I’m very fortunate to be attending NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education this year. I’ve never been to an event of this size, and I want to get the most I can out of it. Do you have any suggestions for a first-timer?
—Renee, Flint, Michigan
Congratulations! Attending this event is a wonderful professional experience. I assume you’ve registered, made arrangements for lodging and transportation, and have your lesson plans ready.
There are a few things you should do before you go:

Some hints on what to take:

A rolling bag, if you know you can’t resist picking up every brochure and session material you encounter (resistance can be futile).
Address labels are handy for sign-up sheets and marking your program and other materials.
If you don’t have any business cards, get some or make your own. Be sure to include your e-mail address and what and where you teach. These are great to handout when you’re networking with other teachers, presenters, and even exhibitors.
A digital camera is handy to take pictures of equipment, displays, speakers, and new friends.
Have an envelope or other system for keeping receipts and other documents. Expenses not reimbursed by your school might be tax-deductible (check with your accountant).
Above all, pack comfortable walking shoes!

At the Conference:

Pick up your badge holder, your copy of the program (there’s one for each day) and other conference materials ahead of time, if possible. Take some time to finalize your daily schedules. I like to put a small reminder in my badge holder with the session names, times, and locations.
Attend the first-timers session on the first day.
Turn in the session evaluations.
Divide and conquer if you’re attending with a friend or colleague. You can only be at one place at a time, so coordinate with other teachers to share notes and materials from sessions missed.
Consider taking some snacks and a water bottle (the concessions are often crowded at lunch time).
Resist the temptation to collect every brochure, poster, and promotional giveaway in the exhibit area. It’s like a science wonderland! But whatever you collect, you’ll have to get home somehow. I know teachers who take an empty bag (see above under things to take) they can check on the way home (cheaper than shipping via a delivery service).
Take some time for sightseeing. There will be a booth at registration staffed by local teachers. They’ll have lots of ideas and suggestions for what to see and do.
Keep a log or journal of the sessions you attended, people you met, and new ideas. Update your homepage, Facebook, or class Wiki/blog with a summary of what you are learning at the conference. Update your conference transcript.

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I know I’m not the only teacher going to the conference. Does anybody else have tips for conference newbies? Please leave a comment.