I am so pumped about going this year to the National Association of Church Business Administration National Conference and its still 3 months away! It is the highlight of my year seeing everyone again. I have many colleagues that I only get to see at this conference that makes it even more exciting. There is something about the overall atmosphere of this conference that makes it fun and great and memorable!
Here are my top 5 tips for attending a NACBA.net National Conference. I have been attending them for 10 years and by now have figured out some things that will help anyone enjoy the conference even more. There is no cost for the tips, they are FREE!
#5 Organize
After you register go find a spot in the hallway and spend some time going through the conference workbook. You can do this while meeting with friends or if you sponsor a First Timer this would be a great first meeting with them. Look closely at the daily schedule and try and plan each day in advance. That way you don’t just wander the hallways looking for a session. Check your special meeting times and dates and mark them in your book. Read people! There is so much info in the workbook to help you get organized!
#4 Network
Connect up ahead of time with a few colleagues and make some plans to get together at the conference. Once you are there it is harder to locate them and make plans. I have four couples that I always hang together with during the conference that makes it so much fun. But do not be a click! Once you are there, make sure you invite others to join in the fun and do things together in the evening. Log in cell numbers of your group to stay in touch!
#3 Mail the goodies
On the last day of the conference I gather up all my goodies from the trade show and my conference binder and ship them to my office. It lightens you up packing to go home and if you fly standby and carry your bags it really helps you out. Plus it’s fun to get back to the office and then receive a package of all your goodies. Buy a flat rate box and you can fill it with whatever you want.
#2 Attend everything you can
Seriously; one year I messed up and attended only morning sessions and played the rest of the day (don’t tell Simeon and Phill). I was very disappointed after the conference looking back at what I missed out on. Seize the moment and attend whatever you can, good or not so good, and take it all in. There is plenty of time in the evenings to have fun with the group but focus the day on the conference and all it has to offer.
#1 Lighten up
This is my best tip of all for anyone attending a NACBA conference. Just have fun! The minute I get on the plane to leave I start the fun. Laugh and joke with people along the way. Dress casual, let your hair down, put on a pair of plaid shorts, gel your hair back, have some fun people. Spend a lot of time in the hallways watching people go by, meeting people, shaking hands, and renewing friendships from previous years. I love this part!
Do you have another tip for conference attendees? Share your ideas here!
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