Want to build your network, learn new techniques, or share your successes as an OT? The AOTA national conference is a great way to make progress on any of your 2018 career goals.

I have enjoyed every AOTA conference that I have attended, and 2018 in Salt Lake City will be no exception. Stop by to say hello to us! In the meantime, here are some tips on planning a great OT conference.

Enjoy!
Cheryl Hall, OT
Author and Illustrator, The Occupational Therapy Tookit

Get Organized

• Set up a meeting with your boss or team to see if there is any information they need from the conference. If a group is going from your organization, go over the next two points with them. Divide and conquer!
• Review sessions ahead of time to select first and second choices.
• Review the vendor list and map, because if you wander aimlessly you might miss some great, new products.
• Stock up on business cards. If you are a student or looking for a job, design a personal card.
• Download all the conference materials ahead of time.
• Decide how you are going to capture ideas you want to take back to your practice. Set up a file on your tablet, devote a notebook to the conference, or email yourself every time you are inspired.
• If small talk does not come naturally to you, write up a list of open-ended questions that you can draw on.
• Reach out to your contacts prior to the conference and suggest you meet for lunch or a drink.
• If this is your first conference, talk to colleagues who have attended for suggestions.

Set Goals
Here are some suggestions to get you started…

• Ask at least one question at every session you attend.
• Give out all the business cards that you bring to the conference.
• Introduce yourself to speakers, make sure you have their contact information and then connect with them via social media.
• Make a list of ideas to share with your boss. You will be motivated to follow through and they will want to send you again next year (which is in New Orleans!)
• Meet and thank everyone who served on the conference committee. Watch for introductions at the general session.

Immerse Yourself in the Conference

• Once you have arrived, walk around before the conference is in full swing to get the lay of the land.
• If possible, stay at the conference hotel. You will have more time for conference activities and a greater chance of meeting other OTs.
• Put away your cell phone. Think about it, would you approach someone who was glued to their phone?
• Join group activities – like an early morning walk.
• Sign up for targeted events like meetings for first time attendees or special interest groups.
• Volunteer for the conference.
• Strike up a conversation with at least one person at each event.
• Connect with the larger conversation using the conference hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.