My name is Susan Kistler and I am the American Evaluation Association’s Executive Director. In one week from today, I leave for lovely San Antonio and the excitement of Evaluation 2010. If you are one of the over 2500 attendees who will be joining us for a week of learning, networking, and collaboration, today’s post is for you.
Hot Tips for last minute preparations for Evaluation 2010:
- Check out the site for Visit San Antonio: They have extensive information about our host city – my favorite sections are “Be a local” and the “Play” menu for great dining and sight-seeing ideas.
- Sign up for one of the Thursday Nights Out: During Nights Out, small groups head out into the city and have dinner together, go dancing, or – special this year – take a ghost tour (boo!). These fill up, and pre-signups close completely this Thursday, so take one of the few remaining slots early in the week if you want to have fun, see San Antonio, and build your professional network!
- Review the online program: You will receive a hardcopy program when you check in on site – but the online program includes the session abstracts and more detailed information to help you choose from the 600+ sessions during the conference. Sort by keyword or Topical Interest Group (TIG) to hone in on your interests or by session type to focus on your favored learning styles.
- Prepare your job or resume to post on the career boards: Review the Evaluation 2010 Career Boards information online and then bring copies of your one-page resume or job description for posting on the on-site career boards.
- Upload Documents to the eLibrary: If you are presenting, you should upload your supporting documents either before or after the conference. If you do it before, you’ll be able to tell your attendees to download your slides and supplementary materials by going to http://bit.ly/AEAeLibrary – we’ll be sharing this link in multiple forums.
- Plan for Extra Time to Get Through the Airport: As of November 1, the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement the Secure Flight Program. Any new program may bring delays as the TSA ramps up its operations. Plus, security has recently been heightened at airports across the country. Plan ahead so that you have plenty of time to make it to your flight.
See you in San Antonio!