Blog by Deanna Tharpe, DSAIA executive director

Going to a conference is not easy or cheap.  At DSAIA, we certainly know that.  We send our staff to professional development opportunities like conferences and workshops just like we ask you to do. (We try to practice what we preach.) And we all know that going to a conference is more than just attending the sessions. How often are you going to get Down syndrome association leaders from 60 or more organizations all in one place at one time? (And we mean JUST leaders....)

So, it's important to not only send attendees to the annual DSAIA Leadership Conference (#DSAIA2018) but also to get the most out of your attendance there. That's where my fellow executive director, Becky Caldwell, can help. She has 12 tips on how to make the most of your conference experience. For example, you probably thought about business cards before you go, but did you think about your website? What about reaching out beforehand using the DSAIA conference website to make meeting appointments with attendees PRIOR to the event?

She has some great advice on how to operate during the sessions...and even at the after hours networking events. It's all about the personal connections but let's make sure we don't get too personal. And after the event, why not consider an accountability partner and starting on at least one action item? 

We know you are intrigued to hear the details of her advice, so we're going to give you the link to her podcast on How To Conference. We think you'll find some great tidbits of advice in there!