10 WAYS TO GET THE MOST FROM CONVENING LEADERS

1. Put into the conference, what you hope to get out of it. TRY EVERYTHING - sign up for Twitter, fill out your profile, invite someone to the meeting, go to a chapter reception. You never know where you'll make that great new connection or learn an amazing tip...so get involved!
2. TALK to people you don't know. Easier said than done? Not when you complete your profile through Crowdvine and start putting together a list of people to meet. It's easy: select "want to meet" in their profile and they are added to your list - Bonus: they get a little nudge to which they can respond. You can also select who you already know so they are added to your network. It's safe and easy!
3. Blog, tweet, chat on Facebook, LinkedIn, the conference message board...CONNECT. Tell us what you think, what you want. Get online and start talking.
4. Choose your education goals for the Meeting (i.e. meet 10 new people, learn X about meeting ROI, etc.):
5. Utilize the new Personal Planner to create your schedule before getting onsite so that you can stay focused on your objectives! Hint: cross check the Personal Planner with your education goals - make sure you are attending the sessions that will get you closest to your goal.
6. Click on the tags to the right of your CrowdVine profile to find sessions that apply to you. Bonus: connect with other people with similar interests and start sharing best practices.
7. Click on the sessions you plan to attend
   • Add them to your schedule by clicking on the green plus sign
   • Post a message on the session's message board
   • Connect with the speaker through the message board or their profile and let them know what specific questions you have
   • See who else is planning to attend and start connecting with them about your challenges
   • Download the handouts and slides ahead of time
8. Take notes. Write down key takeaways and new technologies, companies, and colleagues that you can share back with your organization when you return.
9. Don't forget to thank your boss/board and tell him/her why it was valuable to attend.
10. Stuck on any of these hints? Contact one of us and we will help you out:
    • Member Relations:
      Christine Melendes, CAE, Director cmelendes@pcma.org, 312.423.7284
      Liz Giannini, Manager lgiannini@pcma.org, 312.423.7231