[Trainer-Talk] Tips on Attending my First Professional Conference

[Kevin Andrews]

I second the comment about looking at the agenda ahead of time. If you can,
get there early and scope out the venue. Don't be afraid to walk up to
random people and strike up a conversation. Some of the coolest
interactions I've had at these things have been in the elevators, hallways
and nooks and crannies in between sessions. People usually congregate at
the hotel bar or whatever after sessions are over with and make dinner
plans, or for refueling with lunch/coffee. Obviously don't feel pressured
to drink; I'm saying you can use that as an area to meet people. I can
guarantee you aren't the only first-timer. Be sure to take your laptop and
a charger. Try to find an outlet--this is easier said than done but if you
can, get to the room early and locate an outlet so you and 10 other folks
aren't scrambling for power sockets. A way to take notes is also really
helpful, at least for me, as you'll find it's a lot of information and will
get overwhelming so taking notes is key to remembering info and jotting
stuff down, and also helps keep you engaged so you don't zone out or nod
off... Just some things I can think of off the top of my head.
On Tue, Mar 5, 2019 at 6:37 PM Nancy Coffman via Trainer-Talk <
trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hello:
>
> I like to get to the hotel and conference center early enough to walk
> around and figure out where the events I will be attending are. I also like
> to have looked at the agenda so I can decide what to attend ahead of time.
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Mar 5, 2019, at 8:10 PM, Everett Elam via Trainer-Talk <
> trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > That is exciting, and so good to hear that you are pursuing it as a
> challenge and a learning opportunity.
> > Are there hashtags that the conference will be using on social media
> sites like Facebook and Twitter? If so, you can use them toTrack where
> fellow professionals will be meeting between sessions, and often times
> people will use them for breakout sessions or impromptu gatherings at
> nearby restaurant.
> > Do your best not to stay in your room! I always try to bring whatever
> gadgets I need with me in a backpack, that way I don’t have any excuse to
> find my room and have quiet time. You can have quiet time once the learning
> in the conference are over. Bring a recorder and check with presenters to
> see if they would mind you recording. Much of it is theater. Act confident
> and you will feel more confident. Be willing to laugh at yourself when you
> crash into a standing hotel plant, most of which are specifically placed to
> take out we of the optically challenged.
> > Please let me know how this goes off list and feel free to communicate.
> We have spoken for so you have my information. Good luck with this.
> > Everett
> >
> >
> >
> > Everett Elam
> >
> >> On Mar 5, 2019, at 2:34 PM, Humberto Avila via Trainer-Talk <
> trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hello All,
> >>
> >>
> >> In a couple of weeks, I will be attending my very first professional
> conference. The conference I will be attending is one for professionals
> working for the blind and visually impaired in my region (Northwest,
> Washington / Oregon / Idaho). I will be attending as a student.
> >>
> >> What should I look forward to? What should or shouldn't I do? How do I
> navigate conference like these where there are different "strands" in
> different locations all at the same time? How should I dress? How should I
> talk? Or walk... for that matter...
> >>
> >> As you can see, I am very nervous for this, and I would hope to be as
> prepared as possible. Any input is wholeheartedly appreciated!!
> >>
> >> Best wishes,
> >>
> >> Humberto
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >>
> >> [JAWS Certified, 2019]<http://www.freedomscientific.com/certification>
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-- 
Best,

Kevin Andrews
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Accessible Technology Coordinator,
Scribes and Readers Coordinator
Disability Resource Center
University of California, Santa Cruz
Website: drc.ucsc.edu


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