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If you’re new to 51�Թ�—or even if you’re not—the 51�Թ� Annual Conference presents an overwhelming array of opportunities for networking and learning. The following tips will ensure that you make the most of the experience.

Arrive Early: If you are an 51�Թ� member consultant, try to arrive by Sunday evening so you can attend the members-only welcome reception from 7:00–8:30 p.m. This preliminary event is a great opportunity for you to build your IEC network/cohort.

Download the 51�Թ� Conference App: The conference app is an essential tool for connecting with fellow participants and planning your conference schedule. Download it in advance of arriving at the conference so you can begin to plan your time onsite.

Plan Ahead: There are more than 80 breakouts plus roundtable discussions, major speakers, pre-conference workshops, networking events, and receptions. There’s no way to keep all of that straight without some advance planning. Check out the schedule of events in the app to make sure you don’t miss anything important to you.

You can also use the app to review the lists of which schools/programs will be at the College & Postsecondary Fair, K-12 School Exchange, and Therapeutic Info Swap. Decide which you will visit before you attend the conference—but keep an open mind and stray off your list once the conference begins, so you are open to learning about unfamiliar offerings for students.

Pack Wisely: Bring a sweater or jacket (hotels are notoriously cold!), comfortable shoes, plenty of business cards, and a way to take copious notes. Conference dress is business casual. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle and a travel coffee cup to keep you hydrated and caffeinated! Pack lightly since you are sure to pick up materials along the way that you'll want to bring home with you.

Look for the 51�Թ� Community Committee Representatives: They'll be wearing green “welcome” buttons. These friendly faces are members who have volunteered to extend a warm welcome and help you find community during and beyond the conference.

Divide and Conquer: Interesting breakout sessions often overlap. Introduce yourself to another IEC and see if you can arrange to share notes. Cooperate with a friend to divide and conquer. There is a star, also noted as the favorite button, associated with each event in the conference app. Click the star to add any event or session to your personalized schedule. In the app, your personalized schedule will be found in the My Schedule section.

Stay Organized: At the end of each conference day, organize your notes, business cards, and swag—everything you collect during the conference needs to make it back home! (If you end up with more than you can carry, stop by the hotel's business center for a UPS or FedEx box and ship your materials to your home or office.) Each evening, take a few minutes to review the schedule for the next day, including room locations for sessions you plan to attend, so you have an easier time finding your way.

Use StriveScan to Make Connections: Your name badge will have a printed barcode on it. Schools, colleges, programs, and vendors will scan your badge to gather your contact information. Let them and even encourage them to do so! At the end of the conference, you will receive a list and contact information for everyone who scanned your badge. This will prevent you from having to collect and manage business cards!

Work the Room: In the fairs (College & Postsecondary Fair, School Exchange, and Therapeutic Info Swap), start at the back of the room and work your way to the front to avoid the more crowded areas. Come prepared with specific questions and, if you have certain schools/programs you want to see, go right to their tables—and then explore their “neighbors” to learn about unfamiliar offerings.

Embrace the Opportunities: Introduce yourself to fellow attendees during informal settings like coffee breaks, lunch, and the networking reception. Take part in pre- and post-conference tours to meet new IEC colleagues while learning about schools. Consider going to breakout sessions beyond your specialty area to expand your knowledge base. And save energy for nighttime events—many sponsors offer hosted receptions, which can be a great way to make new connections in a smaller setting. Go to everything that you can! Accept that a little fatigue and some overwhelm are a part of the conference experience.

Pace Yourself: Attend as many events as you can, and take care of yourself too. Try to visit the Vendor Hall during quieter times, make use of the Wellness Lounge, and get outside the conference hotel for a brief walk to reenergize you. Conference days are very full; it's okay to take a break if you need to refuel or regroup.

Most of all, soak it all in and enjoy your time at the conference. We can’t wait to see you there!