Welcome to the Annual Education Conference!
This tip sheet is designed to help you navigate the conference while you are here. It offers ideas for making meaningful connections, choosing sessions intentionally, and taking care of yourself throughout the experience.
You do not need to do everything to have a successful conference. Use these tips as a guide rather than a checklist. Take what is helpful, skip what is not, and trust yourself to make choices that align with your goals, energy, and interests.
Getting Oriented When You Arrive
- At registration, be sure to pick up ribbons to attach to your badge. These ribbons can help spark conversations by sharing your region, whether you work at a firm or a school, and more. Be sure to grab a Newcomer ribbon as well.
- Attend the Newcomers Orientation on Tuesday, April 14 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. This session is a great opportunity to gather additional tips and meet other newcomers.
Setting Priorities and Session Logistics
- Remember that it is impossible to do everything. Revisit the priorities and learning objectives you set for yourself, or with your supervisor, before the conference. This will help you choose among the many panels, networking events, and social opportunities.
- You will have time between sessions to get to your next location. Do not hesitate to stop by the registration tables to ask for directions if needed.
- Take notes in real time by jotting down key takeaways from each session. Consider using a prompt such as what is one thing I will try when I return to work.
- Be sure to note the Wellness Power Hours, which are special sessions focused on well-being and self-care.
- If you are an introvert or simply need quiet time, make space to recharge. The AEC can feel more like a marathon than a sprint, so take breaks when needed and enjoy the ocean air.
- Visit the Exhibit Hall to connect with conference vendors, pick up swag, and enter prize drawings. Do not forget your business cards. You can also have a professional headshot taken if needed. Some vendors may be more relevant to certain attendees, but you are welcome to speak with all of them and have your vendor passport stamped. Be sure to attend the prize drawing on Thursday, April 16 at 3:45 pm in the Exhibit Hall.
AEC Networking
- Attend at least one section or affinity group meeting and your regional reception.
- The Newer Professionals Section meets on Wednesday, April 15 during lunch.
- Regional receptions take place Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
- Most open NALP sections meet Thursday from 1:00 to 2:15 pm. A full list of sections and room locations will be available on the conference website and in the app.
- Affinity groups meet Thursday at 8:45 am.
- As you meet people, return to your attendee list and make brief notes about your conversations so you can follow up later. Introduce yourself to those seated near you at sessions, meals, and receptions.
- Feel free to join open tables during meals. This is often one of the best ways to meet new people at the conference.
- Other great places to engage with attendees include:
- During sessions when seated next to someone
- At the Member Celebration near the bar area
- In the hotel lobby
- At the 5K Fun Run and Walk or during yoga class or the Wellness Power Hours
- Be sure to attend the NALP Business Meeting on Friday, April 17 at 12:00 pm. This meeting marks the start of a new business year for NALP and is a great way to learn more about the organization and connect with leadership. The lunch session is also an opportunity to think about how you may want to be involved with NALP moving forward.
As you wrap up your time at the AEC, take a moment to reflect on what stood out to you, whether conversations, sessions, or moments of connection. The After the Conference tips are designed to help you reflect, follow up, and turn this experience into next steps once you return home. For now, know that showing up thoughtfully and authentically is more than enough.
See tips for before the conference
See tips for after the conference
