Transcript Convention 101: Getting the Most Out of Your Convention Experience

Convention 101
Getting the Most from Your Convention Experience
Jeff Jacobs
Methacton School District
PSAHPERD Convention, 2013
Convention Attendance costs $$
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With the economy the way it is, many school districts are cutting
back on budgets for professional development.
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Attending the Convention can be a big expense!
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No matter who is paying for you to attend, it is important to get
the most for your dollars spent.
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Many Districts have Title II funds for professional development
purposes.
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I’d like to share some ideas and tips that
have helped me in the past.
Some I’ve learned from experience
Others I’ve learned from friends and
colleagues
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Conventions can be a very intense
and stressful experience!
There’s so much going on at one
time!
Plan and Organize
It’s well worth the time to do some
planning and get yourself organized as
to how best approach the convention.
Convention Program
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At your earliest convenience,
take the time to look through
the convention booklet.
______________________
This is usually posted on
the PSAHPERD website
www.PSAHPERD.org prior
to the convention.
Questions to ask yourself
What topics would I like
to learn about?
Is there information that I
would like to gather?
Are there certain presenters or colleagues
with whom I would like to meet or speak?
Choose and Highlight
Read through the titles
and descriptions of the
workshops.
Highlight those which
interest you most.
These are the ones you
should read in more
detail.
Prioritize
 If there is more than one workshop that
interests you listed within a specific time
frame, prioritize them.

One may be full and you’ll
need a backup.
 You may show up and realize it’s not what
you want so, again, you have a backup.
Resolve the Conflict
If there are two or more workshops you really
want to attend during a specific time frame:
- See if any of them are also offered at another
time
- If attending with colleague(s), you can each
attend a different one and share the information
- Ask presenter(s) for notes and handouts
Look at other events besides workshops
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Awards
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Banquet
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General session
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Exhibit Hall
- vendors
- demonstrations
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Silent auction
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Dance Gala
These are highlighted in gray.
Ask Questions!
“Asking questions is a sign of intelligent behavior.” ~anonymous
Notes
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As you participate in workshops, try to
make note of ideas or activities that you
can use immediately.
Perhaps circle them so you can fill
in the details before you forget.
Sometimes there’s follow-up. Make
note of it and do it as soon as possible.
Set aside time to revise your notes or to
write the most important points in detail.
Look at the Convention Layout
Gather Information
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Gather handouts, pickup business cards,
collect e-mail and website addresses.
Many presenters like to
post their presentations
and handouts on their
website.
Others will e-mail it to you upon request.
Suggestions

As you try to follow your plan
be flexible.
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Mix it up. Try to alternate between active and
passive workshops so you’re not always sitting.
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Set some time aside to rest and relax.

Keep your receipts in one place.
Allow yourself time to meet and talk with
other convention goers. Building
relationships and networking is well
worth it!
Benefits of Professional Membership

Professional Journal
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Keystone Newsletter
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Access to website
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Convention Access
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Networking opportunities
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Local association participation
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Eligibility for awards
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Membership fees pay for advocacy
As a member of PSAHPERD, please consider getting more involved.
For additional membership benefits consider joining AAHPERD
Convention 101
Woooo Hoooo!
What a great
convention!
By taking the time to organize
and plan you will hopefully get
the most out of your
convention experience!
Time for
Questions and Answers