Going to a Conference
AADOM Newbie? No Worries!
Going to an AADOM conference without your doctor or team can be very intimidating.
Traveling, staying in your hotel room, attending meetings, and eating alone. Let me tell you that you are not alone when you come to the AADOM conference.
Here’s what to do.
Connect with a Chapter
If you are not already a chapter member, look for a local chapter. Join it before the AADOM conference if you can. You might be able to make friends before you go.
In doing this, you might even find a new friend to travel with and share a room.
If there is not a local chapter, post a comment on the AADOM Facebook page Opens in a new window that you are attending the conference for the first time and that you are looking for a travel buddy.
I promise you; there will be someone from your area attending the conference—maybe even their first time as well.
Get the Lay of the Land
When you arrive at the conference, get your badge and tour the conference area.
Familiarize yourself with the area. Where is your first class? Where are the bathrooms?
Smile and say “hi” to everyone you pass. There are so many people who arrive early for the conference, you are bound to connect with someone.
Newcomers Meeting
Next, attend the “newcomers” meeting on day one. I know it is early but well worth your time! This is also a great way to meet others in your situation. If they are in that meeting, they are newbies too.
I met my awesome AADOM sister, Leah, at this event. We compared our class schedules and found that we had booked many of the same classes. Now, we look forward to seeing each other every year at the event!
We are in the dental business; we like meeting new people and interacting with others. You will never meet a more welcoming group of women and men.
Mealtimes
When you’re in the ballroom area having a meal, introduce yourself to all at the table.
Have a list of questions to get the conversation started.
Here are a few to start you off:
- “Where are you from?”
- “How large is your office?”
- “Is your team here with you or are you traveling alone?”
- “Are you a general or specialty practice?”, etc.
On a more personal side:
- “Do you have children?”
- “Did you bring them here with you?”
- “What are they doing while you are in meetings?”
I think you get the idea.
Downtime and Between Classes
If you see someone who looks lost or seems shy, go out of your way to make them feel welcome. They might be without their team and could be nervous about interacting.
Trust me; they will be thankful.
You should also prepare yourself for classroom time.
Read about the speaker. Take a pen and paper or iPad with you to take notes. Talk to people in your class. Ask what they are doing in the evening: Are they attending the AADOM social event?
Pre-Planned Events
I strongly encourage you to go to the social events hosted by AADOM. They are way more fun than you think they are going to be!
If it is a themed event, dress the part.
AADOM does a great job of letting us know what events are planned prior to arrival. Many times, there is a volunteer event to join and give back. Your inner self will thank you.
You will also meet another group of people who may have similar interests outside of dentistry.
Network
Lastly, bring your business cards. You will make so many wonderful connections. The best part is these dental professionals will become your friends outside the office too!
Smile and Have Fun!
See you at the conference (or maybe even at the pool)!
Take a FREE test drive of AADOM membership!
It includes:
- 1 webinar recording
- 1 issue of the Observer Magazine
- A complimentary Q&A session with an AADOM Success Strategist
- 1 practice management podcast
- Bonus ebook from an industry leader
What do you have to lose?
