Make your first ACE/NETC conferece a success

I was just a few months into my ACE membership and completely new to Extension when I attended the 2010 ACE conference in St. Louis. I’m not going to lie. I was at a serious disadvantage and painfully nervous. Everyone was a stranger, I didn’t know much about the organization, and it seemed that session topics had little to do with my work for Colorado State University Extension (I write impact reports).

While there was no formal effort to pair new members, or first time attendees, with a conference buddy—you know, an experienced pro who could show us newbies the ropes—everyone was so welcoming. By the end of my stay I had made a new friend from Wisconsin who was also a writer (and also new to ACE). I attended sessions that were relevant to my reporting niche, and others that gave me new ideas. I shared a gorgeous 6:30 a.m. run with a group of diehard Joe Marks Fun Run/Walk participants. I bid on and won a fantastic cookbook from Maryland at the silent auction. And, I developed a serious crush on the iPad.

Although my introverted self largely prevailed, I engaged where it suited me best and made the conference work for me. That’s all any of us can do when we’re new and not sure what to expect. If your uncertainty is holding you back, I invite you to let go and find your way to Denver. I also encourage you to set yourself a few select goals so that you’ll be sure to get something out of the conference. You don’t need lofty ones, just start where you are:

· Meet 10 people from around the country

· Learn a new skill/method that you can share with your work team

· Ask one question at each breakout session

· Decide how you’d like to contribute to planning the next year’s conference

Armed in advance with your own first conference strategy, you’ll be sure to walk away from ACE/NETC 2011 with great insight, new friends, and the desire to come back again and again.

Carol Busch

Impact Writer, Colorado State University Extension