About presentations--
It is hard to predict how any given talk is going to be based on most of the descriptions. Note to self: be as specific as possible in the description.
People need basic lessons in presentation skills.
1). Don't read directly off the Powerpoint. We can read it ourselves.
2). If you add one bullet point, make sure there is at least one more on the slide. Otherwise, remove the bullet altogether.
3). It is not necessary to fill an entire slide with verbiage, especially if it contains the text of a single bullet.
It never ceases to amaze me that the food service and queuing at convention centers can be as bad as they often are. The lines are usually unreasonably long because the service carts/windows are usually woefully understaffed, as if they were unprepared for the volume of attendees there. This would be understandable if this was a new occurrence, but being that this is in a convention center, where they host conferences routinely, you'd think they'd have figured it out by now.
On a related note, stay hydrated, but pick up water and snacks at a convenience store nearby that is NOT in the convention center. The money you save will be significant. I bought a bottle of water and a bottle of green tea at the convention center and it cost me $7.50! I'm going to the CVS in the morning before I head to the convention!
The most frustrating thing is when there are two or more sessions that you want to attend that are taking place at the same time...especially if they are in opposite ends of the convention center.
It is good to attend sessions that are out of your field. That is the best way to learn and to consider new and different ideas that might be adapted to your subject.
On a more practical note, it is good to select multiple sessions going in at the same time so you can switch if one is not what you expected. However, it helps to select two sessions that are physically located near each other so you don't spend the whole time going between sessions.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to walk around the exhibits. Premake name/address cards to give to vendors so you don't have to write your name on countless forms each time you request information.
Bring a rolling backpack if you're going to bring electronic devices larger than a phone. A laptop and iPad together don't feel so heavy at the beginning of the day, but start to cause pain at the end of the day, especially if there is already a shoulder injury to contend with. Wheels are your friend.
Finally, it is worth it if you are able to take home just one thing that you can use in class. Listen for that little nugget of wisdom that can significantly impact your teaching in a positive way.
Now, if I can remember my own advice, it will be a great day at the conference tomorrow! Finally, for my last piece of advice, get a good night's sleep...so... G'night, all!