If you are heading to ASHA convention, or considering it for a future convention year, there are a few ways to really get the most out of it that go well beyond overbooking, hustling, and go-go-going all weekend long.

ASHA convention is a fantastic time to learn some of the best and newest techniques in your field – from professional issue to therapy techniques to marketing and more- all while packing in a ton of CEUs. It is also a time to network with other SLPs, meet and greet with companies and people you’ve only seen from afar, and maybe even job or school hunt. All of this makes it a very busy, demanding and, hopefully, really fun and rewarding experience.

But, honestly, all of that going and hustling and running from session to session can wear you out, leaving you feeling depleted when you get back to work or even during the end of the weekend.

So while there are some great tips out there for what to do and bring to your ASHA convention (a phone charger or plug, a bag for swag, a tablet, laptop or notebook for taking notes, the ASHA app, etc), there are also a few deeper things that will help you really make the most out of the entire weekend and leave you feeling refreshed, empowered and ready to put all that you’ve learned into action when you get back home.

• Schedule and Plan Ahead
  • There is a TON to do and see and attend at the convention. Make sure you look at the paper planner or app ahead of time, so you are able to know which session you really want to attend, where they are located, what time they start and if you need to sign up ahead or get there early for a spot.
  • Right these down in a planner or calendar, or add them to you app planner, so you know when you are going and aren’t trying to search in between session to make it to the next course.
• Community and Connection
  • One of the best things about attending ASHA is the connections and community you can build or reconnect with. Community and connection help you to feel like you are involved and important in your field, and can help you maintain your passion and decrease your overall stress and feelings of isolation, which many SLPs feel regularly.
  • If you have a ton of SLP friends that live far fro you, that you only get to see at work, or that you have never met IRL, convention can be the perfect place to connect. Set up session to attend together or meet up for a meal, drink or event while you are there.
  • You can also use the time to connect with brands, sites, schools, companies, etc that you are wanting to collaborate or work with, or that you have question for. These are usually found in the exhibit hall. Pro-tip: go to these during session times instead of the lunch break, so you can have more one-on-one time with the people and vendors you are wanting to meet and connect with. 
• Food and Drinks
  • You need to eat and you need to stay hydrated, especially if you want to beat brain fog while you are sitting in those early morning or late afternoon sessions.
  • Look for some places to caffeinate, with coffee or tea you will actually enjoy and that aren’t too swamped (or plan for more time). These are usually outside the convention center or on your way there.
  • Bring a water bottle so you can refill it throughout your day and always have something to drink on hand.
  • Bring snacks and even consider packing a meal. If you are meeting friends for lunch, plan ahead, so you can make a reservation or know how far and how long it will take to get there. Remember that most places will be crowded. Pro-tip: sneak out of your last session right before it ends to beat the lunch crowds if eating in the convention hall. 
• Breaks and Time-Outs
  • You will need downtime. If you try to push through and go to back to back sessions ALL weekend long, in order to get as many CEUs as possible, you will be worn out, exhausted and not get much out of those sessions.
  • Instead, pick a few to attend each day that are really important to you. During the times when you might have lower energy or need to recharge, consider taking a break. Got o a lounge or grab some coffee or a snack. Go for a walk outside and get some fresh air and sunlight (or rain or snow depending on the weather and location). Put your headphones in and listen to a podcast, music or meditation. Take a break of some kind, so you can recharge for the rest of the sessions and really learn and absorb more.
• Sleep and Self-Care
  • Just like it is important to take a break, it is also important to practice some self-care, including sleep, during the weekend. This will help you to feel, think and show up your best, whether you are networking and connecting, presenting, or attending sessions.
  • Get some sleep. You may be up really early to attend your first session to commute to the convention center. Make sure that if you are, you head out for the nighttime activities with enough time to recharge and unwind. It can be tempting to stay out late and lose some sleep, but it will benefit you more to have a clearer head and able able to think, function and be present at the next days sessions.
  • Take care of yourself. Self-Care is important whether you are at ASHA convention or at home. Take some time to find some balance form your day and unwind.
    • If you are walking around all day and on your feet, perhaps in uncomfortable shows, put your feet up and rest for a bit when you get back to your room.
    • If you are sitting for most of the day, try taking a walk or doing some yoga to stretch, move and balance out your day.
    • Plan some down time to recharge, hydrate, eat well, and restore.

Overall, soak up the the time at ASHA convention and use some of these tips to get the most out of it and really enjoy your time there, letting go of some stress or tension that you carry around each day.

For more tips and ways to recharge each day at convention, make sure to sign up for the SLP Toolbox, full of FREE resources to help SLPs manage and reduce stress, unwind and recharge, and just feel better overall.

And if you can’t make it to ASHA convention, here are a few ways to earn some CEUs and reduce your SLP stress in the process:

• 3 Common SLP Stressors and How to Manage Them on Xceptional ED (1.5 CMH Hours)
• Managing Common SLP Stressors before Burn Out Occurs on Northern Speech Services (2.5 ASHA CEU hours .025 units)
• 3 Biggest Stressors for SLPs and What to do About Them on SpeechPathology.com (1.5 ASHA CEU hours .15 units)
• SLP Stress Management: Using Mindfulness to Reduce and Manage Stress on SHAV Webinars (1 ASHA CEU)

Much Love,