[Jackeline]

Next Wednesday, I will be attending a day-long conference for Administrative Assistants. There are three other Admins from my work attending this conference as well. Although I am excited to be attending this conference (this is the first one I've EVER been to) not only to grow and connect with my peers, I want to be able to branch out and network with other Admins and other associates attending this conference.

What do you recommend? I want to get out of my shell (I'm generally shy and reserved). Any tips, ideas, suggestions, protcol, ANYTHING that I should keep in mind as prepare to attend this. What should I expect? What is the best way to network?

Can you tell I'm anxious?!

Thank you everyone!!

[Patricia]

If you have a business card, bring it, and feel free to hand it out. It is a good way to introduce yourself. I think assistants lose out if we don't network with our peers. We can gain so much knowledge by reaching out to others.

I am a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and I use our monthly Chapter dinner meetings to network. I try to sit at a different table each time I go.

A good way to break the ice is to ask where they work and about their position. I also use this as an opportunity to bring to the table any work questions that I have. There is usually someone who knows how to do it better than I do.

Learn as much as you can at the conference and share your thoughts on the different topics and speakers with the other attendees.

Enjoy yourself.

[Jackeline]

Thank you Patricia for your input! I will be sure to follow your suggestions when I attend the conference tomorrow. AND I will give you an update! Thanks again!

[Jackeline]

UPDATE: So I attended the conferece on Wednesday and it went well. I learned a lot and took tons of notes. I was also able to connect with two other administrative assistants--exchanged numbers and have already connected with them.