We've all been there...the conference from heck. Nothing is relevant to you, the presentations are poor, and the food is horrendous. What should you do? Here are 11 ways to make your experience more productive.
There is nothing better for your psyche (and productivity) than just getting away from it all for a few days. Sometimes a change of scenary is all we need to come up with that next big idea. So sit on your balcony, play in the sand, and just recharge your batteries. You'll be back in your office before you know it!
2. Check out the institutions in the area
Whenever I get the chance to travel to a conference, I always check to see what schools are in the area. It's interesting to see the different types of architecture and campus settings that they all have. This practice allows you to see what you value most in a campus and what things you could live without. You never know where your career will take you!
3. Start twittering!
Twitter allows users to groups of users to converse on a single topic (such as a conference) in real-time. Think instant messaging for large groups where everyone gets the message and then has a chance to respond. Recently, the NACADA technology seminar utilized this technology and many of us are still twittering away about conference related items. If you can find a few other people who are twitter users (there are more than you think!) you would have tons of fun and gain a lot of valuable insights you might have missed otherwise.
4. Volunteer to help out
Perhaps you could staff the hospitality table or even offer to coordinate a solo-travelers dinner list. There is always a need for volunteers at conferences. By taking this opportunity, you not only increase the liklihood that you will have a better experience but also get the chance to give back to the organization. We are responsible for the effectiveness and content of our professional organizations...hence all members need to pitch in and help in whatever ways they can.
5. Create or update your portfolio
If you don't have a professional portfolio, now is the time to create one. If you do, take some time to really update it. Unforunately most of us get so caught up in the daily to do's we forget to mark our progress. In order to assess how well we are functioning as advisors, we need to know what we have done well and how we can improve upon it.
6. Attend a session that you normally wouldn't
Usually when we attend a conference its because we want to learn about "something"; this could be technology, the latest advising software program, or the latest on student development theory. This desire leads us to attend certain sessions and not others. If the sessions that you've been to haven't met your expectations, TRY SOMETHING NEW. You never know what you'll learn at a session on advising athletes even though your faculty advisor. We can all benefit from going outside our comfort zone periodically and now is as good a time as any.
7. Network
Use old-fashion business cards or go high tech with Facebook or LinkedIn. You never know when the contacts that you make will come in handy.
8. Read some publications/professional journals
As professionals we know that staying up to date on current material in our field is a requirement. We don't always have the time during our work week to do this (if we ever do). Catch up on your professional reading during this time away. Make sure to take some notes so that when you get back to the office you can utilize this new information. You might even get ambitious and actually start writing up that piece on your fantastic new retention program! Some good places to start are The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Mentor, and InsideHigherEd.
9. Revise a session that wasn't what you expected
I can't count the number of sessions that I have attended that left me wanting more...more interaction, more examples, just...more. The next time this happens to you, instead of lamenting about how much time you wasted try to think of a better way to present the topic. What modifications could be made to really make it sing? You might just have come up with an excellent presentation for a future conference...
10. Polish your resume
Maybe even hand out a few...Just make sure that everything is as up to date and error free as possible. Resumes are often forgotten about once we've obtained a permanent position, but in reality it should be a constantly evolving project. Frequently updating the document will help to remind you of your accomplishments and actually make you more productive. It will also be ready anytime someone requests it. Take it a step further by putting it online and linking it with your porfolio of work.
11. Play with a technology you've never used before
There are so many emerging technologies out there today that it's hard to keep up with them all. Try testing out one of them during this time away and then consider if there are any ways you could use this technology in your daily work with students. Almost every technology can in some way be utilized to further our everday academic missions but it takes a bit of creativity. A few you might consider are StumbleUpon, 12seconds, Ning, Mind Meister, and Cramberry.
Other suggestions?
2 comments:
I have used StumbleUpon for personal enjoyment, but how have you used it for your professional arena? I suppose I could set up another StumbleUpon and create more "educational" search parameters... You've given me something to think about, Jillian! Thanks!
I think following these 11 ways is more than enough to save a bad time at a conference.Make negative time a positive time .
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