There’s so much to learn at conferences, and much of it doesn’t come from the front of the room. Use these tips to maximize your day. (Wikimedia / Nhenze)

Between the events I present at and the events I attend to develop as a teacher, I go to a lot of conferences.

A LOT.

I found out really early on that if I was going to ditch my textbooks — and my old, less effective ways of teaching — it was essential.

Until I found my professional learning networks online, it was the best way to grow.

In many ways, it still is the best way.

I’ve found that there are lots of different kinds of conference attendees. On one side are those who are in it for the lunch, the constant Facebook checking during sessions and the early exit for shopping.

Then there are the ones who mean business. Their mantra: “The tools and ideas I pick up today can make a huge difference in my students’ lives, so I’m going to make the most of it.”

If you want to make every moment count at a conference, here’s what you can do:

1. Bring your best Internet-ready device for typing. For me, that means my laptop. I love my iPad for lots of things. But when it comes to taking notes, posting to social media and viewing multiple websites, my laptop is best. Whatever does that best for you is what you should go with.

2. Sit near the front. I’m usually pretty easy to pick out at conferences. I’m the geeky bald guy in the front row typing up a storm. Sometimes I have a hard time hearing exactly what presenters say when I’m in the back. Being up front sometimes determines whether your questions get answered. If you can claim your seat early, you’ll have the best shot at getting handouts if the presenter uses paper ones.

3. Use a great note-taking program. For me, that’s Evernote. I love how simple it is, how easy it is to organize what I’ve written and how I can use it on virtually any device. I’m a huge proponent of Google Apps, and writing in documents can work just as well. There’s also Microsoft’s version of Evernote, OneNote,

4. Share your notes. What you learn at conferences doesn’t have to be filed away in solitary confinement in your computer or filing cabinet. Let others learn the lessons you’re learning. In many note-taking programs (including all three above), you can generate a link to give others so they can have access to your notes. I’ll create a link like that and send it out via Twitter to others at the conference. I’ll also put links to all of my notes and send them to colleagues at school who couldn’t go to the conference.

5. Talk to the speakers personally. Some of my best insights and best personal connections have come when I went up front after a particularly good session. Presenters usually are at conferences because they love to help. If you approach them with a sincere question or problem, many of them will bend over backward to help you. You may even get more personal attention than you anticipate.

6. Sit with someone new at lunch. This is the hardest one on the list for me. Often, if I present at a conference, I don’t know anyone. I get my lunch and look at the cafeteria like the new kid at school in sixth grade. Even if you’re at an event with colleagues, consider sitting with someone new during downtime — or inviting someone to join you. (Maybe that presenter with the “Please invite me to sit with you” look in his eye?) You’ll get fresh experiences and fresh ideas, and that’s what you’re really there to do.

7. Use social media. Most conferences these days create a Twitter hashtag to let participants share ideas and resources with each other. Social media is where the conversation behind the scenes takes place (and often that social media is Twitter). When others post messages sharing what they’re learning in their sessions, it’s like being in multiple places at once. Don’t forget to share the best stuff from your session via social media, too.

8. Be at conferences when you’re not at conferences. When I check out updates on Twitter, I’ll often see lots of messages from the same hashtag. That’s a giveaway that there’s a conference going on somewhere. If I look at the posts from that hashtag, I’ll learn some of the best lessons that real-life in-person participants are learning. It’s like getting free registration for conferences all over the country and world.

9. Watch your battery. If your battery dies on that all-important device (see No. 1 above), you’re stuck. In that case, you might exchange your front-row seat for one by an outlet to charge up.

10. Remember your creature comforts. I try to dress in layers, often with a fleece pullover as my top layer. It’s always good to have snacks and drinks on hand just in case they’re not available at the conference. And always grab some freebies from the vendor tables. Cool pens are a creature comfort for me, so I’m always on the lookout for them.

What advice would you add to the list? Give us your suggestions in a comment below!

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Matt is scheduled to present at the following upcoming events:

• Indiana Network for Early Language Learners: Technology in the World Language Classroom (March 15, Park Tudor School, Indianapolis)
• Indiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning (March 17-18, JW Marriott, Indianapolis)
• Tippecanoe School Corp. technology integration workshop (June 3-4, Tippecanoe County, Ind.)
• Infinite iPossibilities Conference (June 10, Center Grove High School, Greenwood, Ind.)
• Ride the Wave of eLearning (June 17-18, West Lafayette High School, West Lafayette, Ind.)
• Conference on a Couch (June 20, Danville Community High School, Danville, Ind.)
• Digipalooza (June 24-25, Scott County School District 2, Scottsburg, Ind.)
• Indiana Summer of eLearning conferences around Indiana (dates and locations to be announced)

Interested in having Matt present at your event or school? Contact him by e-mail!