How to Survive a 48-hour Virtual Conference

by Monica Cornetti
GamiCon Gamemaster

Conferences can be a valuable opportunity to network, learn about new trends and developments, and gain new skills and insights. At GamiCon48V, a truly global event, we circle the globe twice over a 48-hour period as we learn and grow with speakers from every continent (accept Antarctica). Our geo-sensitive pricing empowers participants from across the globe to learn and network with colleagues and world-class speakers. 

The Sententia team put together this comprehensive guide on preparing for, attending, and networking at this 48-hour one-of-a-kind gamified and game-based learning conference.

Here are 10 Tips to help you get the most out of your 48-hour conference experience:

1. Tie up loose ends at work: Make sure all your tasks and projects are up to date so you can shut down your office-related work with a clear mind. Pre-call your involvement in the conference with your colleagues and boss. Be sure to let them know that because it is a virtual event, you will be at your computer, but there will be a delay in responding to requests from co-workers. Remember to put your Out of Office message on for your email so you don’t feel the need to check emails during the conference.
2. Set clear goals: Before you attend the conference, decide what you hope to achieve. Do you want to network with other professionals in the field, learn about new technologies, or find potential collaborators or partners? Having clear goals will help you prioritize your time.
3. Plan your schedule: Review the conference schedule ahead of time and make a plan for which sessions you want to attend. Try to balance sessions that are directly relevant to your work with those that are more broadly interesting.
4. Participant in The Exchange: We’ve included strategically scheduled times we’re calling “THE EXCHANGE,” a guided time of connection and collaboration. If you are enthusiastic and ready to ‘give’ as well as ‘get’ energy and ideas to create excitement with others regarding gamified and game-based learning – then these times are for YOU.
5. Network: Conferences provide a great opportunity to network with others in your field and in a variety of industries. Make an effort to strike up conversations with other attendees. Be curious about what work others are doing and be prepared to talk about your work and what you hope to gain from the conference.
6. Engage with the speakers: Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with experts in your field. Attend their sessions, ask questions, and follow up with them after the conference.
7. Engage with the BLUERABBIT gamified event app: The BLUERABBIT app helps us create an immersive, engaging event for you (our GamiCon Events have an average of +80 Net Promoter Score!). PLUS, the app gives you the opportunity to experience an authentic player journey in real time. We include virtual rewards that encourage additional skill development that you can earn via the in-app item shop.
8. Use your Legends Learning Journal to take notes: You receive a Legends Learning Journal with your GamiCon48V registration to use to write down key points from sessions you attend, and make note of any insights or ideas that come to you. This will help you remember what you learned and will be valuable for future reference.
9. Follow up: After the conference, follow up with people you met, and continue to engage with the community online through Game Garage, the Sententia Facebook Group, and other social media platforms.
10. Evaluate: Reflect on what you learned at the conference and evaluate how you can apply what you learned to your work.

By following these tips, you can maximize the value of your conference experience and come away with new skills, knowledge, and connections.

Pace yourself

Because the GamiCon48V conference runs for 48 hours straight, it's important to pace yourself in order to avoid burnout and to ensure that you are able to fully engage and absorb the information being presented.

Here are 5 tips for pacing yourself:

1. Get enough sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep before the conference and take breaks during the conference to rest and recharge.
2. Eat healthy: Eating nutritious meals and snacks will help keep your energy levels up and sustain your focus throughout the conference.
3. Prioritize self-care: Make time for self-care activities, such as stretching, meditation, or exercise, to help relieve stress and refresh your mind and body.
4. Take breaks: Plan to take breaks during the conference, such as stepping outside for fresh air or taking a quick nap. Taking regular breaks will help you stay alert and focused.
5. Limit distractions: Avoid distractions, such as checking your phone frequently, and stay focused on the presentations and conversations that are most relevant to your goals for the conference.
6. Be mindful of your energy levels: Pay attention to your energy levels and adjust your schedule accordingly. If you start to feel tired, take a break and come back to the conference refreshed.

By pacing yourself and taking care of your physical and mental well-being, you'll be able to fully engage with the conference and make the most of this unique 48-hour experience.

The Introverts Nightmare

As an introvert, it can be challenging to push outside of your comfort zone and engage in networking and conversation with strangers at a conference. Networking and building relationships with others in your field can be valuable opportunities for learning and growth.

Here are some 5 self-talk tips that can help you overcome your nerves and engage with others:

1. Remind yourself of your purpose: Why did you attend the conference in the first place? Remembering your goals and why you're there can help you focus on your purpose and overcome any anxiety or self-doubt.
2. Focus on common ground: When starting a conversation, focus on finding common ground with the person you are speaking with. This could be a shared interest, work experience, or even just a shared connection to the conference.
3. Ask questions: Asking questions can be a great way to engage with others and start a conversation. People love to talk about themselves, and asking questions shows that you're interested in them and their work.
4. Practice active listening: Engage in the conversation by actively listening and offering your own insights and opinions. This will help you feel more confident and connected to the other person.
5. Be kind to yourself: If you're feeling nervous, it's important to be kind to yourself and remind yourself that everyone feels nervous at times. Try to focus on the present moment and take deep breaths to calm your nerves.

By using these self-talk tips, perhaps you can push outside of your comfort zone and engage with others so that you can gain more from your conference experience.

Meeting People from Different Cultures

GamiCon48V is a global conference with attendees from many different countries and cultures. If you're feeling nervous or uncomfortable about speaking to people from cultures, you're unfamiliar with, here are 5 tips to help you overcome these feelings:

1. Focus on common goals: Remember that you are all there for a similar reason, whether it's to learn, network, or exchange ideas. Focusing on these common goals can help you feel more at ease and find common ground with others.
2. Embrace differences: Differences in culture can be a source of richness and diversity, and they can also provide opportunities for learning and growth. Embrace these differences and seek to understand them, rather than being intimidated by them.
3. Be curious: Ask questions and seek to learn more about the culture and perspectives of others. This shows that you're interested and respectful, and it can also help you feel more comfortable and confident.
4. Learn key phrases: If you're not fluent in the language of the attendees you'll be speaking with, learn some key phrases like greetings and thank you in their language to break the ice and show your willingness to connect. Access the chat feature to help communicate spellings and pronunciations.
5. Be yourself: Be yourself and don't try to pretend to be someone you're not. Authenticity goes a long way in building connections and fostering relationships, regardless of cultural differences.

By following these tips, you can encourage yourself to speak to people from other countries and cultures and make the most of your conference experience. Remember that everyone is there to learn and grow, and by being open and respectful, you can build meaningful relationships with attendees from all over the world.

Follow Up

Here is a plan to follow up on the sessions you missed at a conference:

1. Create a schedule: Set aside specific times to watch the recordings of the sessions you missed. This will help you stay organized and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
2. Take notes: While watching the recordings, use your Legends Learning Journal to take notes on key points and insights. This will help you retain the information and refer back to it later.
3. Engage with the community: Reach out to others who attended the conference and ask for their perspectives on the sessions you missed. Join any online forums or discussions related to the conference to stay connected with the community.
4. Reflect: After watching the recordings, reflect on what you learned and how it can be applied to your work. Consider reaching out to the speakers or attendees for further discussion.
5. Stay organized: Keep your notes and any other materials related to the conference in one place, so that you can easily reference them in the future.

By putting this plan in place, you can ensure that you get the most out of the conference, even if you missed some of the sessions. The ability to watch the recordings allows you to fully engage with the material and keep up with the latest trends and developments in your field.

That’s it for now. We are excited to have you join us for this 48-hour adventure of discovery and learning. The Sententia Gamification and GamiCon Team are here to assist you on your journey. Please connect with us before, during, and after the conference with any questions you have.

We’ll see you in the Legends Lodge starting February 26^th at 7:00 p.m. EST.