Category Archives: Conferences

Encore!16 Tips That’ll Make The Most of Your Next Conference.

Posted on September 22, 2011 | 2 Comments

16 Tips That'll Make The Most of Your Next Conference. Going to a conference is a major commitment of time and money. You want to make the most of it. Here are some tips that will help… Read More

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Encore! The Introvert’s Survival Guide to Conferences.

Posted on July 21, 2011 | 2 Comments

The Introvert's Survival Guide to Conferences. I love people, but I must admit I can’t be around them continually. It drains me. Hello, my name is Dan and I’m an introvert. I previously wrote  “Attention Introverts! You Can Market Successfully.”  Now I’d like to turn my attention to another challenge for introverts – conferences. If the thought of spending days  submerged in a sea of people is daunting, don’t despair. This article is for you… Read More


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16 Tips That’ll Make The Most of Your Next Conference.

Posted on October 20, 2010 | 4 Comments

Going to a conference is a major commitment of time and money. You want to make the most of it. Here are some tips that will help.

Pre conference planning.

  1. Do your homework. Select the names of those that you’d like to meet. Use Twitter, Facebook, and Google to get some background information on the speakers and workshop presenters. E-mail those you want to connect with and  set up  times when you can get together. A word of advice. Don’t try to talk to keynote speakers after their presentation because you’ll only end up in a throng of other attendees.
  2. Choose your workshops. It make sense to select sessions that you absolutely don’t want to miss. What I’ve found though is that it’s also fun to stretch yourself and attend a workshop that exposes you to some different content and ideas. Be open to possibilities.
  3. Pack clothes for layering. Conference venues can be notoriously too hot or too cold so have clothes that can be easily pulled on or shed.
  4. Pack an extra light bag. You’ll inevitably pick up stuff and you’ll need space to haul it home.
  5. Pack your business essentials. This includes business cards, pens, your laptop, and a notebook. Don’t forget to bring a sample of your work. You may meet a potential client.
  6. Find out about your conference destination. Take time to learn something about the host city.

At the conference.

  1. Arrive early or stay late. If possible, extend your visit by a day. You’ve spent hard earned money and traveled some distance to get to your conference. Don’t waste the opportunity to explore your host city and environs. You may not get there again.
  2. Familiarize yourself with the conference center. Nothing wastes more time than floundering around the first day trying to find where you’re going. Before the conference starts, take  your conference map and  locate the venues for the workshops you’ll be attending. Make a note of washrooms, bookstores, and coffee break locations.
  3. Don’t miss the keynote presentations. These are designed to be stimulating and thought-provoking. You’ll also have something in common to share with other attendees.
  4. Stay healthy. It’s easy to indulge in too much food and drink, not to mention the hours spent sitting. This saps your energy and lowers your immune system. Take time to go for a run or walk.  Conferences, especially in the winter, are a breeding ground for germs. Make sure to wash your hands frequently and  carry some antiseptic towelettes.
  5. Network. For my fellow introverts this can sometimes be  a challenge. I wrote about this in a previous article The Introvert’s Survival Guide to Conferences. And yet one of the best reasons for going to a conference is to meet others. So if you haven’t, read my Survival article and then step up to the plate. You’ll make lasting friendships, develop invaluable business connections, and learn a whole bunch of useful stuff.
  6. Leave a session that doesn’t have value for you. If after 15 minutes you feel your time is not being well spent, get up and leave. That’s why I like to sit near the door so I can make a speedy exit. Always have another session in mind that you can drop into… late.  I know it’s hard not to feel like you’re being rude. But remember you’re not at the conference to make presenters happy.
  7. Keep a conference diary. Every day prepare notes on people, ideas, action steps, and insights. It’s hard to remember everything if you leave it until you get home.
  8. Have fun. Make sure to attend social functions and planned outings. Take in some local sites by yourself or with a conference buddy. Do yourself a favor and make these “non-business” outings. Don’t see this as yet another opportunity to network.
  9. Ask questions. Speak up. If you don’t understand something in a session or want more information, don’t be afraid to blurt out your questions. No question is silly or unimportant. Repeat this mantra many times. ;-)
  10. Consider shipping home your conference “acquisitions”. Rather than haul extra books, conference manuals, and gifts back with you, make arrangements to have them couriered. It’ll save your back and make your return trip more enjoyable.

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Photo by TR Roberts

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The Introvert’s Survival Guide to Conferences.

Posted on August 18, 2010 | 1 Comment

I love people, but I must admit I can’t be around them continually. It drains me. Hello, my name is Dan and I’m an introvert.

I previously wrote  Attention Introverts! You Can Market Successfully.  Now I’d like to turn my attention to another challenge for introverts – conferences. If the thought of spending days  submerged in a sea of people is daunting, don’t despair. This article is for you.

  • Make space for downtime. By all means, attend all the workshops and keynote events that look interesting. But don’t fill your day with wall-to-wall events. Escape to your hotel room for an hour to read, nap, or just stare into space. I find going for a walk outside helps recharge my batteries.
  • Avoid a hotel roommate. The last thing you need is to have the stress of dealing with a roommate when you just want to relax. If you’re budget minded and plan to share, here’s my advice. Make every effort to find a fellow introvert. Or failing that, at least someone you know who can respect your need for quiet.
  • Exit conversations gracefully. It might be at a coffee break, meal, or in the hallway,  but there’ll be times you need to escape from yet another conversation. Make sure you have a few handy exit lines to draw on such as “I’m sorry, but I need some time to freshen up before the next workshop.” “I’m sorry, but I have a call I need to make.” “I promised to meet up with someone and I need to find them. You’ll have to excuse me.”
  • Make meaningful connections. I find I’m at my best one-on-one.  I make it a point to prepare a list of a few key people I want to see at a conference. Then I set up appointments with those individuals to meet over a coffee or drinks.
  • Have a conference “extrovert” buddy. This can be a friend, colleague, or someone you meet at the conference. Extroverts love meeting new people and can be the perfect partner at mixers and parties. They’ll introduce you to all kinds of people. No need to stand in the shadows!
  • Consider an “off site” spot or room service for a meal. I’m not one to enjoy my breakfast with a cast of hundreds. When I can, I look for a nearby cheap and cheerful café to get away from the crowds. Treat yourself to the occasional meal out or room service. It’ll do wonders for your soul.

Photo by Luke Stearns

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20 Reasons Why You Need to Attend the 2010 APH Conference.

Posted on June 23, 2010 | 6 Comments

In a previous post, 10 Great Reasons to Visit Victoria, BC, I extolled the virtues of my home town as the location for this year’s Association of Personal Historians conference. I know that coming up with the cash to attend a conference can raise questions of getting value for your money. Let me be frank. You’d be hard pressed to find another professional conference that gives you as much “bang for your buck” as the APH conference. I speak from experience. If you’re in the business of being a professional personal historian, you owe it to yourself to attend this conference. If you still need more convincing, here are 20 reasons to head to Victoria this November:

  1. You’ll learn enough new insights, skills, and ideas to keep you fueled until next year’s conference.
  2. You’ll meet friendly, seasoned veterans who’ll be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you.
  3. You’ll have the chance to develop business partnerships with other personal historians.
  4. You’ll make new friendships that will help sustain you in your business over the years.
  5. You’ll enjoy the luxury of putting work aside for a few days.
  6. You’ll be stimulated by dynamic keynote presentations.
  7. You’ll find your “Tribe” and be energized by its members who have the same passion as you do for personal histories.
  8. You’ll be able to share your work and experience in a supportive environment.
  9. You’ll get to taste the delights of “Nanaimo Bars” and “Sidney Slices”. Yummy!
  10. You’ll get to meet APH members  from your region.
  11. You’ll be able to put a  a face to the “stars” who post regularly on the APH listserv.
  12. You’ll become part of a vibrant group and return home feeling less isolated and alone in your work.
  13. You’ll get to ask lots of questions.
  14. You’ll have fun exploring Victoria, one of the world’s top travel destinations.
  15. You’ll get to take in the  “bigger picture” of personal histories.
  16. You’ll have epiphanies.
  17. You’ll get to listen to and talk with experts that you’d not normally have a chance to meet.
  18. You’ll discover new solutions to old problems.
  19. You’ll have a chance to test out and refine your “elevator” speech because attendees will be asking you, “What do you do?”
  20. You’ll get to meet me! Just kidding. ;-) But seriously I’m looking forward to meeting many of you at the conference.

© Sebastian Kaulitzki | Dreamstime.com

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10 Great Reasons to Visit Victoria, BC.

Posted on January 27, 2010 | 3 Comments

Victoria harbor with the Legislative Buildings in the background

No, I haven’t become a travel agent!  I’ll admit though that I love to extol the  virtues of  my home town,Victoria. And as a member of the Association of Personal Historians, I’m excited that this year’s conference will be held in Victoria, November 3 -7,  at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia. Named after Queen Victoria, it was established in 1843 by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a fort and trading post. Today it has an  estimated regional population of 326,000.

Here are 10 great reasons for you to come to Victoria.

1. Participate in the APH “Voices of the Elders” conference. If you’re not yet a member of the Association of Personal Historians, I strongly urge you to become one. You don’t want to miss this conference! You can join the APH by clicking here.

2. International travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler ranked Victoria #1 Best City in the Americas (2003/2004).

3. Aptly named the “Garden City”, Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada. Right now the snowdrops are blooming!

4. Victoria is home to Fisgard lighthouse, Canada’s oldest West Coast lighthouse, built in 1860.

Fisgard Lighthouse

5. Beacon Hill Park is  the site of the world’s tallest, free-standing totem pole carved from a single log. Erected in 1956, it stands  38.8-metres (127 ft.) and was carved  by Kwakwaka’wakw craftsman Mungo Martin.

World's tallest totem pole

6. Victoria is “Mile 0″ of the Trans Canada Highway,  the longest national highway in the world,  spanning 7,821 km (4,860 mi.)

7. Congregation Emanu-El is the oldest house of worship in British Columbia and the oldest synagogue in continuous use in Canada.

8. Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and second only to San Francisco which is the oldest in North America.

9.Victoria is home to The Royal BC Museum, one of the foremost cultural institutions in the world.

Butchart Gardens

10. The world famous Butchart Gardens are  a short 21 km (12.6 mi.) drive outside Victoria. Located on 55 acres, these sublime gardens are beautiful year round.

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Victoria Harbor photo by Gregory Melle

Fisgard Lighthouse photo by Eric de Leeuw

World’s tallest totem photo by Fawcett5

Butchart Gardens photo by Phil Romans

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If You Miss This Conference, You’ll Regret It.

Posted on July 30, 2009 | 5 Comments

APH Conference 2009-logo

The Association of Personal Historians  2009 Annual Conference is being held in  Valley Forge, Pennsylvania from  Oct. 21 – 25, 2009.  If you can get to only one conference this year, this is the one to attend.

Warning: Early bird registration ends on July 31st. If you want to save money click here. Non APH members can attend the conference but if you’re not yet a member, I’d encourage you to join the APH. The Conference fees are lower and you’ll receive a wealth of benefits that are well worth the membership fee.

I attended my first APH conference in Portland, Oregon,  in 2006. It was a great experience. Here’s what it did for me:

  • Recharged my batteries: Meeting with and listening to the varied experiences of APH members got me excited about my chosen profession.
  • Honed my skills: From workshops on marketing for introverts  to making demo reels to the therapeutic benefits of life stories, I soaked in new and valuable information.
  • Inspired me: The keynote speakers and workshop leaders helped me see my work in a larger context and made me want to do more.
  • Made new friends: I found personal historians are “my kind of people”. They’re good listeners. They’re enthusiastic. They’re helpful. I still keep in touch with several colleagues I met in Portland.
  • Created a sense of community: Working on our own can sometimes feel daunting and lonely. I left Portland knowing that I was now part of a very vital and enriching community.

Revolutionary Perspectives is the theme for the 2009 APH conference. Paula Stahel, APH President, writes:

… this year’s conference theme,  is designed to help you transform and expand your awareness. The wide array of educational workshops and enlightening speakers will open your eyes to opportunities you can take advantage of immediately. Access to new information, ideas, technology, and connections will offer fresh insight on how to make your business thrive, not just survive, harsh economic times.

I really encourage you to go to this year’s APH conference. It’s an investment you won’t regret. I wish I could say that I’ll see you there but I’m caring for my 91 year-old mother and she’s my priority right now. One day I’ll be back at an APH conference. See you then!

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