Masonry Magazine February 1999 Page. 38
CELL VENT
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St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: (612) 646-4523
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Get the most our of your Convention
Continued from page 30
products and services offered by exhibitors. Pick up literature. Ask a few questions. Later, study the material you pick up, make a list of more detailed questions, and plan for a return visit the next day when you'll be prepared to study specific products in greater depth.
Always wear your name tag. The more you're noticed, the more opportunities you'll have for interaction with your peers. Better yet, if you have a distinctive name tag of your own, bring it with you and wear it. A unique tag will stand out.
Stand in a strategic spot during coffee breaks and receptions. "Strategic spots" might include a location 15 or 20 feet from elevator doors, near the entrances to meetings, or near the rest room corridor wherever a large number of people are likely to pass or congregate. Here, you'll have the opportunity to meet and talk with a large number of people.
Carry an ample supply of business cards. You never know when you'll have the opportunity to discuss a business deal, acquire information from an acquaintance, or set up post convention business. From your handy supply, you can hand out cards to anyone who might need or want your address and telephone number later. And don't forget: a personal note or reference you jot on a business card will be kept much longer than a note your acquaintance writes on a piece of scrap paper.
Bring along your appointment calendar. You never know, too, when you might have the opportunity to set up an important meeting with a vendor or colleague. If you do carry your appointment calendar, be sure it fits in your pocket; that's the best way to guard against its loss.
Save receipts. Most convention expenses are tax deductible (including meals, which are partially deductible). Save all receipts to document your deductions. When you don't get a receipt, say for a taxi ride or admission fee, make a diary note of the expense and its purpose.
Get enough rest and exercise. Don't kid yourself: almost any change in your routine can be tiring, even stressful. Conventions, which are so full of stimulation and physical activity, can be doubly tiring. Try to maintain as close to a normal work schedule as possible. If your hotel offers exercise opportunities, take them. And be sure to get as close to a good night's sleep as possible each day of the convention.
Make action notes. When you hear a tip that you can put into practice, or a followup suggestion from a colleague, write yourself an "action note" and place it in your wallet or appointment calendar. Your action notes will become an important part of your post-convention agenda.
See the sights. Conventions give you the opportunity to see places you've never visited before. Hopefully, you've already identified the key sights and tourist attractions at your destination. When you arrive, carefully budget your time for local travel.
Share your knowledge and insights with others. Before you leave for home, make a list of key insights you've gained and resolve to share them with colleagues back in the office. The result: you'll get an even greater return on the time and money you invested in the convention, and you'll build goodwill among your colleagues.
Your convention can bring you personal and professional renewal. Seize the opportunities your convention offers, and it will bring you tremendous benefits long after you return home.
WANTED
Photos of creative
masonry fireplaces for
possible future publication
in Masonry Magazine.
Photos should be of good
quality color and fireplace
should have one or more of
the following qualities:
Creative design,
Excellent craftsmanship,
Use of unusual medium,
Efficiency
All photos will be returned.
Mail photos and credits to:
Editor, Masonry Magazine
1910 South Highland Ave. Suite 101
Lombard, IL 60148