A couple weeks ago, Ohio State’s Assistant Athletic Director for Fan Engagement, Tyler Jones, provided you with 5 tips to maximize your #NACMA17 experience. Well, with less than two weeks until we embark on our journey to pillage & plunder the Magic Kingdom…oh wait, that’s just for us Pirates (had to get in a Disney reference with the new “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie out given my school’s mascot)…. What I meant was…until we gather to share best practices, renew friendships or build new ones, or simply commiserate with colleagues on promotional attempts gone awry, allow me to add to #TJTIPS to make it a complete Top 10 list of ways to get the most out of your time at convention.
- DRESS ACCORDINGLY. As a season-veteran, I’ve seen trends come and go, but these days most attendees dress business casual. For some, that might mean sport-coat, no tie…for others, school logoed polos, but the old adage still holds true – “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Bring a variety of options, particularly if you’re in the market for a new job, because you never know when the opportunity to interview will present itself. My staff also recommended that I pass along that attendees should bring a jacket/sweater to breakout sessions (if you get cold easily) so you don’t miss out on valuable information because you are distracted by your own shivering.
- NEED TO ACCESSORIZE? Every year I wrestle with “do I need to carry a bag around from session-to-session containing my notebook and other items, or can I simply survive with carrying a notebook & pen, maybe my tablet or phone for notes” (especially since you can plan your session schedule through the NACDA app). Like any good debate this dilemma has two sides…carrying a bag makes it easy to shake hands; allows you to have things such as water, laptops, and mints at the ready; and provides you a place to stash all of the free samples and handouts you get from the exhibit hall. On the other hand, it is one more thing to keep track of, can be heavy and cumbersome, and sometimes simple is better. So, to you I say, do whatever makes you comfortable…you can always switch your strategy on day 2!
- CARD COUNTING. I know Tyler already touched on the topic of networking, but felt it was important to hit on again. Make sure your introductions to new colleagues are meaningful. There is nothing easier to see through than a YP handing out, and collecting, as many business cards as possible. “Don’t count your introductions, make your introductions count!”
- LEARN FROM OTHERS. I can hear the collective “duhs” while I type this, but I’m not just referring to the sharing of ideas in and among the NACMA sessions or its members, but also take the opportunity to sit in on an open session that might interest you being presented by NAADD, ICLA, etc. Understanding the challenges and trends in other units will not only help keep you better informed within the industry as a whole, but will also help create better synergy back on your campus with those same units. If you can’t find time to make it to a particular session, seek out the presenter (don’t stalk) during the convention to learn what you can in a side-bar conversation.
- LAISSEZ LE BON TEMPS ROULER (translation: LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL)…just not too much! For many, the 3-4 days at convention is a reunion of sorts, maybe a vacation for others; but regardless, there is a social aspect that is undeniable. Enjoy the comradery and the opportunities to socialize over adult beverages, but don’t be “that person” that everyone is talking about the next morning. Act responsible, know your limits, and remember you can never make a second, first impression!
Safe travels to Orlando and hope you make the most of your time at #NACMA17!