take a look at the session offerings and have 1 or 2 back up choices! Attending a session that may not be your first choice can push your comfort zone into new areas. - Shauna D’Arcy
Don't be afraid to be the first person to put their hand up! Often in sessions, there will be time for the audience to ask questions or interact in the session/presentation. I find this often leads to awkward silence. Don't be afraid to be the first person to speak up, ask a question or answer a prompt from the speaker. This helps the overall session as it sparks other people to speak, and helps the confidence of the speaker with their session and flow.
Try out an icebreaker/games session early. I like doing this as it helps to get me in 'camp-mode' and out of my comfort zone early. I try to get to an icebreaker session early on the first day of the conference to help set the tone for myself. - Shane Bullen
Going into each conference with a game plan can help. Reviewing the speakers and the schedule and highlighting things, such as people or vendors, that you do not want to miss can help you define what you want from the experience. Although sometimes you learn things, meet people, and are exposed to other ideas you do not anticipate, it may be helpful to consider your goals before attending. It can be helpful to ask colleagues or seasoned camp pros which speakers or sessions they have attended in the past or recommend.
Introducing yourself to others can be scary. Rather than the typical conversations about weather and sports, to get to know somebody, try open-ended questions such as, "Are you working on anything exciting?" "What has been your favorite session so far?" Open-ended questions allow you to connect better with others. When you have these new connections and conversations, you may get a wave in passing in the hallway or have familiar faces around you, making you more comfortable. (Just like first-time campers at camp!)
Do not write down everything you hear or see. Write down ideas you feel you may want to revisit, or an important takeaway. Sometimes, there is too much of a rush to write, which takes away from your ability to absorb the content. If you write someone's whole presentation down, you are less likely to revisit it as you would have to dig through to find the takeaways.
There are usually social components to camp conferences (ex: EPIC happy hour, bar meetup, dinner opportunities). Take advantage of these less-structured environments to make great connections, and in turn, you can have stronger professional relationships and gain industry knowledge. - Jared Brown
From the ACA, NY & NJ Staff:
Even if you go with your team, take time to invest in relationships with others in your network that you see less often. It’ll give you something to look forward to, some fresh perspectives, and build the strength of your network! Additionally, focus on what fuels you. If you need a quiet moment to refresh and recharge, take it. If you are fueled by chatting and networking, make that a priority.
Don’t forget to set an out of office message to manage expectations on timely responses and feel less pressured to manage your inbox. - Sara Farrow
Take breaks! It's tempting to go to everything you can but your brain needs time to rest.
If you get overwhelmed, ask for help! There will always be staff and volunteers around to give you session suggestions, answer your questions, show you where to grab water, give you a hug, etc. We are here for you! - Jenna Dunlay
Invest in a good portable phone charger and take Vitamin C. - Samara Feinberg
Stay hydrated, stay caffeinated, and don't be afraid to make new connections! - Brett Melito
Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and make sure your name tag can be easily read. It’s so fun to introduce yourself to someone new, especially if you have seen their name but never met them in person. Keep smiling - it keeps you and everyone around you happy. - Renee Flax