First Timer Here

by Joseph on June 28, 2011 · 3 comments

in ASAE, Events, Meetings

A few weeks ago I learned that I would be attending the ASAE Annual Meeting thanks to an ASAE scholarship to cover the registration fee and my client covering the rest of my expenses.  Without this support I would not be able to attend so a big thanks to both ASAE and my organization.  Attending this years meeting will provide some great opportunities to not only gain some valuable professional development, but also networking within the industry.  So far I have been as active as I can be with my regional society, but now I can dive into ASAE as well.

As the event gets closer I am beginning to schedule some meetings with vendors as there are a few that may be a good fit for my organization as we continue to grow.  I am also beginning to look at what sessions I want to attend.  Not only am I attending for myself, but for my organization.  I want to be sure that I attend sessions that will not only benefit myself but also ones that will have take aways for my client. This being my first time attending I am also hoping some veterans out there can give me some tips.  Anyone out there with some tips for a first time attendee?

Tagged as: ASAE Annual Meeting, Joseph Sapp, Professional Development

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Joseph

Awesome advice so far! Thanks!

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Cynthia D'Amour

Hey Joseph!

Congrats on the funding! ASAE's meetings can be very interesting. Here are three thoughts to help you:

Since you are a community manager and do hybrid membership, you may enjoy meeting the CRP folks - component relations professionals. They usually have a CRP - C R Party kind of energy there and are lots of fun.

There's also going to be a lot of energy this year to help attendees to start conversations around innovation and how you come up with solutions to increase member value. Think about what you've done - and what you would like to learn - to be prepared for potential conversations.

Finally keep your eyes open for a woman with bright, red hair. She is a lot of fun and knows a ton of people. If yo u see her, make sure you introduce yourself and she'll help you meet others on site.

See you in St. Louis! Cynthia

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Deirdre Reid

Off the top of my head, here are some tips:
Review all the sessions before you get there and make some preliminary choices (at least four per time slot) based on content and speakers.
Go easy on the caffeine and heavy on the water.
Leave sessions if they're not doing it for you. Don't worry about what other people think.
Follow the hashtag and go to tweetups. Find other tweeps. Talk and listen as much as you can in the hallways.
Find some downtime during the day to carve out some whitespace, reflect and recharge.
Find Tom Morrison and ask him about his conference strategy.
Carry your chargers with you.
Go to the YAP party but don't stay out as late as they do.
If Austin is having a party, try to get an invitation.
Talk to lots of strangers.
Drink local beer.

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