1. What is a Conference?

2. Basic Structure Pre-conference Events Pre-conference Events Opening Plenary Opening Plenary Presentations Presentations Exhibition Hall Exhibition Hall Special Events Special Events Closing Plenary Closing Plenary

3. First Conference Go with the flow.Go with the flow. Partner with someone who is experienced.Partner with someone who is experienced. Make 3-5 goals.Make 3-5 goals. Pace yourself.Pace yourself.

4. Opportunities Opportunity to meet people.Opportunity to meet people.NETWORKING! Opportunity to collect information.Opportunity to collect information. NEW IDEAS - CUTTING EDGE!

5. Networking Who do you need to talk to?Who do you need to talk to? Look in program for names, agencies and institutions.Look in program for names, agencies and institutions. Use Bulletin Board.Use Bulletin Board. Always look at Name Badges!Always look at Name Badges! Bring your business cards.Bring your business cards.

6. Goals Set.3-5 goals to attain.Set.3-5 goals to attain.

7. For Patient Advocates When attending a presentation don’t be afraid ask questions or make a comment during the Discussion Period.When attending a presentation don’t be afraid ask questions or make a comment during the Discussion Period. Say who you are and organization!Say who you are and organization! Do not be shy about asking difficult questions.Do not be shy about asking difficult questions. Do not be shy about correcting a speaker/commenter if they make a stigmatizing statement.Do not be shy about correcting a speaker/commenter if they make a stigmatizing statement.

8. Action Planning Once you get there. Get program and review it for the presentations that interest you.Get program and review it for the presentations that interest you. Coordinate 3-5 Goals with Program.Coordinate 3-5 Goals with Program.

9. NAMA Contingent Conference Report.Conference Report. Organizational Meeting.Organizational Meeting. NAMA Presentations.NAMA Presentations. Banquet Awards.Banquet Awards.

10. Have a good time!