6 Tips For Getting More out of Conferences (and EduTECH)
BY SUE WATERS · MAY 27, 2014
Next week I’ll be in Brisbane for the EduTECH National Congress & Expo.
I have a bad habit of forgetting important stuff, so I’ve put together these quick tips to help you (and me) get the most out of attending conferences.
The Edublogs team at #iste13
1. Plan ahead
Plan your schedule before arriving at the conference:
- Download or bookmark the conference program for easy reference.
- Check to see if the conference provides an app and install it onto your device (before leaving home!).
- Work out which sessions and events you really want to see and set up their schedule in the conference app or asevents in Google Calendar.
- Be flexible. Allow time for networking, relaxing, reflecting and checking out the exhibitor hall.
I normally add all flights, accommodation, sessions and events to my Google Calendar as it enables me to refer to my schedule easily on any device.
2. Organize your devices
Decide which device(s) you absolutely need to take and what programs or apps you want to use. Then make sure you’ve packed all chargers and all apps/programs are working. For multiple devices I’ll often take a power board for ease of overnight charging and a portable charger for mobile charging of my devices.
Lighter and smaller is better! Conferences are long days. I find a tablet is less tiring while allowing me to easily take notes.
Whatever device(s) you choose be prepared to switch to a low tech, or offline option. Large numbers of gadgets trying to access the Internet at conferences can cause issues.
Decide how you plan to take notes! I use Google Drive for my note-taking and switch to an offline Word processing app or program if necessary. A popular alternative is Evernote. Evernote allows you to add and edit notes both online and offline.
And install a QR code reader on your smartphone. This enables you to quickly scan any QR codes you see displayed around the conference.
3. Comfortable clothes and supplies
Conferences involve lots of walking, networking and long days.
Wear comfortable shoes, clothes and pack a drink each day to keep hydrated. While my sneakers mightn’t win fashion awards — they help me survive the long days!
Pack your devices, chargers, and water into a comfortable backpack. And remember a jacket! It can get cold with air conditioning!
4. Remember to Share
Make time to reflect on what you are learning and share your learning. This helps you learn more, enables others to gain from what you learn and provides others a mechanism to share their thoughts on what you learnt.
Blog posts are a great way of sharing your conference reflections with your community. If you’d like to follow along, I’ll be sharing my experiences at EduTech over at suewaters.com, and will be publishing a summary post here on The Edublogger once it is over.
5. Use Twitter
Twitter is one of the most important tools I use at conferences.
Using Twitter I’m able to:
- Connect with others who are attending the conference and organize meet ups.
- Discover what others are learning and share my learning with my network.
- Find out more about conference events.
Check out the Educator’s Ultimate Twitter Guide if you are new to Twitter and tweet me (@suewaters) if you need any help using Twitter.
Most conferences have a conference Twitter account and hashtag:
- The conference twitter account alerts you to important tips and announcements during the event. Check out theEduTECH twitter account to see how it is used at a conference.
- The conference hashtag is a great way of connecting with others and sharing your learning from the conference.
Read more about using hashtags here.
I’ll be sharing my conference experience next week using the hashtag #edutech14.
6. Check out the informal events
Conferences often have informal sessions, areas set up to encourage networking and night time events.
Look for opportunities to join these events and networking lounges. Make an effort to meet new people and engage in a conversation.
Many of my most valuable experiences occur at these informal events where you meet new people and exchange ideas.
About EduTech
EduTECH is Australasia’s largest annual education technology conference and exhibition. EduTECH 2014 will feature 9 congresses (four of which are dedicated to K-12), 8 masterclasses, 5000+ attendees, and an exhibition with over 200 exhibitors and lots of free content including free seminars for exhibition visitors.
It’s the only event that brings together the entire education and training sector (schools, colleges, tertiary and workplace learning) …all under one roof.
I look forward to seeing many of you there!
Share Your Tips!
What are the best conferences that you have been to?
What tips do you have for others about conferences?
Share your ideas and tips below!
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