- made a packing list, using tips from the FGS Conference News Blog’s series of Conference Packing Tips and Thomas MacEntee’s Geneablogger’s Packing List
- installed the free FGS mobile app on my iPhone
- grouped the FGS bloggers in Google Reader (thanks to Linda McCauley of Documenting the Details for this idea)
- saved #fgs2011 as a search on Twitter and TweetDeck
- bookmarked the FGS 2011 Media Center in my browser (it scrolls the latest blog posts mentioning the conference)
Now I’m in the process of downloading and printing the lecture handouts for the sessions that I might attend. I like to have them in front of me to take notes on—guess I’m just old-fashioned that way. To keep track of what I want to do and where I need to be at various times, I created a Conference Daily Schedule chart. I’m making one for each day, clipping that day’s lecture handouts to it. In addition to reminding me about sessions and events I want to go to, it helps me identify blocks of time that I might use to browse the Exhibit Hall or attend a “GenSpiration” meeting.
Here's what my Conference Daily Schedule chart looks like:
Click here to get a copy of the chart you can print off and fill in for your own use. (I made the document viewable to everyone with the link on Google Docs, but this is my first time doing this, so I hope it works.) Even if you're not able to attend FGS this year, you might find it handy for another conference. I'm counting on the chart to keep me organized during the long, busy conference days.
One more thing I want to do is consider Paula Stuart-Warren's list, "My Conference Challenges to You." It's clear that the committee has put a lot of work into organizing FGS 2011, and Paula wants attendees to get the most out of the experience. So I'll keep her points in mind as I head to Springfield.
Oh, and one last, little detail--I need to actually start packing!
Related Posts:
Are You Going to the FGS Conference?
One more thing I want to do is consider Paula Stuart-Warren's list, "My Conference Challenges to You." It's clear that the committee has put a lot of work into organizing FGS 2011, and Paula wants attendees to get the most out of the experience. So I'll keep her points in mind as I head to Springfield.
Oh, and one last, little detail--I need to actually start packing!
Related Posts:
Are You Going to the FGS Conference?
You sound like you are ready for this to me! Have a great time, wish I were going but maybe next year.
ReplyDeleteYour preparation sounds a lot like mine. I used google calendar for my sessions. I am trying to remain flexible in case I hear of a can't miss session. See you at FGS.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheri, hope we get to meet before long! I'd love to make it to Jamboree one of these years--it sounds like you all have a blast!
ReplyDeleteBrenda, I agree, it helps to stay flexible--you never know what might sound good once you get there. Google calendar is a good idea too. I look forward to meeting you!
ReplyDeleteExcellent list! Looking forward to meeting you.
ReplyDelete~Caroline Pointer