(Note: Irving Washington originally wrote this post in 2015, but it remains extremely applicable today. We\u2019ve refreshed it from our archives to make sure ONA18 attendees get this great advice.)<\/i><\/p>\n
ONA\u2019s annual conference has landed in Austin. What began as just a few hundred attendees to now over 2,000 people, the conference is one of the most exciting and energetic journo gatherings in the world.<\/p>\n
As a self-proclaimed introvert, I know that in large crowds we can be the life of the party or the quietest person in the room. (As a PSA to our extroverted friends, introversion has nothing to do with shyness or social awkwardness \u00a0\u2014 if I had a dime for every time someone doubted my introversion, I\u2019d be rich \u2014 but more to do with our response to stimulation and need for renewal.)<\/p>\n
Having clocked in at nearly 50 journalism conferences and eight ONA conferences, I feel pretty confident the following strategy guide will help my #ONAIntroverts at ONA18.<\/p>\n
Have a \u201cstart early\u201d strategy. <\/b>Nothing is more overwhelming to an introvert than attending an event where you don\u2019t know anyone. Eliminate this by connecting now with attendees online. Follow conversations on #ONA18<\/a>, @ONA<\/a>, and @ONAConf<\/a>. Introduce yourself in the ONA18 Facebook group<\/a> and join other groups such as our ONA International<\/a>, ONA Educators<\/a> and Diverse Social Media Editors and Digital Journalists<\/a>. You\u2019re most likely separated by two degrees from someone in the digital journo world. Scan the speaker list<\/a> and reach out to anyone you know or find someone to introduce you prior to the conference.<\/p>\n Have an overall conference strategy. <\/b>A common introverted procrastination technique is to just wing it. You\u2019re investing your time and money to attend, so spend some time thinking about how to make your experience the best. Do you want to learn a particular skill? Check out the conference schedule to find hands-on workshops<\/a>. Want a new job? Visit the exhibit space in Griffin Hall to discover work opportunities <\/a>and talk directly to potential employers.<\/p>\n Have a networking strategy.<\/b> I know. I know. The word \u201cnetworking\u201d alone makes introverts cringe. Not because we don\u2019t enjoy great people and conversations, but because we like to view our relationships as genuine and authentic. But ONA18 will have a ton of opportunities to develop real connections.<\/p>\n You should definitely plan to attend our Opening Night Reception<\/a>, Online Journalism Awards<\/a> and ONA Local Office Hours<\/a>, and don\u2019t forget to check out the parties and special networking events happening around the conference.<\/p>\n Pro tips for social events:<\/p>\n Have a session strategy. <\/b>Networking isn\u2019t limited to social events. Here are some sessions that will help you keep meeting interesting people throughout the day.<\/p>\n Have a recharge strategy. <\/b>You are not an extrovert. Say it with me again: You are not an extrovert. This is perhaps the single most important advice. If you overplan and attend every session and party, you will be drained, contrary to our extroverted friends, who will only get more recharged with every event. Make sure to plan your breaks and rest. It\u2019s OK if you don\u2019t go to everything. Make sure you\u2019re at your best for the events you do attend.<\/p>\n Here’s a tip: Austin has fantastic outdoors spots \u2014 check out our guide to getting outside<\/a> if time with nature is your favorite way to recharge.<\/p>\n\n
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