Conferences and other career or topic-oriented events form one of the backbones of professional development. I have attended only one official in-person library conference, but I have also participated in several less-formal events. I have watched archived versions of Web Conferences and have another from YALSA waiting in my inbox. Whether or not the event is live, conferences introduce valuable new topics and provide opportunities for making connections. Such benefits come with some cost, however.
Here are the lessons I have learned:
For in-person events:
Plan ahead. A true conference has an abundance of events going on simultaneously. Choosing the ones that appeal to you takes work; depending on the size of the conference, weeding through the offerings can be overwhelming. It is better to take the time to look through all the options beforehand than to waste valuable time trying to find things the day of the event. Inevitably, more than one event that appeals to you will happen at once. You must choose to either attend part of each one or to skip some altogether. Knowing this ahead of time helps you coordinate with others to share notes.
Be flexible and open to serendipity. In spite of all your planning, you may discover an event you did not know about or which suddenly interests you. You may meet someone you want to converse with further. Last minute changes to times or venues might interrupt your plans. You may simply need a break to let yourself think.
Schedule a few breaks. Although conferences are exciting and stimulating, you need some time to reflect on the experience and to catch your breath.
Bring extra bags. Conference programs, presentation handouts, business cards, vendor information, and swag can add up quickly. An extra bag helps you manage all of the items you acquire throughout the day.
Speak up. Conferences are as much about meeting people as they are about learning new things. Participate in discussions at the events you attend. Introduce yourself to the other attendees and strike up a conversation. If nothing else, stop and ask someone for directions or offer to help someone else find their destination. You will meet interesting and helpful people.
For on-line events:
Plan ahead. Oftentimes, you need to register for these events. You may also need to have certain software or hardware capabilities to participate.
Check to see if the events will be archived. If the event will be archived, you can relax a bit more and focus on enjoying the experience rather than on taking notes. You can visit and revisit the archive later to brush up on anything you forget. Also, if something suddenly comes up and interferes with your attendance, you will still be able to get something out of the event.
Find a quiet space. If you are in an area that is too public, outside noise might drown out your conference or you may become distracted by other people and events.
For both:
Check to see if there are social media conversations related to the events. Twitter discussions, blog posts, and other sources add context to the conference.
I desire to continue attending library events. The next big event I wish to attend is the Public Library Association conference for 2012. I am open to attending other events before then, but PLA is the event that has drawn my interest most in the past. This year, I will not have to work around classes to attend either! I also hope to be able to attend a YALSA or webjunction event synchronously. I have enjoyed archived versions, but would like the added interactive piece.
Conferences here I come!
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