So, What do I do now?: Bringing the Conference Momentum Back to Campus Suzette Walden, M.Ed.©

What We Will Cover. . . Making the Most of Your Conference Experience Preparing a Plan for Returning to Campus Characteristics of the SWOT Analysis Putting You to the Test. . . Other Ideas for Bringing Information and Momentum Back

Making the Most of Your Conference Experience. . . Network with your peer institutions (similar size, similar make up) What are their struggles? How are they addressing those struggles/challenges? Are they doing anything unique? What types of programs/policies are they working on? Networking can give you additional ideas. Listen carefully to what others are doing; and if an idea strikes you, then get the person’s card to follow-up.

Making the Most of Your Conference Experience. . . Take Notes in Sessions. . . Do not just take notes about the session topic, but keep a list of ideas with you. Sometimes things occur to us randomly, write them down! If someone offers a suggestion in a session that you think is innovative or might work on your campus, follow-up with them after the session and ask for their information. Sometimes the session, itself, is what you are learning from at the conference and sometimes it is actually the ideas that the session conference elicits from you.

Making the Most of Your Conference Experience. . . Have Delegation Meetings At least once, during a break, gather everyone from your delegation and discuss your ideas and thoughts as a collective. You may be surprised at how many of you are thinking along the same lines. If an idea comes up and the group likes it, then put it on your plan. Think about who would work on the project, policy or idea. Do you already have a committee assigned to that type of work? Will it require a special appointment? Think through the SWOT analysis model? Finally, think through how you might get others on board with the concept. Delegation meetings can be very helpful in both identifying opportunities, problems and solutions for your SG.

THEY PLAN FOR RETURNING TO CAMPUS!! Preparing Your Plan What does your SG normally do when you get back to campus? How is information from the conference shared with the full SG (and the campus)? What, typically, happens to the momentum you have while at the conference? These are the questions that most (if not all) ASGA attendees have to address. Some address them more successfully then others; so what’s their secret? THEY PLAN FOR RETURNING TO CAMPUS!!

Preparing Your Plan What are some of the obstacles for the plans that you have? What is the dynamic of your SG about who was able to come to the conference The answers to these questions and many more are likely to affect the success of the outcomes of your ideas. . . This is where a SWOT Analysis can help prepare you.

Understanding SWOT

Understanding SWOT Strengths Advantages of proposition? Capabilities? Competitive advantages? USP's (unique selling points)? Resources, Assets, People? Experience, knowledge, data? Financial reserves, likely returns? Marketing - reach, distribution, awareness? Innovative aspects? Location and geographical? Cultural, attitudinal, behavioural? Management cover, succession? Philosophy and values? Others?

Understanding SWOT Weaknesses Disadvantages of proposition? Gaps in capabilities? Reputation, presence and reach? Financials? Own known vulnerabilities? Timescales, deadlines and pressures? Effects on core activities, distraction? Reliability of data, plan predictability? Morale, commitment, leadership? Processes and systems, etc? Others?

Understanding SWOT Opportunities Market developments? Industry or lifestyle trends? Technology development and innovation? Campus influences? Niche target markets? New USP's? Information and research? Partnerships, agencies, distribution? Seasonal, weather, fashion influences? Others?

Understanding SWOT Threats (or Concerns) Political effects? Legislative effects? Environmental effects? IT developments? Campus demand? Vital contracts and partners? Sustaining internal capabilities? Obstacles faced? Insurmountable weaknesses? Loss of key staff? Sustainable financial backing? Seasonality, weather effects? Others

Understanding SWOT SWOT in Action

Putting You to the Test. . . Pick a partner Identify a goal/idea that might work for both of your campuses What would it look like on your plan? Conduct the SWOT Analysis?

Other Ideas for Bringing Momentum and Information Back. . . For larger delegations: Have a Mini-Conference/Retreat for your SG. Ask each delegation member to be prepared to present 1 – 2 sessions he/she attended. Have your SG members (and others) attend the conference. Afterwards discuss some of the ideas the delegation had. For smaller delegations: Have a Professional Development Series for your SG. Select 1 – 2 meetings/month to present information from the conference. Identify the same number of sessions attended that you would like to present. Afterward each workshop discuss some of the ideas the delegation (or you) had.

Other Ideas for Bringing Momentum and Information Back. . . Create a Conference Resource Binder Ask each delegation member to type up his/her notes from the session. Have the delegation member turn in his/her notes, along with copies of session material handouts. Create a table of contents. Place the binder in a resource area for the full SG. Conduct Full SG SWOT Analysis for Goals Once you have explained/explored the delegations’ goals for the SG, set aside 1 -2 meetings to complete a full SWOT analysis. Post-Conference Delegation Meetings Schedule 2 – 3 follow-up meetings to discuss progress, the need to amend goals, and any new ideas.

Other Ideas for Bringing Momentum and Information Back. . . Meet with Administrators to share your ideas and to try to determine the climate for some of the changes/programs you are exploring. Note: You may want to do this BEFORE the SWOT Analysis. Write a Press Release about Your Conference Attendance. Assign Project Managers to Designated Ideas If not specific to a committee, then assign (or have someone volunteer to be) a project coordinator to ensure the work is getting done! Pass Along Ideas to Other Groups. Keep Your Plan Where You Can See It! Others?

Questions. . .