Ninety Tips for Newcomers:
Making the Most of Your First UPCEA Annual Conference
About UPCEA and the 100th Annual Conference
90. Why is this conference special?
- It’s not only our Annual Conference (our largest meeting of the year), but our 100th Annual Conference! With a plethora of sessions and special events, we’re celebrating Access, Innovation, Engagement: A Century of Reinventing Higher Education.
89. Why are there conference tracks?
- UPCEA’s Centennial Conference offers numerous robust tracks to address specific areas of practice important to professional, continuing, and online education. Tracks are organized to align with the professional practice areas of UPCEA’s Networks, as well as other interest areas such as Emerging Leaders and Policy. Use the tracks to help you organize and get the most out of your conference experience!
88. What’s the deal with Networks?
- Today, the field of professional, continuing, and online education is characterized by engagement in very complex, highly specialized areas of practice. Each of UPCEA’s seven Networks is designed to be a “professional home” for members who work in that area. Be sure to connect with others in your practice area at the Network Sessions on Tuesday, March 31 at 11 am.
87. What’s the deal with Regions?
- UPCEA’s five Regions provide opportunities for members to examine issues of local and regional importance, to develop collaborative initiatives, and to network with area colleagues. Join others from your Region during the Regional Sessions (over breakfast!) on Wednesday, April 1 at 8 am.
86. How do I get involved as a volunteer leader?
- There are many ways to get involved as a volunteer leader with UPCEA. Each year, many members grow professionally through their service to the association as members of the Board of Directors; Region and Network leaders; conference planning committee members; and more! Chat with current volunteer leaders during networking breaks at the volunteer table to learn how you can get involved.
85. How can I best meet people at the conference?
- We suggest being prepared with your business cards and elevator introduction, and just saying hello! Don’t miss the Welcome Lunch (Currently Full! Inquire at Registration Desk) for newcomers at Noon on Monday, March 30, and be sure to take advantage of scheduled networking events like networking breaks during the day and the two evening networking receptions on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31.
84. Who should I try to meet at the conference?
- There are lots of great people to meet at the conference! Don’t miss out on meeting other newcomers (and your Conference Buddy!) at the Welcome Lunch on Monday, March 30. Other people to connect with are speakers as well as volunteer leaders. Look for these folks based on their badge ribbons!
83. Will UPCEA staff be at the conference?
- Yes! You can find us at the registration desk, the UPCEA booth in exhibit hall, and walking around session rooms.
82. Where can I ask questions prior to the conference?
81. How can I be involved before the conference?
Travel and Logistics
80. When should I plan to arrive?
- Plan to arrive at the conference hotel by 11 am or so on Monday, March 30, so you have time to check in with us, and be ready for the Welcome Lunch for newcomers at Noon!
79. How should I travel to DC?
78. Where should I stay?
- We suggest staying at the conference hotel - that way you’ll be close to everything! Be sure to reserve your room if you haven’t already!
77. How do I get to the conference hotel?
- From the local airports (BWI, Dulles, and National) you can cab or SuperShuttle, or take public transportation. (From BWI, you can take the MARC train to Union Station, and then Metro to the hotel. National has its own Metro stop - take the yellow line right to the Gallery Place/Chinatown stop! From Dulles, you can take the $5 Washington Flyer Silver Line Express bus to the Wiehle-Reston East metro stop on the Metro’s new Silver Line. If you’re arriving via Amtrak at Union Station, hop on the Metro’s Red Line right to Gallery Place/Chinatown. If you’re driving, the hotel is at 999 9th Street NW.
76. What should I bring with me?
- We suggest your preferred note-taking materials - laptop or notebook and pens, plus business cards to exchange with all of the new people you’ll be meeting! Also don’t forget layers - temperatures inside the hotel’s meeting rooms (and in DC this time of year) can fluctuate. And don’t forget comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city.
75. What’s the weather like in DC?
- For the end of March and early April, average high temperatures in DC range from the mid-50s to mid-60s, while lows can sometimes be down in the 30s. DC is often quite rainy in the spring - be sure to bring a rain jacket and umbrella!
74. I have some extra time - what’s there to do in DC?
73. Where is the conference hotel?
- The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown hotel is located at 999 9th Street NW. The conference hotel is in the heart of DC, and very close to the Metro (Gallery Place/Chinatown stop).
72. When do sessions start and end?
- Sessions begin at Noon on Monday, March 30 with the Welcome Lunch. The conference officially wraps up with the general session and closing lunch, followed by the Town Hall, on Wednesday, April 1, beginning at 12:15 pm.
71. How do I get internet access?
- Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available in all session rooms and the exhibit hall. Login information will be provided in the conference program and conference app.
Conference Social
70. Are there social events at the conference?
- There are numerous social events during the conference. Be sure to join other newcomers at the Welcome Lunch, connect with other attendees during networking breaks and evening receptions, and explore a bit of the city with a Dinner Group on Tuesday, March 31.
69. How do I network and meet people?
- Just saying “Hello” or asking “Is this seat taken?” are good ways to start. Don’t forget to strike up a conversation during the Welcome Lunch and networking breaks during the day.
68. How should I best meet people outside of sessions?
- We’ve built networking breaks into each day of the conference schedule, and the Monday and Tuesday evening receptions are great opportunities to network. Don’t miss out on striking up conversations in the exhibit hall, and in the coffee line!
67. Should I go to the same sessions as others from my institution?
- We suggest attending different sessions than others from your institution. That way, you’re more likely to meet someone new, and you’ll have a lot to talk about (and learn from each other) when you’re back in the office!
66. Who should I have dinner with, and where?
- We suggest checking out local restaurants (see some of the many options here) and exploring a bit of DC by signing up with a dinner group. Whether you sign up with someone you know, or meet new folks during dinner, we hope you enjoy a taste of DC’s exciting food scene! Details on signing up for a dinner group will be available during the conference.
65. What’s the deal with dinner groups?
- The dinner groups are an opportunity to continue networking with fellow conference attendees, and see a bit of DC at the same time! You don’t want to miss out on joining 10 to 20 of your new connections for dinner and conversation. More information on signing up for a dinner group will be available during the conference.
64. Some new friends and I want to have dinner and conversation - where should we go?
- DC has a plethora of restaurants - and we think something for every palate! Check out this list for some ideas, and consider signing up for a dinner group. If you don’t want to leave the hotel, the Presidents Sports Bar is on the lobby level.
63. How should I introduce myself to someone new?
- We suggest having your elevator introduction at the ready, and some business cards in your pocket. Everyone benefits from new connections, so don’t be shy!
62. Can I connect with other attendees online?
61. How can I stay in touch with people after the conference?
All About Sessions
60. What types of sessions are there?
- The UPCEA 100th Annual Conference has a range of session types - from cutting-edge keynotes during general sessions, to a wide variety of topics in concurrent sessions and roundtables.
59. Should everyone from my institution go to the same sessions?
- If you’re attending the conference with others from your institution, our vote is to spread the wealth and attend different sessions. That way, you’ll have a lot to talk about (and learn from each other) when you’re back in the office!
58. Do I have to attend each session?
- You’d need time travel technology (or some clones) to attend every session at the 100th Annual Conference. Since we’re not sure you can fit either of those in your suitcase, we suggest you at least attend all of the general sessions, one concurrent session in each block, and the networking receptions on Monday and Tuesday evening.
57. Can I only attend sessions in one track?
- You’re certainly not limited to only attending sessions in one track! The tracks are just a way to help you organize your conference experience.
56. Do I have to pick a track before the conference?
- While we suggest you take a look at the program before you arrive at the conference, there’s no need to pick a track or reserve sessions in advance.
55. What tracks are available?
54. Which sessions should I attend?
- You should attend sessions on whatever interests you - whether those are sessions that are in your area of professional practice, or on topics that sound intriguing to you! And don’t forget our general sessions - including keynote speaker Dr. Jill Biden!
53. Can I take notes on my laptop or tweet on my phone during sessions?
- Of course! Just make sure the sound is off on any of your devices so you don’t distract other attendees. And be sure to use #UPCEA100 when you tweet.
52. What if the session I want to attend is full?
- We’ve got numerous concurrent sessions running in each block, so we hope you’ll be able to find a strong second choice. We suggest taking a look at the program before you arrive, and you can also mark a few sessions in each block in the conference app in Guidebook so you have another choice at your fingertips.
51. Are sessions being recorded?
- Thanks to our webcasting partner Sonic Foundry, we’ll be recording numerous sessions - both general and concurrents - that will be available through our Online Pass. You’ll be able to see which sessions are being recorded for the Online Pass in both the conference program and the conference app.
Get Connected
50. Can I interact with presenters and other attendees via social media?
- Yes! Use #UPCEA100 on Twitter to take part in the conversation. You can also ask questions and connect with others via CORe.
49. How do I show the worth of the conference when I’m back at my institution?
- Be sure to take good notes, and access slides through the conference app and resource library in CORe during and after the conference. Also be sure to collect any materials or handouts from sessions you attend. You’ll also be able to purchase access to the Online Pass for a special discounted attendee rate while on-site at the conference!
48. Can someone help me meet volunteer leaders?
- Look out for Network and Region Ambassadors in the exhibit hall next to the UPCEA table during networking breaks. You can also ask your mentor to introduce you to other leaders they know and work with!
47. I want to volunteer - what should I do?
- There are lots of ways to get involved and volunteer with UPCEA. Talk to your mentor, and connect with Network and Region Ambassadors. Be sure to ask them about serving as region and/or network leaders, on a conference planning committee, and other opportunities!
46. What professional development opportunities does the association offer?
- Help shape the membership and conference experiences of members and attendees by serving as volunteer leaders of networks and regions, and on conference and event planning committees. Also share your professional expertise and thought leadership by submitting articles for publication through the UPCEA Briefing and UPCEA e-magazine (to debut in Fall 2015).
45. Can someone tell me the best way to get involved?
- Be sure to ask your mentor, as well as other volunteer leaders, about how they got involved. Everyone’s path to (and through) involvement with UPCEA is unique!
44.Can I join a network?
- Yes, it’s easy! Login to the UPCEA website on the lower left corner of the homepage. After logging in, click “My Account” and then click “Join a Network” in the menu on the left side. From there, you can click “join” next to the network (or networks!) you want to join.
43. Can I continue the conversation online outside of sessions and after the conference?
42. Are there other ways to connect?
- You can find a listing of all attendees in the conference app. And don’t forget to exchange business cards with those you want to stay in touch with!
41. When should I meet my mentor and what should we do?
- You should plan to meet (and sit with!) your mentor at the Welcome Lunch (Currently Full). Don’t forget to ask them how to get the most out of the conference, and UPCEA!
For First-Time Attendees Only
40. What’s happening for first timers like me?
- We’re having a Welcome Lunch for first-time attendees on Monday, March 30th at Noon (space limited; pre-registration required) where you can meet other first-time attendees. Every first-time attendee is also being assigned a Conference Buddy who will mentor you through your conference experience. Your Conference Buddy will reach out prior to the conference to find a time to connect.
39. How can I meet other attendees who are new?
- If you’re joining us at the Welcome Lunch, there will be many other first-time attendees there. Otherwise, just introduce yourself to others at sessions, and during networking breaks and receptions - there are many opportunities to meet first-time attendees and others!
38. Are there sessions you encourage first timers like me to attend?
- You should attend the sessions that are of interest! We of course suggest attending every general session and one concurrent session in every block. You should also attend the receptions on Monday and Tuesday evening, as well as a Network meeting on Tuesday morning at 11 am, and your Region meeting on Wednesday morning at 8 am.
37. Who should I ask if I have a question?
- If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Ask your Conference Buddy, or stop by the Registration Desk or the UPCEA Embassy to ask UPCEA staff or Network and Region Ambassadors.
36. Is there someone who can show me the conference ropes?
- Yes, your Conference Buddy is the perfect person to advise you on how to make the most of your first Annual Conference.
35. Who should I meet while I’m here?
- Be sure to connect with your Conference Buddy, and also say hello to speakers, Network and Region Ambassadors, as well as Network and Region leaders and Board members (check out their conference badges to know who’s who!).
34. What’s the scoop on the tracks?
- UPCEA’s Centennial Conference offers numerous robust tracks to address specific areas of practice important to professional, continuing, and online education. Tracks are organized to align with the professional practice areas of UPCEA’s Networks, as well as other interest areas such as Emerging Leaders and Policy. Use the tracks to help you organize and get the most out of your conference experience!
33. What’s the app and do I need it?
- Our conference app, available through Guidebook, is a great tool. It lets you organize your schedule during the conference, access session slides, and connect with other attendees that you meet. Search and download Guidebook on the Apple App Store, Android Marketplace, or guidebook.com/getit, then select “2015 UPCEA 100 Annual Conference.”
32. What’s the Online Pass and do I need it?
- The Online Pass contains recordings of every concurrent session and general session, as well as awards presentations, so that you can re-watch sessions you did attend, catch sessions you weren’t able to attend, and share numerous conference sessions with colleagues that weren’t able to attend the conference. You can share access with your entire team, and it’s available for a full year. Conference attendees also get special pricing on the Online Pass!
31. What should I be sure to bring?
- Bring your curiosity, and your thinking cap! You should also have your preferred note-taking materials, business cards, and chargers for all of your electronic devices. You might also want to consider an umbrella or raincoat, as well as comfortable walking shoes for exploring Washington in spring.
Networking
30. Which events should I be sure to attend?
- Don’t miss the receptions on Monday and Tuesday evening, plus networking and coffee breaks during the day. Be sure to attend a Network meeting on Tuesday at 11 am, and your Regional meeting on Wednesday at 8 am.
29. What should I say when I meet someone new?
- We suggest “hello” to start! Ask your fellow attendees what sessions look good to them, what they’re excited about learning, and of course where they’re from and what they do.
28. How can I meet new people?
- Every session, and networking breaks and receptions especially are great places to meet new people. You should also ask your Conference Buddy to introduce you to other attendees!
27. How do I decide which exhibitors to visit?
- Check out the conference program for descriptions of all of the exhibitors and a map of the Exhibit Hall. But you don’t have to plan out your visit in advance - just stop in during Monday night’s reception and during the networking breaks and say hello.
26. How do I make the most of the sessions I’m attending?
- Take good notes, ask questions, and be sure to access the slides through the conference app.
25. How should I share my thoughts on Twitter?
- Yes! Use #UPCEA100 to take part in the conversation with attendees and speakers.
24. Who should I make an effort to meet?
- Be sure to connect with your Conference Buddy - they’ll be in touch with you to coordinate prior to the conference. Also come to the UPCEA Embassy in the Exhibit Hall and chat with Network and Region Ambassadors about how to get involved with UPCEA.
23. How should I stay in touch when I meet someone?
- To stay in touch after the conference, you don’t have to just exchange business cards. You can connect on CORe, and all attendees are also listed in the conference app on Guidebook.
22. Are there other places to network?
- Be sure to sign up for a dinner group, and don’t forget to take advantage of networking breaks and the opportunity to connect in the Exhibit Hall.
21. How should I meet others with similar professional interests?
- If your professional interest aligns with one of our conference tracks, attend sessions in that track and introduce yourself to other attendees. Also be sure to attend one of the Network meetings on Tuesday, March 31 at 11 am.
Conference To-Dos
20. What’s the deal with the conference app?
- We think the conference app is a great tool - it lets you organize your schedule during the conference, access session slides, and connect with other attendees that you meet. It’s totally free, and has this and other important information (like maps and notifications).
19. How do I download the conference app?
- Downloading the conference app is easy: Download the Guidebook app from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace (or guidebook.com/getit) and search “UPCEA”. Then click “2015 UPCEA 100 Annual Conference”. Ask a UPCEA staff member or your conference mentor if you have trouble!
18. Do I always need to have my name badge?
- You should always have your name with you - it makes it easier to meet people, and it helps us know that you’re supposed to be here and aren’t just visiting from the insurance conference next door.
17. What should I bring and wear day-to-day?
- We suggest business casual attire for the conference. Please keep in mind that meeting spaces are rarely the exact temperature we would like, so layering is key! Plus, DC’s spring weather can go either way. You might want to consider an umbrella or raincoat, as well as comfortable walking shoes.
16. How should I take notes?
- You should take notes however works best for you! There will be free WiFi available in all session rooms if you want to use a laptop or tablet.
15. How can I access conference slides?
- The conference slides will be available in the conference app! Just open the particular session you want slides for from the schedule, and then scroll down below the session information and you’ll be able to view the slides.
14. When and where do I check in?
- Our registration desk opens at 7:30 on Monday morning for all of you early birds! Come to the Registration Desk on the Ballroom Level and UPCEA staff will get you settled.
13. What’s the Online Pass and should I get it?
- As much as we’d like to, we can’t be in more than one place at once, and the Online Pass is our best effort to address this problem. The Online Pass contains recordings of every concurrent session and general session, as well as awards presentations, so that you can re-watch sessions you did attend, catch sessions you weren’t able to attend, and share numerous conference sessions with colleagues that weren’t able to attend the conference. You can share access with your entire team, and it’s available for a full year. Conference attendees also get special pricing on the Online Pass!
12. Are there “can’t miss” events I should put on my calendar?
- Our Annual Conference only happens once a year, and our Centennial only happens once a century, so we think the entire conference is a can’t-miss event! (But we admit we’re biased.) We suggest you make the most of your time at the conference and be sure to attend the Welcome Lunch, and then the opening general session with Dr. Jill Biden! We also think you should take advantage of dedicated networking time at our two evening receptions, and see a bit of DC with a dinner group on Tuesday evening. Plus, the Network and Region meetings are also great ways to connect!
11. When and where’s the food?
- All this learning and networking can make a person hungry! Mark your calendar for the Welcome Lunch on Monday (space limited; pre-registration required), plus drinks and snacks at the reception Monday evening. Start Tuesday morning off right with breakfast at the general session, and then celebrate the accomplishments of fellow members with the Association Awards presentation over lunch. And we didn’t forget Tuesday afternoon and evening - there will be an afternoon refreshment break, and then there will also be snacks and beverages at Tuesday evening’s Centennial Celebration. And don’t forget to sign up for a dinner group for later Tuesday evening and explore a local restaurant with other attendees. Grab breakfast on Wednesday morning at your Regional session, and be sure to join us for the closing general session and lunch.
Top 10 Tips for the Conference
10. Should I plan to meet up with my conference mentor?
- You should definitely plan to meet up with your conference mentor in person! If you’re attending the Welcome Lunch you can meet them there, otherwise they’ll be in touch to schedule a time to meet up.
9. When is the Welcome Lunch for newcomers?
- The Welcome Lunch is at Noon on Monday, March 30 (space limited; pre-registration required). Don’t miss the chance to meet other first-time attendees, as well as your mentor and other volunteer leaders.
8. Do I need the conference app?
- The conference app isn’t required, but we certainly recommend it! The app will help you select sessions and set your schedule while you’re at the conference, and has helpful reminders and updates, plus an attendee list so you can connect with people you meet. Download the Guidebook app from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace (or guidebook.com/getit) and search “UPCEA”. Then click “2015 UPCEA 100 Annual Conference.”
7. When are the social events?
- We’ve got lots of opportunities for you to socialize and network. Join us at receptions on Monday, March 30th at 6pm and Tuesday, March 31st at 5pm. Plus, there are networking breaks during each day of the conference. Be sure to use those times to grab a coffee refill and connect with attendees and others in the Exhibit Hall.
6. What should I see in DC?
- There are so many things to see and do in DC! Check out our list, and don’t forget to tweet us (#UPCEA100) to tell us about your adventures! If you have questions about getting around, find information here or ask a member of the UPCEA staff.
5. How do I get to the hotel?
- The conference hotel is in the heart of DC, and very close to the Metro. Check out more details on travel information here. From the local airports (BWI, Dulles, or National) you can cab or SuperShuttle, or take public transportation. (From BWI, you can take the MARC train to Union Station, and then Metro to the hotel. National has its own Metro stop - take the yellow line right to the Gallery Place/Chinatown stop! From Dulles, you can take the $5 Washington Flyer Silver Line Express bus to the Wiehle-Reston East metro stop on the Metro’s new Silver Line. If you’re arriving via Amtrak at Union Station, hop on the Metro’s Red Line right to Gallery Place/Chinatown. If you’re driving, the hotel is at 999 9th Street NW.
4. What should I be sure to bring with me?
- We suggest your preferred note-taking materials - laptop or notebook and pens, plus business cards to exchange with all of the new people you’ll be meeting! Also don’t forget layers - temperatures inside the hotel’s meeting rooms (and in DC this time of year) can fluctuate. And don’t forget comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city.
3. What if I have questions?
- You’ve got options! Ask your Conference Buddy, or Network or Region Ambassador (check out badge ribbons for their role/area of expertise), or ask a UPCEA staff member. We’ll be around the conference, and of course at the registration desk and UPCEA Embassy in the Exhibit Hall. You can also tweet us your question - just make sure to include #UPCEA100 so we see it!
2. When does registration start tomorrow (March 30th)?
- The Registration Desk opens bright and early at 7:30 tomorrow morning on the Ballroom Level. See you there! (Don’t worry, there’s a Starbucks on the lobby level of the hotel.)
1. What’s the most important thing for me to do while I’m here?
- Make the most of your conference experience! Go to sessions and learn a lot, connect with people, and have fun!
