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July 16, 2005
Tips for first-time attendees
If you're a first time attendee to ASAE & the Center's Annual Meeting, you might be feeling a little apprehension about going to a strange city to meet with 4,000 strangers. Last year was my first ASAE annual meeting, so here is some advice from someone who recently went through the same thing.
1. Act like the host. Introduce yourself to people and say, "Welcome to Nashville!" The easiest people to approach are those who are standing or sitting by themselves. What's the worst that can happen?
2. Don't look too busy. Instead of burying your nose in the conference guide or staring at your cell phone or PDA, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and observe with a smile. You might be surprised how many people approach you.
3. Admire your surroundings. Find the most interesting feature in the room face it, and stand right in front of it. Other people will want to have a peek, too, and it will be easy to strike up a conversation.
4. Pick out the sessions you want to attend in advance. All the sessions are available for your viewing pleasure at www.ASAEannualmeeting.org. Knowing where you're going next will make it easier to mingle between sessions.
5. Use the IntroNetworks system that ASAE & the Center have set up. It is simply an amazing tool. Read my earlier post on it, if you want more information.
Posted by Ben Martin at July 16, 2005 07:37 AM
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