My first annual conference was Burlingame in 2005. I was new to municipal finance and had not yet established my CSMFO network. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed with selecting the right sessions and navigating through the conference. So, I thought I’d focus this month’s message to reveal my insider tips to getting the most out of our upcoming 2020 Annual Conference at the Disneyland Hotel (January 28-31).

Whether this is your first CSMFO conference or you’re a veteran of the conference circuit, there’s sure to be something for everyone. From my perspective, in the 15 or so years I’ve been attending CSMFO conferences, I’ve found that fully immersing myself in the conference experience is the best way to go. So I hope you’ll use these tips to take advantage of all our conference has to offer:

Tip 1: Standard Online-rate Registration Ends January 10th

If you haven’t yet, go online today to register to save your agency some dollars and take advantage of this fantastic conference opportunity. In addition to the outstanding lineup of motivational, keynote and highly informative general session speakers, there will be 50-plus concurrent, educational breakout sessions between Wednesday and Friday, and some great preconference training offerings on Tuesday as well.

After January 10th you’ll have to register on site and at a higher price, so why wait?

Tip 2: Consult Conference Website

Well before the conference, review the conference website to familiarize yourself with the schedule and the various conference offerings. This is an opportunity to establish a general “game plan” for the conference.

Tip 3: Download Guidebook

Before you go, be sure to download the Guidebook mobile conference application to your device(s). You’ll find “Guidebook” where ever you get your apps from (i.e. Apple Store). I download the app to my smartphone and tablet for maximum flexibility and will use it’s “Find Guides” search to download the 2020 CSMFO Conference catalog when it is ready.

Tip 4: Make a Plan

Using the conference app, map out your tentative schedule for those sessions and events you’re planning on attending. Of course, you always have the flexibility to change your plan on site.

Tip 5: Be Intentional & Bring Your Cards

Consider reaching out to colleagues and vendors you’re particularly interested in seeing at the conference to either set specific appointments or to declare your intent to connect at the conference. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards for the new connections you’ll make at the conference as well.

Tip 6: Be in the Moment

Since you’ve done your advance prep and you’ll have your game plan, you’ll be prepared to take full advantage of the conference experience. Be present in the moment, especially during training sessions. If you’re able, disconnect from your office and resist the temptation to use your device for other than conference purposes, except during breaks and off times, of course.

Tip 7: Expand Your CSMFO Network

Make new connections and expand your professional network. The exhibit hall, conference breaks, lunches and social activities are great opportunities to meet new colleagues and make new friends.

Tip 8: It’s Okay to Play a Little

It’s important to take a mental break, so as you are building your social network, really be open to doing it at any of the magical activities we have specially designed for you.

On Tuesday, we’ll have the golf and tennis/pickleball tournaments. Golf registration ends Dec 27th . And in the spirit of “CSMFO Gives Back”, all Tennis/pickleball registration fees will be donated to the CSFMO O’Dell Scholarship Fund.

For Wednesday, be sure and plan now to attend our free, private, late night event at Disney’s California Adventure on Wednesday.

And throughout much of the conference, join our “virtual” fun walk or plan to join the Friday morning yoga and take advantage of this opportunity to get introduced to yoga.

Tip 9: Bring Home Fun Exhibit Hall Swag to Your Family or Co-Workers

Of course, our fantastic conferences would not be possible without the support of our exhibitors and sponsors. You’ll want to be sure to visit our exhibit hall to learn about the latest and greatest product and service offerings by our commercial partners. I strongly encourage you to make connections with our exhibitors and sponsors, both for services and products your agency may be in the market for today, as well as for what tomorrow may hold. And don’t forget to enter their prize drawings, grab some chocolate, and check out their irresistibly unique swag (that they might not want to pack up after the conference).

Tip 10: After Conference Action Plan

After the conference, but while your exhilarating conference experience is still fresh, be sure to make a follow-up plan to address your after conference to-do list (technical follow-up, vendor contacts, etc.).

To quote Walt Disney,

“Our heritage and ideals, our code and standards – the things we live by and teach our children – are preserved or diminished by how freely we exchange ideas and feelings.”

Please join us for a healthy exchange of ideas at CSMFO’s 60th Annual Conference – Yesterday, Tomorrow and Finance – taking place January 28-31, 2020 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.