How Not to Suck at #ISTE18

Harsh, right?

Well, I’ve met your inner voice; I believe our inner voices are related in fact. Because sometimes teachers can be so critical of – themselves.

And know that being a teacher is, in itself, what makes you awesome to others.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference is the largest international conference you may ever attend as a teacher. Don’t let that feel like pressure, let it be an opportunity to meet and mingle with your #edtech tribe!

But incase this is your first ISTE conference, or you just need to hear it again, here is How Not to Suck at #ISTE18:

• It is not an interview; dress like it is Friday Casual day. Of course shorts are allowed and comfortable shoes required.
  But it’s Chicago, so the nights may get cool, bring a little something extra.
  
• Assume everyone is just another teacher down your hall that you have not met yet.
  Speak up, introduce yourself, make a friend, follow each other on Twitter.
  Some of the best connections come on the bus to the conference or inline waiting for a lunch table.
  
• Plan to attend some of the special interest group events/sessions and see if this could be group you could learn with throughout the school year.
  Free with your membership is access to join any of more than 20 ISTE-sponsored PLNs who meet (virtually) year round.
• Try a nice variety of session types; don’t ignore the poster sessions.
  Allow time between sessions to follow-up on conversations which may convert into connections.
• Go into the Expo Hall with a plan or don’t go in at all.
  You will likely not get through all the booths, so plan which vendors you want to visit and don’t just go in there with the hopes of free t-shirts and pencils.

Sure, I have other tips {How to Schedule a Conference}, but following the above will get you through that newbie feeling. And remember being a teacher is what makes you awesome to others – especially other teachers!

ISTE veterans, what tops would you add to the above?

See you at ISTE!