Once the ink is dry on your travel request to attend a national conference, your work begins. This is an opportunity for you to make some valuable connections in your field of expertise and beyond.
Last spring, I grabbed a postcard for the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) conference, which took place Nov. 3-6, and began my search. Checking out the tentative itinerary, I learned who the keynote speaker was — Saundra McGuire — and knew I was in for a treat. Though I’d briefly introduced myself to her at a previous conference, I didn’t expect her to remember me. She was gracious when I approached her at the welcome reception, and I eagerly showed her the back of the conference postcard that I’d picked up six months earlier. I wanted her to know that she was on the top of my connection list!
Since this was my first conference with this particular group, I didn’t know anyone by sight. However, I did have my postcard handy. I’d written down some other “big names” who might open some doors for me professionally and personally. And that’s the key: Not only do you need to study what is being presented, you also need to investigate who the speakers will be.
I weaved my away through the upbeat crowd, glancing at names as I passed. When I found someone who had made my postcard list, I jumped right in there. Of course, I didn’t interrupt, but I wanted to appear eager to meet my new friend. A stash of business cards was tucked behind my nametag, alleviating the need to rummage around my purse or conference bag.
“Hi, I’m Karen Boyd from Ohio, and I coordinate our statewide initiative, eTutoring. Have you heard about us?”
Most of them were puzzled, and that’s when I’d pull my postcard and flip to the backside.
“See, I’ve wanted to connect with you ever since I learned you would be presenting at this conference!”
At that point, they were either curious (Who is this woman from Ohio? Is she stalking me?) or (hopefully) thinking, “Wow! This woman went to the effort to track down key individuals to make connections.” Most of the folks were acknowledged leaders in our field, and I was determined to get a business card in their hands and a brief story of what I have been doing for the past seven years.
When I first met the outgoing president of CRLA, she eagerly embraced me as if we were long lost friends. We’d only emailed a few times, but that gesture on her part (and in front of new friends) made me feel quite proud. And then, I turned around and found myself face-to-face with the president-elect, who also happens to work at an institution that we want as part of the Ohio eTutoring Collaborative. Just before entering the room for newcomers, I found the president-to-be and shared with him what we are doing. He wanted to know more! I’d hit the jackpot! In the two hours of networking, I’d introduced myself to six of the nine individuals I’d hoped to meet.
What’s the takeaway message here? Make your attendance at conferences productive, and go beyond learning new practices or meeting new people. Make yourself known, and share what you do. You’d be surprised how many professionals will open new doors for you!
