Hi, Division 20 students!
Given APA’s 2024 Convention is quickly approaching, I thought it may be beneficial to use this space as an opportunity to share some tips on navigating APA (and conferences in general!), for those of you joining us in Seattle in early August. Whether you are attending APA for the first time or are a seasoned conference goer, I hope these tips come in handy.
- Plan it out! Don’t wait until you get to Seattle to start planning the sessions you will attend. Scan through the APA convention’s online program to identify the sessions you’d like to prioritize each day. The online program also lets you search for speakers. So, if there is someone you’d like to hear from or colleague you’d like to support, you’ll know where to find them.
- Don’t forget your business cards! When I started going to conferences in-person again after the COVID-19 shut down, I mistakenly thought business cards had become a thing of the past. To my surprise, folks started asking me for my card. Turns out, people still want to know how to keep in contact with you. If you have some business cards, bring them. If you have time to order some, order them. If you are out of time, consider using one of those new virtual business cards…or even just write your name and email on a few index cards so that if someone asks for your information, you’ll be ready.
- Bring snacks! So many of my friends laugh at me for always packing snacks...until they themselves need a snack and know who to come to. You’ll figure out what works best for you over time, but I rely on pre-packaged snacks like breakfast bars and trail mix. These are particularly helpful on days I am presenting and am too nervous to eat a full meal but need something to keep me going!
- Get some rest! Personally, I’ve found that I enjoy conferences more if, in the late afternoon before dinner, I go back to my hotel room rather that powering through to go to another session. Remember that it is not about going full speed the entire time. Take some moments to step away from it all. Also, remember to reserve time to explore Seattle. As someone who used to live in the Pacific Northwest, here are some of my recommendations for Seattle: pick up some Rainer cherries, Beecher cheese, or Daily Dozen donuts at Pike Place Market; head to the top of the Space Needle; while you are at the Market, walk down to the Gum Wall; take the ferry to Bainbridge Island; watch the Mariners play (they have home games versus the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets while APA is happening).
- And, finally, join us at the Division 20 early career “Critical Conversation” titled “Career Development Strategies for Emerging Geropsychologists (and Those Considering Geropsychology)”! On Saturday, August 10 from 9:00 to 9:50am, we’ll be discussing topics relevant to students and other early career folks such as diverse employment opportunities in geropsychology, benefits of pursuing training in geropsychology across focus areas (e.g., health psychology, neuropsychology), mentorship programs (e.g., Division 20’s Mentor Match Program), as well as funding mechanisms to support early career scholars’ transition into aging research.
We cannot wait to see you and look forward to learning alongside you!