How to Make the Most of Your SEGD Conference Experience

May 22, 2018

In two weeks, you’ll join hundreds of professionals at the largest event designed especially for experiential graphic designers. [Not registered? You should take care of that right now.]

Whether you’re a student, a young designer, new to SEGD or new to the conference experience, we’ve put together this handy list to help you make the most of the event.

Pre-Conference Checklist

Investigate the area. Spend a couple minutes of quality time with Google Maps and explore the local dining options, places to pick up necessities and points of interest. [Once your onsite though, you can hit up locals like Conference Co-Chairs Gary Stemlerand Gretta Fryfor their faves.]

Review your schedule. Take a look at the agenda again, and see what tours and events you’ve signed up for. Decide what sessions you definitely do not want to miss and which ones you are a lower priority for you.

Check the weather. The weather in Minneapolis is relatively mild in the summer, so dress appropriately. And don’t forget to bring a sweater or light jacket in case the A/C is running too aggressively.

Figure out who you want to meet. Take a look at the SEGD conference pagefor the list of speakers, sponsors and board members.

Don’t forget key items. Chargers, laptop, tablet, samples of your work, business cards (more than you think you need), breath mints, comfortable walking shoes and the oft-forgotten toothbrush.

At the Conference

Start conversations. Introduce yourself and ask questions. This is no time to be shy. Likewise, don’t cut off a meaningful conversation just to snag a good seat at the next session—that person could be a future partner or employer (and they’re all good seats).

Attend all the parties. Beyond the awesome music, food and drinks, this is the time to build relationships and make new friends in a relaxing, casual environment. [Lucky for you, we’ve put together this handy guideof the 2018 SEGD Conference parties.]

Take notes. Make sure while you’re taking notes you identify action items and key ideas (asterisks, boxes, etc). Also, take visual notes: Sketch and snap photos to get more out of your experience. Post them to your social media (and make sure to include #SEGDconf).

Create an Ex-Sum. After each talk, try to summarize the main idea in one concise thought. Write this down, and make sure it’s easy to find later. Review. After the conference, read your notes and transfer the most salient points to your to-dos and regular notes.

Follow-up. You’ve met interesting people and made some contacts, which could turn into a future job or project. Give it a couple days—but wait any longer and opportunities can slip through the cracks. Connect on social media.

Watch. Keep your eyes open for the conference videos on SEGD Talks. When they are posted, watch the ones you missed, and re-watch ones you found most useful. You’ll retain it all much better.
 

Registration for the 2018 SEGD Conference Experience Minneapolis is still open! Don’t miss out. Register now.