Take away’s from 2010 NSA convention
View Profile Page For Nancy Michaels
I’ve been a long-term NSA (National Speaker’s Association) member for many many moons. And, every year I attend the infamous NSA convention. If you haven’t gone, I would highly recommend you go to at least five. It’s a complete riot. Why do I keep going? It’s certainly not to perfect my speaking profession. I have have speaking successfully for over 20 years and to over 100,000 people live. The reason I keep going is to connect with a few key people. Yes, it actually can be a smart business move to spend a couple thousand dollars on having a drink or dinner with one or two ideal connections.
Now, for this year’s conference, here are my top takeaways for surviving a big conference:
1. Don’t reconnect with past loves. There’s nothing to gain by doing this — believe me, I know.
2. Spending time at the pool is never a waste. Have a new bathing suit? Wear it!
3. Get a fun roommate who you can brainstorm ideas with and who also likes the pool and doesn’t make you feel guilty for not attending every concurrent session under the sun.
4. Orlando, FL is never fun in July. Actually from April – October either.
5. Collect business cards and follow-up after you get home. Some of my best connections have come when you least expect them. Follow-up is key, however.
6. Always bring a sweater — hotels are notoriously cold — especially in warm climates when they assume you’re out all day and love the cool air that air conditioners can offer.
7. You can never have packed too many shoes. Bring comfy ones too — especially if the convention hall is 2.3 miles from one ballroom to your hotel room.
8. Check out the hotel gift shop — got two great items for a steal and now I’ll have fond memories of Orlando after-all.
9. Venture outside the hotel for a meal, or brief trip. It helps prevent the inevitable cold you’re bound to receive from staying indoors with a pumped up AC system.
10. Bring personalized note cards so you can write a personal note to people you really want to connect with after the convention. Write them in your hotel room and send from the hotel on your last day at the convention. Impressive you’ll be to those on the receiving end when they return!
I’ve been a long-term NSA (National Speaker’s Association) member for many many moons. And, every year I attend the infamous NSA convention. If you haven’t gone, I would highly recommend you go to at least five. It’s a complete riot. Why do I keep going? It’s certainly not to perfect my speaking profession. I have have speaking successfully for over 20 years and to over 100,000 people live. The reason I keep going is to connect with a few key people. Yes, it actually can be a smart business move to spend a couple thousand dollars on having a drink or dinner with one or two ideal connections.
