Below is a list of 7 ways to make the most out of your next BOOST Conference!
1) Be PRESENT.
Don’t compare last year to this year. You will be chasing a ghost or even worse, you will try to “recreate” last year’s experience. Every year is distinct and every year there are new ‘openings.’ Which is one of the secrets of BOOST and something that can be appreciated, only if you are PRESENT (mind, body and soul).
2) The ENTIRE CONFERENCE is a workshop.
If you expect to get your professional development in workshop sessions…good. That’s what they are there for. Also, think about this…the nation’s leaders in expanded learning are convening in one area for one week. Utilize and maximize this opportunity. I have found that this type of informal learning has been the most transformative and authentic.
3) Be GENEROUS with your SMILES and APPRECIATION (especially if you are from California).
It is more difficult and awkward to NOT speak to or acknowledge people in their presence. And from my experience, BOOST is the only time where I get to see many of my dear friends and comrades in the Expanded Learning field. Equally as important is smiling and acknowledging people we don’t know. Now, for my California peoples, this incredibly important. This is our state and people are coming from across the nation to BOOST. Welcome them and show them why some say the WEST COAST is the BEST COAST.
4) Make a commitment to CONNECT with a minimum of 5 new people.
I remember one of the first conferences I went to in my after school career. A team member dug into me because I wasn’t doing everything with them. I get it. Building team is important. Equally important is building and connecting with new people. There are going to be over 2,000 people at BOOST…someone has to have the answer to your question. Someone has to have that idea that will inspire a program, a city, a state and/or nation. BONUS POINTS: Connect two different people from across the states that have never met.
5) SHARE your learnings, highlights, and inspirations via social media.
They say there are two types of misers: One is a miser of money. The second is the miser of knowledge. The latter is worse than the first. Why? The miser of money doesn’t give out of fear of losing their money. The miser of knowledge, ironically, doesn’t lose any of their knowledge when they share it. Lesson: don’t be stingy with your knowledge and share it via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
6) Make it a point to REFLECT on your experience.
By the end of the week you will be on a high. You will meet so many people who are deeply passionate about what they do. You will meet people who love their work and the people they work with. This love is both intoxicating and contagious. You cannot help but be inspired, so on your plane ride home or your drive back, make it a point and reflect on your experience.
7) Keep yourself HYDRATED.
Seems simple, right? It’s going to be over 100 degrees EVERY day there so please make sure you take care of your basic needs. BONUS POINTS: Offer someone a bottle of water or buy them a drink ;).
For breakfast I had a cup of coffee and a spinach, banana, and coconut milk shake.
Author Profile: @diegoarancibia
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