Springtime is conference season! Many professional organizations hold their annual conferences during the coming months. Attending conference provides all with current practice information, new ideas, and networking opportunities with colleagues. However, the vast amount of information presented at conferences can be overwhelming. Thus the following tips will be helpful to get the most out of a conference:
1. Choose your sessions strategically: If you have not already done so during registration, review the presentations offered during each time slot. Conferences are some of the best places to learn about new approaches and therapies. Sometimes, you can choose a session based on the reputation of a speaker, as outstanding speakers and teachers can help explain difficult concepts clearly. If you have access to the handouts or presentation outline, it can be helpful to review these ahead of time. Sometimes, presentation titles are catchy but might not capture the essence of the presentation. If there are multiple sessions you want to attend during the same time, there are a few options. See if the session is repeated at other times during the conference. In addition, if a colleague is attending the conference, then you can each attend 1 session and compare notes. Otherwise, see if the conference is recording the sessions and purchase a recording.
2. Networking is key: One of the biggest benefits to conferences is the opportunity to meet other professionals. Remember, these are people who have similar interests to you, so you already have a lot in common. Besides meals, there are times to talk during breaks, between sessions, and in the evening. It can be difficult for some people to talk with people they do not know very well, so remember to ask others where they work, how they handle certain processes or diagnoses, and what some of their memorable experiences have been. If you ask, most people will share information with you. For example, if your unit is struggling to implement a ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) bundle, and then ask people you meet if they have implemented a VAP bundle. Their successes and challenges might give you some good ideas about how to deal with your own struggles. Be sure to bring business cards to trade so that you can stay in touch with people you meet. If you do not have hospital-based business cards, consider having some made via an online service with your name, credentials, and contact information. These cards are inexpensive and go a long way toward projecting a professional image.
3. Dress the part: At a professional conference, we should look professional. Sometimes, the conference materials will suggest the proper attire, which is often business casual. Remember that you will be meeting new people and making a lot of first impressions. Nursing is a relatively small world, and you never know if that person you meet today will be a colleague tomorrow.
4. Attend the poster presentations: If the conference offers poster presentations, be sure to make some time to attend these. Posters are often where the innovative ideas and initial research are presented. You will likely get a chance to meet the poster presenters and ask them details about their projects.
5. Attend the exhibits: Vendors, such as pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, publishers, and hospital recruiters, often pay the conference to set up exhibit booths. The size of these exhibits varies depending on the conference. This information can be helpful to hospital administrators when making product selections. In addition, many of the vendors provide token gifts to encourage you to stop and talk to them. Usually take these when offered, but it is not uncommon to see people taking handfuls of pens and pads of paper. Be respectful of others so that there is enough to go around to all the participants. Brochures and other things you pick up along the way can take up a lot of space and add significant weight to your suitcase. Be sure to leave room for these things when packing at home and be aware of the weight limits on suitcases.
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