Tips from a First-Time Conference Coach

by Sunil Patel

Four years ago, I wore a red dot on my badge, signifying that it was my first time attending the annual conference. I was assigned a conference coach, but I was unable to meet her because we both ended up having travel issues. Thus, my ability to coach someone on how to best take advantage of the annual conference comes completely from my own experience, one moment of genuine inspiration, and this guy named Patrick.

Embrace the Power of the Red Dot
Newbies, wear your red dot proudly! It marks you as a brave soul who has taken the plunge into AMWA conferencing, and it provides a perfect opening for people to talk to you. Attendees have been known to swarm Red Dots, asking them whether they're new to AMWA or just a first-time conference attendee, how they became interested in medical writing, or what workshops they're taking. Cover yourself in red dots if you think it will make you more visible, although it may just make people think you have a terrible rash.

Non-newbies, know that it is your duty to engage Red Dots in conversation! For, lo, you were once a Red Dot, and you were scared to talk to people because you thought maybe they thought you had a terrible rash.

Seek Out the Ribbons and Pins and Stickers
Everyone has a badge. These badges display one's name, affiliation, and location, but some badges are further adorned with ribbons and pins and stickers. If you see someone with a trail of ribbons under her badge, talk to her! People wearing ribbons are workshop leaders, Fellows, long-time members, panelists--in short, people active in AMWA. These people are excited enough about the organization that they're contributing to the conference, and that makes them great resources. They're going to love to talk to new people and get them just as excited as they are. If someone's wearing a pin, she's gone through the AMWA curriculum, so you can ask her about what workshops to take. The yellow heart denotes conference coaches, people who are already primed to help you make the best of your time here. It's hard to miss the pieces of flair, so keep an eye out for them and talk to the people they're attached to!

Talk to the Floaters
It's hard to talk to people. Especially at a reception when everyone gathers around little tables or clusters in the middle of the room. It can feel awkward to break into someone's conversation. Chances are, you're not the only one who feels like that. Chances are, someone else may just be standing around looking for someone to talk to, not knowing which direction to go. Go talk to him! Maybe you're the person he was wanting to talk to; he just didn't know it yet.

Network with a Rifle, Not a Shotgun
No, I am not advocating open season on conference attendees. The best thing about AMWA is its members, after all. And there are a lot. It can be overwhelming to try to meet everyone and have a meaningful discussion and exchange business cards. My advice is: Don't. Rather than try to meet everyone for a short time, focus on a few people for a longer time. If you connect with someone, you have many opportunities to strengthen that connection! Maybe you're in the same workshop. Maybe you're interested in the same open session. Sit at the same table at lunch or dinner. Go out to lunch on Saturday, when there's a two-hour block of unscheduled time. Maybe there's some local event happening Saturday night that you can attend. By the end of the conference, you'll have made not only a professional colleague who will remember you but also a new friend!

In the end, these tips are somewhat irrelevant because AMWA members are very friendly and they want to talk to you. The AMWA conference is a magical place full of wonderful people! But remember: Chuck Norris doesn't hand out a business card. He roundhouse kicks his contact information into your forehead.