Pick a conference theme - In the past I've gone to mostly sessions on assessment. Lately it's been differentiation. And of course anything early language is also on the list.
But sometimes abandon that and go hear great speakers no matter what they're presenting on - Paul Sandrock, Greta Lundberg, and Meredith White are presenters I'll go listen to no matter what they're presenting on. If they present at STAR Talk it's a good bet they're excellent.
Take lots of notes! - And when it's moving too fast just take pics of the screen.
Wear comfortable shoes - ACTFL is huge. Regional conferences are also usually spread out.
Don't forget to see some of the city - I only saw what I could see from the shuttle bus of Boston when I was there for ACTFL. SCOLT has been at an airport hotel in Atlanta that I never left. Conferences are great but so are the cities they are in. Since then I've made sure to get out and see some of whatever city I'm in.
Make new friends! And reconnect with the old - Talk to the people sitting near you in sessions. Get yourself invited to a vendor happy hour. Or sign up for the NNELL Breakfast. There are lots of ways to connect with other teachers.
Have a card with your contact information - Because you never know when someone like Helena Curtain is going to ask for YOUR card and you will not want to tell her you don't have one.
Be strategic with your vendor swag - Because you will have to carry it around all day and then get it home.
Follow the conference hashtag to see what's happening in sessions you couldn't make it to - This is also a great tip if you can't make it to the conference (like me this year!)
Get a massage pillow because you WILL be sore - When you get home you will need it!
Take time to reflect and decide what you want to implement and how - Some things you'll try on Monday. Some things need deeper reflection.
Wish I could tell you I'd see you in DC this year. I was supposed to present at ACTFL but then a dear friend from my time teaching English in Japan told me she was getting married that weekend. So instead of DC, I'll be in Tahara City, Kyoto, and Tokyo. What are your go-to conference tips? Share in the comments below!