Hello esteemed AUCCCD colleagues! The annual conference is just around the corner and the Comm Comm thought it would be helpful to share some tried and true conference hacks that our members have used to make the conference less expensive, even more useful, and just plain fun. There are some real gems here, even for directors who have been coming to the conference for years! Here is what your colleagues had to say:

1. Make wellness a priority for you as the Director and take an extra vacation day before or after the conference.

2. Attend sessions that are presented by schools similar in size to you. I found it overwhelming to attend sessions of large school as I didn't have the same resources which left me feeling less than.

3. Try to implement only 1-2 things you learn. In my experience more is unrealistic.

4. Go to the events offered by the sponsors - there is no sales pitch, it is fun, and there is free food and drinks!

5. If your state doesn’t have a state dinner, arrange one yourself. Use the conference bulletin board to identify interested parties and then send a group invite.

6. Go to breakfast even if you are not a morning person. Try to sit with different people each time. This is a great way for me to meet a lot of directors from all over and folx are very welcoming to new attendees joining their tables.

7. Download and explore the conference app when you first arrive. It is a great way to message people and meet up with them during unscheduled time.

8. Attend the business meetings, there are free giveaways and lots of important information about the conference and how to get involved with the organization.

9. Bring comfortable shoes, you will do a lot of walking and you will need them for the closing banquet dancing!

10.Take advantage of the Directors on Duty for one-time consults, they are very helpful

11. Join the New Director and First Time Attendees pre-conference workshops. It will make the conference much more meaningful and it is an excellent way to network.

12. Travel to conference cities where you have friends and old classmates. You not only have a place to stay but they might also buy you dinner!

13. Allow yourself some down time.  It is easy to feel like you have to do everything.  Look at the schedule and figure out when you can get some time to relax in a way that works for you.  

14.  Consider designating one person from your office whose phone number you put at the emergency contact through your phone.  They can contact you if your center really needs you.  Otherwise, turn off notifications on your phone and try to step away as much as possible.  Plan for times to check-in at the office if you must.

15.At least some of the days, wear your school shirt or other way of indicating your institution.  People from the listserv often remember where someone is from but don't know what you look like.  It is a great way to foster connections. 

16. If you are having trouble choosing between two presentations that are at the same time, look in the app and choose the presentation that doesn't have their slide attached.  You can always look at the powerpoint for the other one.