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

[Jim]

I would really try and get to the hotel plenty early to get to know your way around.  It is important to be able to find certain places within the hotel or meeting areas so that you are able to at least have a start in finding classes or seminars you want to attend.  Don't be afraid to get lost and explore.  Talk to people and ask questions as you're walking, but use as much independent travel as possible, both in and out of the hotel.  You won't be stranded if you have some initial familiarity.
That's as important as having your tech toys and note taking devices.
Does anyone agree/disagree with this?

-----Original Message-----
From: Trainer-Talk [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kevin Andrews via Trainer-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 9:46 AM
To: List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Kevin Andrews <kejandre at ucsc.edu>
Subject: Re: [Trainer-Talk] Tips on Attending my First Professional Conference

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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