Distance Teaching & Learning Conference: A Brief Guide for Newbies

I have been attending the annual Distance Teaching & Learning Conference for a while (full disclosure: I have been on the Conference Committee since 2011, but these are my own opinions). The conference is one of the highlights of my academic year – a chance to learn, network, and mingle with fun practitioners in a beautiful city. This is a quick guide for those who may be attending for the first time. I hope that this is of help to you.

What To Wear

Professional (but comfortable) is always a safe bet, but Midwesterners favor practicality over sartorial elegance – wear what makes sense, rather than dressing as if you were to attend a wedding or a society event. Please note that the weather in Madison can be hot and humid in August. Dressing in layers is highly recommended – outside the conference will be very hot, but the larger rooms inside can be a little chilly, so dress for changes in climate. You will be walking a fair amount, and comfortable shoes are a must. Conference staff tend to wear red polo shirts, so avoid wearing red. A pocket umbrella is worth bringing with you in case of the occasional summer shower.

What to Bring

A smartphone, portable charger (or charging cable), notepad, pen, business cards, and a small bag are what you will need on a daily basis. Most presenters do not provide handouts, but you can download the presentations from the Guidebook App. Sponsors and exhibiters will have plenty of printed material and swag to hand out – a small bag will help you keep all of this together. I generally use my smartphone camera to scan and digitize material that I don’t want to carry, and I take photographs of key slides at the presentations I attend (a great way for keeping track of emails, URLs, and important advice).

Social Media

The conference has an official hashtag (#UWdtl)and Twitter account (@UWDEPD). The backchannel conversation can be very helpful, and is an efficient way to network and discover new resources.

Food

Food is provided at the conference, and drinks are in abundance. You won’t need to pack snacks or a water bottle unless you really want to. There are plenty of nearby restaurants and fast food outlets around the Capitol. In the evening you can venture down State Street to explore more food and drink options.

General Strategy

• Each year, the conference puts on “New to Conference” orientation events – visit and meet fellow newbies, and better understand the conference. 
• Make note of the conference WiFi password. This is provided in your conference materials you receive at the registration desk.
• Download Guidebook to your smartphone. The Guidebook contains an up-to-date schedule for the entire conference, links to handouts, presenter biographies, and more. You can also use the Guidebook app to evaluate sessions (evaluations make the conference even better the next year).
• Follow the official conference Twitter account and hashtag.
• For each time slot, chose two preferred sessions -  if the session you are in is not what you expected just leave and attend the alternate session. 
• Take photographs with your smartphone for important slides.
• Keep a diary, blog, or tweet. Your memory has a half-life, and you will be experiencing a firehose of information at the conference.
• Take a break if you are experiencing information overload. Madison is a beautiful city – get out and enjoy the sights and sounds.

Hope to see you at the conference!