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Today we are talking about how to rock your first conference experience. Recently I had the honor of delivering a keynote during the Ignite a spark conference. It was all about how to really rock your conference experience. I thought I would take some time to share with you today strategies for YOU to really rock your first conference.
I want you to meet Jordyn Pistilli, a secondary social studies pre-service teacher who has presented at several conferences. I think we presented at 4 local conferences together on topics such as formative assessment, virtual co-ops, and more. I am going to share with you the secrets that Jordyn used to rock her conference experience.
Share your WHY
Whoa, that is a loaded question. Why do you want to be an educator? Why are you attending this conference? What do you want to learn?
Most teachers love kids, but what makes you different? Dig deep.
What makes you stand out from the other candidates who also love children?
Network
Tweet out your message and let the world know why you are an educator.
Tag the person and use the event's hashtag in the tweet
By doing this, you are showing the speaker you care, you are talking about things that maybe other people missed because they were in a different session, and you are opening it up to people across all the country or the world!
Have a conversation
Share why you are attending the conference
Actively listen.
You never know where a new connection and follow up can lead – in some cases, conversations lead to interviews – but that’s a story for another time.
Challenge yourself
Attend sessions that will challenge you as an educator
Don’t attend a session because your bestie is going, attend sessions that you are curious about
Brainstorm about how you can put the ideas into practice
Before we end today’s session, Let’s go back to Jordyn’s story. She was selected to participate in the closing session at TRETC where a few participants were asked to give a five-minute reflection on what they learned that day in front of 300 educators. Her main takeaways included meeting her PLN in real life and learning from everyone in the room. Jordyn did so well that in fact, one superintendent pulled me aside and said as she pointed to her, “That is one to watch.” I couldn’t agree with her more!
Friends, you have the heart and the brains to do great things, but sometimes you may need a little courage, too. Take a leap and try.
You have the EduMagic in YOU!
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