Student affairs conference season is here!
If you’re attending a conference opportunity, you know that there are some fantastic presentations, roundtables, and opportunities for networking waiting.
However, virtual conferences run quite a bit differently than in-person opportunities, and you may be wondering how it’ll all work.
Fear not! After attending NASPA Region I’s virtual conference this past November, I have made my list of essential tips and tricks you can take with you to your next e-conference.
Deciding which e-conference(s) you want to attend is a critical first step. With nearly every conference moving virtual, the options can seem overwhelming.
Ask yourself:
With so many impressive conferences and presenters, you may feel dazed when you’re faced with an agenda chock-full of intriguing programs. To help address this conundrum, many conferences offer a pre-conference scheduling tool. If your conference does not, you can utilize schedule tools like Calendly, Fantastical, Any.do, or simply use a classic paper planner.
If you like to plan ahead, make sure you check back on your conference’s web page from time to time to see if any new programs have been added as the date gets closer.
The age of work from home has certainly changed up the norms for workwear. While e-conferences might be a shoes-off occasion, remember that there are still opportunities for networking, job searching, and learning. So dress as business-formal as you would for an in-person conference while taking these questions into consideration:
The Wardrobe Consultant provides practical advice for video calls, such as swapping out distracting patterns for bold colors and avoiding reflective jewelry.
A distracting, unpolished background is a surefire way to throw your networking opportunities astray. Follow these tips:
As a bonus, take a test photo from your computer or do a trial run with a friend or family member so you’ll know how you’ll appear ahead of time.
LinkedIn profiles have become a key part of many e-conferences, with some platforms even having a function wherein your LinkedIn hyperlinks to your conference profile. If it’s been a hot-minute since you’ve been on Linkedin, here are some of the top things to check over on your profile:
NASPA Region I’s recent e-conference allowed me to have a link to my LinkedIn profile, and I was able to expand my network by about 20 people as a result!
Many conferences and events require you to register and make a profile prior to logging in. As early as you are able to, register, log in, and practice using the site to familiarize yourself with the tools and modules you’ll use during the conference.
Zoom fatigue is an all too real phenomenon. Remember to take breaks between presentations to make sure that you are fully able to engage and stay present within the next session.
Have the chat box open to interact with the speaker and fellow conference-goers. Many presenters will invite you to introduce yourself, so take advantage of that offer. You may also notice someone in the chat who you’d like to network with later!
Many conferences are hosting pre-conference events. These may be in the form of early sessions, interest group meetings, mentor/mentee programs, poster presentations, and social media engagement opportunities. They can add to your professional development and help you gain even more out of the conference experience.
Easily my favorite part of NASPA Region I was the networking rooms. They were an enjoyable opportunity to meet someone else in student affairs in a one-on-one setting. Our profiles were even directly linked to our LinkedIn so we could connect and chat later.
Many conferences have their own Instagram or Twitter accounts for the conference or take over their association’s main account. Follow and interact with these accounts through polls, quizzes, tips, and reshares of other conference-goers for an added dimension of interaction. Additionally, join any groups that may assist you in navigating the e-conference experience. For example, I’ve found lots of helpful info from the Facebook group NASPA21 First Time Attendees.
Another highlight of my NASPA Region I experience was the bingo night. Although I didn’t win the coveted fleece vest prize, it was still a great opportunity to laugh and connect with colleagues outside of the more formal sessions. Check out your conference’s agenda for trivia, game shows, bingo, and more.
I know that attending a virtual conference can feel strange and daunting.
However, just as much, if not more work has gone into building these e-conferences to make them as amazing as an in-person experience. They can truly be a phenomenal opportunity to connect with SApros across the country and engage in awesome professional development.
For more tips on conference success, check out 16 Savvy Ways to Make Your Next Conference Presentation Your Best Yet.
What additional advice do you have on attending an e-conference? Connect with us on Twitter @themoderncampus.