What went well?

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What didn't go well?

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What did I learn?

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Repeatition is key

Conferences get better with time. I didn't know what to expect, I knew I wanted to increase my "kinetic surface area" but I didn't know what classes that would have been at. By going a second time, I would know what to plan for. For example, the water park was a great place to meet people, I definitely should have brought my swimsuit and been more social at the pool. Kids would have also helped, because kids make friends, and you can meet their parents. I know topics that might be interesting for speaking at. Etc...

.NET for Back End Engineering

.NET is the best first back-end engineering course. I spoke with several people from Ann Arbor/Detroit and there was a large .NET presence, from "right-sized" companies.

Send Students!

These conferences could be a really powerful thing to send students to.

• It could be a reward for a few to motivate
• they could find a job (most booths were recruiters)
• It would cost the same as another employee, but we wouldn't lose salary time.

KidsMash

Tons and tons of opportunity to get involved in KidsMash. I think that's where all the action is.

Swag

Good swag makes a big difference. Be creative. IBM onsies were gone wicked quickly.

Get in "the club"

• Talk and get involved with the speakers.
• That is where the advisory board/hiring partners are at.
• There is a speaker room.

Talk to the audience you want

If you are going to present, an off-topic presentation is good. For example, a session on creating great presentations could attract the speakers. Think about the audience you want to attract and then learn a subject to speak on, not speak on what you know.

Don't forget to breathe

Rest is important. You can't do everything all the time. Let the FOMO go.

Booth design matters

A comfortable place to sit and work is a great booth. Create an interactive lab, not a sales booth.

Booth people know booth people.

How could I have been better prepared?

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Who did I meet?

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What was the best thing?

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