Trail Tips – AASP Conference Edition
Attending the AASP conference can be a ton of fun and it can be a bit stressful, especially if this is your first time attending. Here are a few tips based on what we've learned over the years to help us enjoy the conference.
Tip #1: Take down time when you need it. Being at a conference can get overwhelming at times. There are a lot of people, from students to seasoned professionals, and a lot of information you can learn within the various sessions. The schedule of events you can attend range from early morning to late evening. Even just trying to navigate the conference space can feel exhausting for some. You know yourself best - and if that means spending some quiet time in your room or going to the gym to work out to help you stay balanced, then do that, as it will help you to sustain your energy throughout the week.
Tip #2: Choose 1-3 "must dos" each day. You'll likely not be able to attend every single session that interests you, or meet every single person you'd like to connect with while there. Be intentional in choosing a small number of "top priority" things you want to do or attend each day. You might consider using the conference app when it's available and asking yourself, "What do I want to learn?" Anything extra that you have energy for can be a bonus, but keeping your focus on a what's most important to you each day allows you to create the experience you want.
Tip #3: Use this opportunity to build your network. While there are so many ways you can level up your knowledge and skills at the conference, one of the best things you can do is meet new people while you're there. The benefits of networking certainly apply to us as entrepreneurs, and also more widely to all of us in the field. Consider going to a Special Interest Group meeting on Thursday and/or one of the various receptions and meetups. Building friendships and relationships within the sport psychology community has been one of the most rewarding parts of our careers.
Tip #4: Do one thing that is a stretch and a bit scary for you. The conference is a great place to stretch yourself into becoming more of the entrepreneur you want to be. This may mean that you attend a social hour and introduce yourself to three new people. Maybe a scary thing is to ask a question during a session or go up to a speaker afterwards to connect further. It could even be to find us at the conference and share how you are venturing into the world of entrepreneurship. Take this opportunity to stretch your comfort zone and you just might be surprised where it leads you.
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