conferences.md

How to Conference

I'm sure that this is going to expand heavily, along with differentiating the kinds of conferences.

Understand the conference structure

There are less 'types' of conferences, as there are different subsections, which can be in greater or lesser degrees of presence.

• speaker tracks / design
• vendor segments
• breakouts and discussions
• networking areas
• digital media channels
• site services

Networking

Be Strategic About The Events You Attend

As you get a handle on the kinds of things you will benefit from, contact staff ahead of the event to determine the size and prevalence of that part of the event. Sometimes staff's projections can be meaningful. Sometimes the final bookings happen late, so experience can be the best guides

Take One Action

Be a presenter

Pre-plan your time onsite

This includes find role models who are doing great work.

Setup onsite relationships in advance

Be open to conversational discovery

Re-teach what you learned

Followups

Engage Your Senses

Active social media

Mentoring and Accountability

Lay of the Land

Ask onsite staff for confirmation of directions, timing, or anything else. Learn implicitly how the event has been wired, and where there is the least and the most support. Know how to find things and act on hints.