How to get the most out of the Conference

How to get the most out of the Conference

With summer around the corner and our Teaching Citizenship Conference quickly approaching on 5 July, we have a busy schedule planned for the day. This is also an opportunity to meet or reconnect with colleagues who are as passionate about Citizenship education as you are, so we hope you use this opportunity to take inspiration from others. It can be a challenge prioritising your schedule and stepping out of your comfort zone, so here are some suggestions to get the most out of the day:

1. Take notes

Pens and paper will be provided at registration. You might consider bringing your laptop to the conference, but keep in mind laptops can be heavy and you may find you never use it during the day. A simple pen and paper can go a long way instead.

2. Plan your day

A digital copy of the conference programme can be viewed on the website. Before the conference, take some time to read through the programme and have a think about which workshops/seminars you are most interested in attending.

3. Network

As COVID rules and regulations have eased since March 2020, we are very excited to host an in-person meeting again. We are aware that many may still feel hesitant or uneasy in large groups, and we also know that introducing yourself to someone new can be daunting and even intimidating. Some suggestions for networking are:

• Common interests – The best way to network is through genuine connections, so start conversations from your experience and interests.
• Use Social Media – Twitter is a great platform for engaging with others and also seeing what the buzz might be at the conference. #FutureCitEd will be trending at the conference this year and it’s a great way to interact with presenters and see what else is being discussed in workshops. You don’t even need a Twitter account to follow ACT, the hashtag or to look up speakers.
• Exchange contact details – Social opportunities may be limited, but there are many options for exchanging details while networking. You might choose to carry around business cards, write details in a notebook, or exchange directly through email or telephone.

Mental health

Learning is important, and the connections are too, but nothing is as important as your own wellbeing and keeping yourself happy, comfortable, and healthy. To check in with yourself and avoid burnout here are some suggestions:

• Ask for support – ACT staff and Teaching Ambassadors are always happy to help. Make sure to speak to staff if you need any extra support, including seat reservations or scheduling suggestions.
• Mental and emotional self-care – The Conference is a great time to simply think, soak it all in and be inspired. Take the space and time to reflect on your own if needed. Large social gatherings can be a challenge.
• Physical self-care – Don’t forget to eat food and drink lots of water! Carry a water bottle around so you can stay hydrated as you may do a lot of walking and talking throughout the day. It might be a hot, London summer day, and you may be on your feet, so dress comfortably. But bring a rain jacket just in case, you never know with UK weather!

We hope these tips will give you the confidence and resources to get the most out of your conference experience. We look forward to seeing you there!

There’s still time to register for the Conference. Find out more on our training and event pages.

Author: Erin Chapman, Membership and Events Coordinator