Bring a colleague (or several) to the Convention with you so that you have someone to de-brief the experience with… That also allows you to gain traction more quickly upon return to your school or system with your plans for next steps! Margaret A. Lee Frederick County Public Schools Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success We asked NAGC volunteer leaders to provide their best advice to attendees. Here is what they shared

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Check out the online program to see what your favorite speakers will be talking about at this year’s convention! Michael S. Matthews, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Gifted Education UNC Charlotte Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

Check out the online program to see what your favorite speakers will be talking about at this year’s convention! Michael S. Matthews, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Gifted Education UNC Charlotte Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints

Convention App available on or about October 15

Download the conference app To use your time wisely, study the session descriptions carefully and select two of interest per time slot. If one is full or doesn’t meet your expectations you’ll be ready to move on. Start early and stay late- take advantage of as many sessions and special events as possible Wear comfortable shoes Wendy A. Behrens Minnesota Department of Education Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

Write three questions you hope to have answered at the convention. Search the conference app before arriving for speakers and topics that might answer your questions. Gyimah Whitaker Atlanta Public Schools Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

Pick one or two topics or areas that you are interested in or want to increase you skill set around and seek out the sessions that focus on that content. This will allow you to come away with deeper learning in an area or two and increase the feeling of effectiveness from your attendance. Still leave some room for sessions that just catch your eye...those can be really enlightening. Do plan to attend some of the social/networking events to make connections with others. Don't think you have to attend every single session or event offered...because you can't! Michelle Swain Director, Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Round Rock Independent School District Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

I have learned to go through the Conference book and highlight speakers/sessions that I would like to attend and star the ones that I am very interested in. I carry it with me throughout the convention so that I can know exactly where I will go next (just in case it is a session that will be crowded so that I can get there quickly), have an alternative session in mind because sometimes I get into a session and it turns out to be different than I thought it was and not something that I am interested in, and so that I can juggle lunch and meetings (if they go over) and make adjustments as needed. I also keep my conference book afterwards, along with the papers from the sessions, just in case I ever need to contact the presenter for questions, share information, or need to look up information. Kristy Mall Discovery School Teacher Tennessee SENG liaison Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

Be sure to visit the exhibit hall to talk with exhibitors and view new books and other products that can help you in your work. Make the new parents and new attendees as welcome and included as possible! James T. Webb President Great Potential Press, Inc. Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

Make sure you attend some sessions on topics that are new to you and also take time to meet people from other parts of the country. This is an opportunity to broaden your perspectives on gifted and talented education and develop a sense of new directions in the field. Stuart N. Omdal Professor, School of Special Education University of Northern Colorado Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

I would suggest that people carve some time out to simply sit over a drink and chat with fellow conference attendees. Often, those conversations are meaningful and new friendships are formed. Nancy Arey Cohen Chair, Parent & Community Network Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!!! Working in the field of gifted education can be a lonely experience. You may be the only one at your grade level, in your building and in some cases the only one in your district. The NAGC Annual Convention is the epicenter for the world of gifted education. Now is the time to meet others who teach the same students you do, meet the researchers who have studied the kids you teach, and also enjoy the company of others who have a passion for serving the gifted, talented and creative learner. You will soon find out that the NAGC Convention is like an annual family gathering. Richard M. Cash President, nRich Educational Consulting, Inc Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

I think one thing to remember is that the people in the field of gifted education are the most generous I know. Never hesitate to ask someone a question or engage them in a conversation. It doesn't matter if they are "big names" or not. They will take the time to visit with you, if at all possible. Kathy Jones AHA Learners Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success

Attend Network Business Meetings. You will meet other people in the field with similar interests and also will find opportunities to get involved, leading to connections beyond the Convention. Jill L. Adelson Assistant Professor University of Louisville Tips and Tricks and Helpful Hints For NAGC Convention Success