11 Tips for Getting the Most Out of the D.C. Convention

I’m am absolutely giddy to head to D.C. this week for the 2016 Associated Collegiate Press National College Media Convention.

I know you’re all excited too, especially about the amazing line up of keynote speakers. I seriously haven’t seen a more impressive conference slate—Bob Woodward and Edward Snowden in the same place! Not to mention White House tours and we can go to the Newseum! The Newseum was under renovation the last time I was in D.C., so I’m thrilled to go.

As you prepare to leave for convention, here are 11 tips for getting the most out of D.C. convention.

 

1. Buy snacks

You’ll be busy most of the day while you’re at convention. The convention organizers have built in a lunch, you still probably won’t have time to eat much until dinner. Visit a store when you arrive in D.C. and grab some snacks so you can power through the day without passing out. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle too!

 

2. Live tweet and follow the hashtag

Use social media to share what you’re learning with others. The hashtag for the conference is #acpdc. I’ll meet you over on Twitter @profkrg.

I encourage you to follow the conversation, even if you aren’t attending the conference. I promise you’ll learn a lot, even from afar.

 

3. Wear your nametag

You’ll meet a ton of people, so it’s important for them to remember who you are and vice versa. This also helps you identify conference attendees with whom you should network.

Check out my post on giving an elevator pitch and have yours ready before the conference.

 

4. Bring professional materials

I am the worst about forgetting to bring my business cards to conferences. Without cards, I have to write down my name, email address, blog URL, etc. for anyone who asks. It really hinders networking when you’re unprepared. Here’s a short list of things to bring:

  • business cards,
  • copies of your resume,
  • examples of your professional work,
  • copies of your most recent publications, and
  • your Best of Show entries.

 

5. Dress for success

You should “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” I wear professional dress all day and in the evening during the entire convention. Remember that networking is a huge portion of the convention’s purpose. If I see you in your PJs, I’m judging you.

 

6. Attend sessions

You are at the convention to network and learn. Too many times people seem to go to convention to drink or sight see. I’m really not a wet blanket. I want you to have fun. I also want you to take full advantage of the conference by attending as many sessions as you can each day. If you wake up early and attend sessions, there is plenty of time for fun in the late afternoon and evening.

 

7. Spread out

There are more than 200 sessions planned for convention. The best way to get the most out of your time there is to spread out your staff. I love to meet with the staff and map out who will go to what sessions each day. You will learn a lot more if you spread your staff out among the sessions. Then, debrief and share what you’ve learned during breaks and at dinner.

 

8. Always have a pen and paper

It’s impossible to remember everything you learn at a convention and you really shouldn’t spend the entire time with your head down looking at your phone or laptop. Be prepared to document your ideas. I usually carry my phone and iPad too, but the pen is my tool of choice. It never goes dead.

 

9. Gather swag

Everyone likes free stuff. Be sure to gather handouts, books, pens, notepads, etc. from the trade show floor. The exhibitors are coming to talk to you and bring you treats. Don’t be shy. Take swag back to your staff too.

 

10. Talk to strangers

Don’t attend convention just to chat with the people you know or hang out with your own staff. Use this opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

Enjoy your time at convention to embrace your inner nerd. It is one of the few places where you can sit and debate or discuss the minutiae of your industry. Take advantage of being surrounded by the most intelligent people in your business. Learn from them while you can.

 

11. Share with your staff

You become invigorated with all you’ve learned at convention, but you’re tired and busy when you return to campus. Schedule a time now to share with your staff some key things you learned at convention. Do this the week you return, so everyone gets something from your convention experience. You may want to consider live tweeting the convention sessions you attend, then creating Storify posts for your staff so they can learn too. Encourage your staff to follow the hashtag too, even if they aren’t in attendance with you.

I hope this post helps you feel more excited and prepared for convention. It’s really a fun, nerdy time. I’ll see you in D.C. Be sure to stop me and say “hello!”

profKRGDr. Kenna Griffin is an assistant professor of mass communications and director of student publications at Oklahoma City University. She is the author of the Prof KRG blog, which serves as a practical resource for student journalists. She is a journalist, reader, shoe lover, wife, mother of two, and the spoiler of a couple of adorable dogs.