You get a lot from some conferences, and with other conferences you get little. The success of a conference depends on planning, location, staff, materials - and you. These 12 tips will help you get the most from your next conference.

1. READ THE PROGRAM BEFOREHAND. While this sounds obvious, many of us are so busy we barely glance at a program before we arrive. Reading the program will give you a sense of the conference flow and where you're supposed to be.

2. WRITE YOUR NAME ON MATERIALS. You're not being egocentric when you do this, you're ensuring that materials will be returned to you if you accidentally leave them somewhere.

3. REPORT INADEQUACIES. Sound systems aren't perfect and if you can't hear the speaker, say so. You may also have to ask for lights to be turned up, a temperature adjustment, or doors to be closed to cut down on noise.

4. BRING EXTRA PAPER. Many conference programs have space for notes, but there may not be enough space. If you bring extra paper you'll be able to take detailed notes and frame the questions you wish to ask.

5. BE CONCISE. Conference attendees are there to learn things and share things. State your questions and comments concisely. Don't hog the microphone or dominate a discussion. You may discuss issues more at a breakout session or during a meal.

6. REMEMBER, CRITICISM ISN'T INTELLECTUALISM. People who believe deeply in something can get upset. To keep the conference moving and prevent conflict, remember that criticism isn't intellectualism. Before you criticize anything you should be able to suggest a solution.

7. SUMMARIZE YOUR JOB. Attendees are interested in what you do, but they don't need to know every minute detail. You should be able to summarize your job in one or two sentences. If people want to know more they will ask you.

8. HAVE ENOUGH BUSINESS CARDS. Conferences are all about networking and you might as well take advantage of it. Give business cards to the people you meet and interact with during the conference. You never know what will come from this simple contact.

9. GET WEBSITE ADDRESSES. Organizations are using the Internet more and more to disseminate information. Getting website addresses will enable you to learn after the conference is over. Share your website address with others if you have one.

10. OFFER TO HELP. The work of the organization continues after the conference is over. Your offer to help will make this work easier and demonstrate your interest in the organization's mission. You may offer to provide contact names, for example, or write for the newsletter.

11. THANK CONFERENCE PLANNERS. The minute you get home send a brief email or note to the conference planners and thank them for their efforts. End your message with the things you liked most about the conference.

12. REVIEW CONFERENCE MATERIALS/NOTES. You may not get to this right away, but reading the conference materials and notes you took will help you recall information. Summarize the key points and apply them to your work.

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson