With the weather finally turning nice in parts of the US, the Slate Innovation Summit is coming up in a few months so we thought we’d put out a quick guide of things to do at the conference. Here’s our best attempt at a buzzfeed top 5 list.
5.5 – Slate Innovation Summit Base camp
This got five and a half because it’s important, but it’s sold out already. The summit base camp is a chance to rub shoulders with people just like you from institutions just like yours doing the same thing you are. Sounds great, huh? Steal Share ideas, network with your peers, talk shop with like-minded higher ed folks.
But wait! There’s MORE! The Summit base camp gives you the opportunity to meet with Technolutions Slate program managers! Talk with the people on the other side of the fence that help shape Slate. Horde your drink tickets, your favorite Slate developer might get thirsty!
5 – Stalk people! Network
This might seem simple and kind of obvious but it has to be said. If you attend a great session, jot down the name and contact information of the presenter and go find them! Chances are they’d be happy to talk and answer questions. Often times I’ve heard of people who’ve solved weeks of problems during a conversation with others who are just doing things a little different. For all you introverts (my people) this is going to wear you out but it’s really time to step out of your comfort zone and talk with people. Give people your business card, sit in crowded areas, speak to those sitting around you, etc. – all these things will pay off. When you’ve had your limit and head back to your hotel or back to work you’ve got contacts and relationships with those who can help you down the road.
4 – Get your hashtags ready
Naturally Technolutions does a fantastic job of following and organizing social media during the summit. Last year we were instructed to use the hashtag #slatesummit with our conference related tweets. Yes, there is someone ‘at the wheel’ during the conference and they usually retweet the more interesting/funny tweets that are tracked with the conference hashtag. Semi-related to number 5, follow the hashtag yourself using one of many different twitter clients and pick out different and new people to follow.
3 – DON’T “Pace yourself”
I always see lots of pre-conference blogs talking about pacing yourself. Every conference I’ve ever been to, regardless if I ‘paced myself’ or not – I’m completely exhausted. Why try? I say DON’T pace yourself! Do as much as you possibly can in 2 days to get every second of value out of your trip. Go to everything Alexander speaks at, go to as many sessions as you possibly can, go to the networking reception and dinner. Shut the place down with some entertainment and drinks! Show the world you’re an unstoppable force by being bright eyed and bushy tailed the next morning at the Plenary session. Finally, whatever you do, do NOT miss ‘The Road Ahead’ with Alexander at the close of the conference. Trust me!
2 – Charge your cell phone
You never know what you’re going to see, it gets bananas sometimes. Make sure your cell phone is ready to capture things like theatrical entrances, giant bunnies, old friends, and well…Alexander.
1 – OPT OUT
Alexander and company work hard to make sure you’re comfortable and entertained during the Innovation summit. Each year they try to come up with a higher education or Technolutions Slate themed drink to highlight the open bar. Last year the drink was called the ‘Opt Out’ – filled with many meanings. Participate! The food is fantastic, the drinks are free, and the entertainment is always great. At both conferences I’ve been to, I come away with a quote that a certain billionaire geneticist coined- “Spared no expense!”
Enjoy yourself this year at the conference!