Making the Most of APC

Congratulations! You’ve made the choice to attend ASAP’s Administrative Professionals Conference (APC)! This means you have successfully shared the value of attending with your organization and they support your development and the benefits it will bring.

Now, how do you make the most of this choice? Your commitment to attend is only the first of many steps you can take to maximize your ROI for time and money spent on APC. Go “all in” with specific goals in mind to improve your knowledge and skills and be even better at your job.

No matter how much experience and education one has in the administrative field, there is always more to learn – and you will always learn something new at APC. 

Your Checklist to Maximize Your Experience

Before You Go

• If you didn’t already when you registered, join ASAP for conference discounts, free weekly resources, and webinars that often feature APC trainers.
• Pack at least one item to wear at the themed Tuesday Night Party.
• Download the event app when it launches (usually a month beforehand) and set up your profile. Include your photo to help people recognize you!
• Reconnect with contacts from last year’s APC in advance of this year's event and make plans to meet on site.

Onsite

• Plan to attend these “do not miss” events: the Welcome Reception, the Keynotes, and of course, the Tuesday Night Party.
• Create a personal plan for each session you attend to get the maximum benefit. Take notes and write down at least 1-3 takeaways/strategies you can bring back to the office with you. Highlight items you plan to implement.
• Network. Network. Network. Meet and surround yourself with new people to interact with during sessions, lunch, and at parties (even if you came with others from your company). Introduce yourself and exchange contact information; the event app makes it easy! Take advantage of the unique opportunity you have at APC to meet like-minded individuals from all over the world and in different industries. 
• Be present in each session. Be real, share your experiences and ideas, and look for opportunities to contribute to the discussion. Believe that what you have to say is meaningful and that your fellow attendees could benefit from your insights.
• Feel free to change sessions if you find one you selected doesn’t suit you. Think of the schedule as a "choose your own adventure map" and go with what you most want to learn. APC has something for everyone, which gives you the opportunity to customize your schedule based on your personal plan. However, avoid the temptation of skipping sessions to explore the town. You’ll have that opportunity on nights outside of the Tuesday Night Party.
• Enjoy yourself along the way and have fun celebrating our profession with your colleagues and new friends!

Back in the Office

• Share what you learned. Come back to the office empowered, motivated, and re-energized! Schedule time to connect with your executive or manager via a (brief) one-on-one meeting, summary document, or email within 1-2 weeks of your return. Share the key takeaways and contacts you made at APC.
• Plan to implement at least one new idea or strategy with your company that you can directly tie back to what you learned at APC. This will demonstrate the return on your organization's investment in you and support your continued attendance.
• Stay in touch with the individual contacts you made during the conference. Follow up with at least one special connection to inspire, motivate, and help each other make progress towards your goals. Create a valuable network you can rely on throughout the coming year and beyond.

We hope this checklist helps you to feel more prepared and excited for an amazing experience at APC. Follow it and you’ll arrive ready to make the most of this annual opportunity for personal and professional development.

Can’t wait to see you there!