First-time Attendees

FIRST TIME CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

Each year a number of people come to an OACAC conference for the first time. If you're a first timer, try to attend the First Timer's session (detail will be available soon). You will be greeted by OACAC members who have "been there, done that." In addition to meeting some people, you will be given some insider's secrets to help you get the most out of the conference. Location details will be included in the conference program you will receive when you check-in at the conference site.

The following are some suggestions for both new and "old" conference goers.

Before You Go

Book your flights early and remember that the Orange County Airport (code SNA) is your best choice. You'll want to arrive by early afternoon on Thursday, July 16 and depart sometime on Sunday, July 19. If you can, add a vacation day or two on to the conference and enjoy the area.
Check out the some of the Southern California tourism options and book or schedule a few side trips as well.
Plan to attend the First Timers reception, make a few new friends, and get an orientation.

The Basics

Turn your cell phone off or set it to vibrate during the conference sessions.
You MUST have business cards.
Wear your nametag high so people can see it. Take it off when you leave campus. It's never a good idea to have random strangers calling you by name!
Upon arrival, orient yourself. Familiarize yourself with the conference location. Know where the food and coffee is - you'll be surprised how much you'll want it. Take a look at the conference program.
If you decide to explore the area, know where you are and where you're going.

The Sessions

Try to go to the opening Welcome Session. Important introductions and announcements will be made there.
Make your daily schedule in advance (at least at the start of the day). Include all of the options you might like so that if one desired session is cancelled or doesn't meet your expectations or needs then you can hop over to another.
If a session isn't meeting your needs, leave. Your time at this conference is important and you should get the most out of your investment in time, effort and money.
If you attend the business meeting and wish to be heard on an issue, you have a right to speak as long as you are in order. Just ask permission and you will be heard.

Networking and Social Events

Do not feel guilty for taking time for yourself. You are working much longer hours at a conference than 'average' and it is just fine to take a break. You'll definitely absorb more if you rest occasionally!
Learn these 'Ice Breaker Questions'. Even if you're shy, they will often induce even the most recalcitrant and shy person to open up.
- "Hi - I'm yournamehere and I'm from yourcityorinstitutionhere. Where are you from?"
- "What's new at your school?"
- "How long have you been at your school?"
- "Attend any good sessions?"
- "Learn something new?"
Come to the conference with specific people or institutions in mind that you'd like to meet. Learn the art of the nametag glance to see what networking opportunities you might find. Don't project false status on people - ALL of the people you'll meet were in your shoes once.
You're going to be in lines for food, for coffee, etc. at the conference. Network with your line buddies - don't just stand there.
Leave the office at the office - professional networking does not ALWAYS have to have a 'pure' business purpose. It's great to have professional friends and acquaintances who are outside of your normal 'box'. Turning colleagues into friends is one of the great values of the OACAC conference.
Don't horde your business cards - they're not gold in your pocket - they only have value when they're given away.
In general, assume anyone who's on the OACAC Executive Board is extra-approachable. They will tend to be people who have volunteered to make OACAC and the conference a success. Help them by networking with them.
Invite those people who are looking for a place to sit during breakfast or lunch to join you. Eating is a great networking opportunity.
Make an appearance at the late night socials. It's a great chance to put your feet up, meet some new people, and share a laugh.

OACAC Conference Hints from the Veterans

We believe we are the closest socially of the regional affiliates of NACAC, despite the face that we live the farthest apart.
Don't be afraid to have fun. Take advantage of the "lighter" aspects of the conference to develop lasting friendships and find colleagues you can depend on when you need help. This is not a stereotypical conference; if you just attend sessions and nothing else, you will miss some fantastic opportunities to meet your peers. Attending the late night socials is a must.
Our network of international counselors and admissions officers is our best asset. Our relationships last long after the conference is over. If you have a question, chances are that someone in OACAC can answer it. The solution to your problem is probably just an email away.
Don’t be afraid to ask people about the culture norms and traditions where they live, especially if you are going to be traveling to that country later on. We all know that life can be so different from country to country, and continent to continent. Along the same lines, it can often be helpful to explain the cultural background of the people in your community or country, so that others can understand the cultural context when they are in certain situations.
If you are new to college counseling, ask a veteran for a comprehensive list of their resources. If your library is bare or you find yourself with new college counseling needs, don’t be afraid to ask others what is on their annual ordering list.
Teaching a course, ideally a career or college-counseling seminar, is a fantastic way to get know your students. You will find that this “classroom” experience will make your letters of recommendation more meaningful
If you collect business cards, write where and when you picked it up on the back. It will help you remember the people you meet better and may help you figure out if it is outdated later on.
When you get back to work after the conference, send a quick email to the people you made contact with during the conference to keep that communication going once everyone has returned to the office. Don’t worry that counselors may not be in the office during the summer. They will probably check their email or receive it when they get back to work.