Masonry Magazine February 1996 Page. 16
Find a Strategic Spot
Sit near the front of the room to focus on the speaker and offer nonverbal feedback during his presentation. For most people, this means sitting near the front of the room.
Bring a Sweater
Bring a sweater to workshops and meetings. Most convention workshops are held in "climate-controlled" rooms, which are occasionally too warm or too chilly. With a sweater, you can dress to match your personal comfort level.
Ask Questions
Ask questions. A good workshop will always leave you brimming with new information and ideas. But remember: a workshop also gives you the opportunity to ask questions of experts and colleagues, and add even more value to the gathering.
Don't Take Too Many Notes
Don't take too many notes. That's right: watch out for excess note-taking. Your natural inclination during a seminar might be to take notes on just about everything you hear. But notebooks overly packed with data and information will only end up in your file cabinet or closet. Take notes on key points only. These brief, power packed notes will be useful to you when you're back at your desk.
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Keep an Idea Log
Keep an idea log. Your idea log should be separate from your general seminar notes. In this log, enter useful "action strategies," or items to research or follow up on. Carry the log with you at all times, even when you're not in formal seminars and enter useful ideas as they're triggered by someone's comments. Later, you can use the log as an action resource.
Meet Speakers and Presenters
Meet as many speakers and presenters as possible. Perhaps you can converse with a speaker for a few minutes after his talk. Or arrange to meet him for lunch. Keep your personal "needs analysis" in mind as you discuss issues with the speaker. Listen for one or two great ideas or suggestions during these conversations.
Visit Exhibitors Twice
Visit exhibitors twice. During your first visit, make a casual note of the products and services offered by exhibitors. Pick up literature. Ask a few questions. Later, study the material you pick up, make a list of more detailed questions, and plan for a return visit the next day-when you'll be prepared to study specific products in greater depth.
Always Wear Your Name Tag
Always wear your name tag. The more you're noticed, the more opportunities you'll have for interaction with your peers.
Stand in Strategic Spots
Stand in a strategic spot during coffee breaks and receptions. "Strategic spots" might include a location 15 or 20 feet from elevator doors, near the entrance to meetings, or near the restroom corridor-wherever a large number of people are likely to pass or congregate. Here, you'll have the opportunity to meet and talk with a large number of people.
Carry Business Cards
Carry an ample supply of business cards. You never know when you'll have the opportunity to discuss a business deal, acquire information from an acquaintance, or set up post-convention business. From your handy supply, you can hand out cards to anyone who might need or want your address and telephone number later. And don't forget: a personal note or reference you jot on a business card will be kept much longer than a note your acquaintance writes on a piece of scrap paper.
Bring Your Appointment Calendar
Bring along your appointment calendar. You never know when you might have the opportunity to set up an important meeting with a vendor or colleague. If you carry your appointment calendar, be sure it fits in your pocket; that's the best way to guard against its loss.
Save Receipts
Save receipts. Most convention expenses are tax-deductible (including meals, which are usually 85% deductible). Save all receipts to document your deductions. When you don't get a receipt, say for a taxi ride or admission fee, make a diary note of the expense and its purpose.
Get Enough Rest and Exercise
Get enough rest and exercise. Don't kid yourself: almost any change in your routine can be tiring, even stressful. Conventions, which are so full of stimulation and physical activity, can be doubly tiring. Try to maintain as close to a normal work schedule as possible. If you hotel offers exercise opportunities, take them. And be sure to get as close to a good night's sleep as possible each day of the convention.
Make Action Notes
Make action notes. When you hear a tip that you can put to practical use, or when you promise to follow up on a colleague's request, write yourself an "action note"-and place it in your wallet or appointment calendar. You action notes will become an important part of your post-convention agenda.
See the Sights
Conventions give you the opportunity to see places you've never visited before. Hopefully, you've already identified the key sights and tourist attractions at your destination. When you arrive, carefully budget your time for local travel.
Share Your Knowledge
Share your knowledge and insights with others. Before you leave for home, make a list of key insights you've gained and resolve to share them with colleagues back in the office. The result: you'll get an even greater return on the time and money you invested in the convention, and you'll build goodwill among your colleagues.
Your convention can bring you personal and professional renewal. Seize the opportunities your convention offers, and it will bring you tremendous benefits long after you return home.
GNEW ORLEANSE
Experience the Excitement
Janar 25-29,9
16 MASONRY-JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996