Organize an orientation session for first-time student attendees to ensure they get the most out of their CS conference experience.
- Start the orientation by explaining to students what a conference is, why people go, and how to read the program.
- Tell students they’re not obligated to go to everything.
- Let students know it’s okay to be overwhelmed. Remind them to take some time to reorient themselves in these moments.
- Have a discussion about conference norms, like:
- Is it okay to use a laptop or phone during sessions?
- Is it okay to leave one session to go to another?
- In small groups, have students introduce themselves, read the program, discuss what sessions they want to attend, as well as make plans to meet up for plenary sessions and meals.
- You can also make plans for the entire orientation group to meet up for meals and sessions throughout the conference.
- Before students leave, remind them not to spend the whole time doing homework.
- There are so many once in a lifetime opportunities at a conference; it’s important to take a break from homework to take advantage of them.