By Jonathan Jones

Originally published in the July/August 2018 issue of APCO’s PSC magazine.
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APCO International’s Annual Conference and Expo is almost here! People attend to hone their craft, build quality networks, and find products and services. Savvy conference goers prepare to do six things that build confidence, relax others, assure they benefit professionally, and have a great personal experience. So, what are the six keys to APCO conference savvy?

INTRODUCE YOURSELF EFFORTLESSLY
Practice out loud: “Hi, I’m NAME from CITY. I’ve been a TITLE for HOW LONG and this is my first APCO conference. Tell me about yourself.” Don’t memorize; just get comfortable speaking it. Who cares if you scramble the order? The only mess up is failure to practice, leaving you sounding uncomfortable, fake or scripted. Don’t miss the “New Attendee Webinar” or this year’s insider tips.

Once you know what to do and how to introduce yourself with ease, you’ll be comfortable joining the New Attendee Reception or the General Session and pre-conference activities to make sure you have your bearings. The more confidence you build, the more comfortable you make others at later conference activities. If you happen to be one of the attendees under the age of 40, try the Young Professionals Mixer that APCO offers specifically to help you settle in with your “tribe.”

EXCHANGE BUSINESS CARDS
Even if you must print your own, this professional tool is essential. Give cards to network with new contacts, make notes about those you meet, and enter contests and get prizes. Use them in the Exhibit Hall as you check out new safety vehicles, have a professional resume review (you must pre-register by July 20 at apco2018.org/resume), go on a quest for prizes, visit vendors for product and service innovations, collect freebies, have lunch and take your phone to the Recharge Lounge. Drop your cards in all the containers for chances to win, and use cards you collect to follow up with contacts on social media after the conference.

INITIATE CONVERSATIONS
The best networkers make others feel welcome. Learn to ask open-ended questions that cannot be answered with one word. Practice aloud until you have three to five you can use as needed. For example, “How did you get started in this industry?” “What did you think was the most important point of the presentation?” “What’s your favorite part of your job?” These questions are always welcome at APCO networking events, like the eight networking receptions, parties, lunches or dinners, as well as informal opportunities in break rooms and hallways, while registering to vote, or while attending the blood drive or a committee event. Don’t know who to approach? Look for others with a New Attendee ribbon. And perhaps you’ll wear your conference T-shirt to help identify yourself with others around the venue!

FOLLOW A SCHEDULE
APCO offers something for everyone! That doesn’t mean you should try to do everything. Visit apco2018.org to view the schedule at a glance and identify don’t miss activities. Download the app when you register with our Attendee Service Center to set your itinerary. Review our nine tracks for continuing education credits, as well as the Career Advancement Center and Presentation Theater sessions. Also, schedule sleeping and breaks. Crowds energize extroverts and drain introverts, so manage your wellbeing. To maximize learning and networking, APCO also offers health and wellness sessions. You can carry around our mega notebook of materials or use the app to lighten your load, track your schedule, complete evaluations, access handouts, sign up for CEUs and more!

TAKE NOTES
You think you’ll remember because it’s all so exciting or motivating— but you won’t. Research shows taking notes is the best way to retain information. So, use a notebook or mobile device. For best retention, take notes as if must present the information to someone else later. Your notes can also help you add to your repertoire of open-ended questions.

FOLLOW UP
Reinforce your contacts and what you learned. Networks are made of relationships, not one-time meetings. Tell conference organizers of good experiences. Lots of people complain; few appreciate. Email a summary of your notes and key conference take-aways to colleagues who couldn’t attend. Add your business card collection to your contact manager. Connect regularly by email, phone and social media. Volunteer to help with next year’s APCO Conference New Attendee and Young Professional events. These conference keys build the professional relationships that enhance your career.

Jonathan Jones is a 9-1-1 Communications Supervisor with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department in Athens, Georgia. He is also Chair of the APCO Young Professionals Task Force and Vice-President of the Georgia Chapter of APCO. He can be contacted at Jonathan.Jones@accgov.com.