Tips for Surviving Your First NECC
NECC is just around the corner; it will be here before we know it! If this is your first major conference then you might be feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment. I know I was completely overwhelmed last year when I attended NECC for the first time.There are so many things to see and do that it might prove difficult to figure out where to begin. While I am by no means a seasoned veteran, I have some advice that might help you as you finalize your plans.
First, I recommend utilizing the online conference planner. Even people who are not planners will find this an incredibly useful tool. As you are browsing the various sessions and events you can add them to your planner. Do not worry about adding conflicting events. It is a good idea to add multiple items to your planner. This is a good idea in case you find yourself in a session that does not meet your expectations or if the session you wanted to attend has reached capacity. Just keep in mind that you cannot do everything. You can also personalize your calendar by adding your own personal events.
While it is important to go to sessions it is equally important to socialize! Take advantage of many opportunities to get to know people that you have connected with on Twitter, blogs, and other networking sites. My absolute best memories from NECC 2008 were the conversations I had with people from my PLN (personal learning network). Are you brand new to professional networking? Have you joined either the ISTE or NECC Ning or created a Twitter account? There is still time! It is well worth the time you invest to find people who have similar interests.
Once you get to NECC you will not believe how busy you are. There are conference events scheduled from early in the morning to social events that can run late into the evening. Pace yourself and get plenty of rest. Also, do not forget to drink plenty of water. If you are interested in sight seeing you will have to make sure you reserve time to do that.
The most important thing to remember is that you need to enjoy yourself and have fun! The convention can get quite stressful for people who do not do well in crowds. Also, do not be intimidated by people who you think know more than you do. It is not a contest to see who is the geekiest; it is about teaching and learning from each other. It is also about making memories and forming friendships that can last a lifetime. You will find that the majority of people at NECC are very willing to help you learn new things. Newbies are not shunned at this conference. In fact, the ones who show a genuine interest in learning are embraced!
This is also a great chance to show off all of your tech gadgets, especially if they serve a purpose. You might want to consider using your cell phone as a modem if possible. There were some issues with wireless connectivity last year in different parts of the convention center. Using your cell in this manner will insure that you are always connected. My carrier will allow me to do this on a week by week basis. It will cost me $15 for two weeks.
I hope this puts some of your fears to rest, but there are probably still many lingering questions. What else would you like to know? If I cannot answer your questions I am sure someone reading this post probably can.
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7 Comments
Stacy
Friday, 22nd May 2009 at 3:27 pm
Well said, Beth. I felt exactly like you at my first NECC in 2007. Attendees may also want to attend the orientation session. Also, while the vendor hall is monstrous, I attended some vendor sessions on products I use and learned a great deal. See you soon!
Janie
Friday, 22nd May 2009 at 5:47 pm
Thanks for the tips. I have been to my state convention (MACUL) Lots of times, but this is my first national. I can’t wait !!
Lynne
Saturday, 23rd May 2009 at 12:22 am
If possible, take notes at NECC on a collaborative document, such as Google Docs or a Blog or Wiki that you can later edit and make public. I’ve learned so much from colleagues who were able to attend conferences that I couldn’t go to.
Pace yourself. Prioritize your top 3 or 4 sessions/topics each day and make a special effort to get to those. Other things can fall into place around that. Leave yourself some open time to seize the moment. Also, it takes a long time to get between rooms, sometimes, and they often fill quickly.
Have fun!
Selena
Monday, 25th May 2009 at 12:43 pm
My first conference was last year in San Antonio. I think my only regret was not making time for the lounges or playgrounds. It is not necessary to attend every session of each day.
Beth Still
Tuesday, 26th May 2009 at 8:22 am
@Stacy—The vendor floor defies description! It is possible to get on the ISTE site and search for vendors and their location on the floor ahead of time. This will save lots of time. Thanks for reminding people about the orientation session. I had forgotten about that.
@Janie You are in for a treat. NECC is a fantastic conference.
@Lynne Great advice! So many of the sessions are streamed and the recording as well as backchannel chats (chat taking place online between people in the room and people watching the live video feed) are archived for later use. Presenters notes are online as well.
I could not agree more that it is important to schedule the sessions that are most important to you, but to also make sure you leave time to take advantage of unscheduled learning and interaction. If you love Twitter then make sure you spend some time in the various lounges such as the Bloggers’ Cafe.
@selena I look at an over scheduled conference much like I do an over scheduled vacation. If you plan too many activities you waste time racing from one place to another. You never really enjoying the moment because you are too busy looking at your watch hoping to make it to the next destination on time! If you tend to be more social then it is a must to take time to meet people and just just attend sessions.
Bethany Smith
Tuesday, 26th May 2009 at 9:42 am
I highly agree with using the online scheduler. I was able to subscribe to my schedule with iCal & sync to my iPod so I had it easily accessible. However, don’t feel bad about missing sessions (especially when you have to traverse an entire concourse!)
Last year was the first time I went to NECC w/o any colleagues & really forced my self to meet new people & hang out at the Bloggers Cafe. It was a great experience & I’m looking forward to going by myself again this year :)
Susan Jenkins @ssjenk6
Friday, 29th May 2009 at 6:45 pm
Last year in San Antonio was my first trip to NECC.
For me the sessions were nice, but I got more out of networking and talking with people as Beth mentioned. Visiting the exhibity hall was the highlight for me since many of the booths were doing session type presentation right on the floor anyway.
You get more one on one time with them at the exhibit booths.
Also being a district wide employee for my school district and helping advise on purchasing I am in contact with our state vendors who in turn were instrumental in getting me contact with their colleagues who would be at NECC so I could check in with them to give feedback, network, or even be invited to a customer’s luncheon or reception.
I’m so looking forward to heading to DC in a few weeks!
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