COVID-19 has created the need to hold virtual conferences, which provide their own set of challenges (and opportunities). How do you prevent distractions and interruptions? How can you focus on a presentation without multitasking? We asked the CSMFO Host Committee members for tips on how to prepare for the upcoming CSMFO virtual conference.

Steve Heide, CSMFO President, Chino Valley Independent Fire District

1. How do you prepare for a virtual conference? I approach a virtual conference much like I would a traditional in-person conference.  Obviously, there’s no travel involved, but I want to review the schedule in advance to ensure that I can plan out my conference experience so I don’t have competing or conflicting appointments on my calendar, and also so that I can make sure to attend the sessions of greatest value to me. 
2. How will you make the most out of CMSFO’s virtual conference?  I’ll maximize my conference experience by actively participating, meaning I’ll be present in the moment and resist the temptation to multi-task during the conference.
3. What are you most excited about for CSMFO’s virtual conference?  I’m especially looking forward to the keynote sessions and the networking and social opportunities at the conference.   

Marcus Pimentel, CSMFO President-Elect, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency

1. How do you prepare for a virtual conference? I block my calendar well in advance and make sure my boss and team know about it.  I’ll also try to join from home to avoid workplace distractions as best as 2021 might allow.
2. How will you make the most out of CSMFO’s virtual conference? Map out all the sessions I want to attend well in advance and to the extent possible, coordinate with others from my agency.  Then re-read the session descriptions the day before to make sure my thoughts haven’t changed.
3. What are you most excited about for CSMFO’s virtual conference? Connecting with friends and colleagues I haven’t seen in a while.  I’m thrilled to think about being in small breakout spaces where I can connect.   

Joan Michaels Aguilar, CSMFO Past President (2019)

1. How do you prepare for a virtual conference? As this is my first virtual conference, once I get the link in advance of conference week, I expect I will want to navigate around the Pathable platform.  While I saw a demo, I would like to become familiar with options such as visiting our sponsors in the exhibit hall and if there is an option to populate a preliminary calendar for the educational sessions that catch my interest.
2. How will you make the most out of CMSFO’s virtual conference? Knowing I have six months to see sessions is a great option as I evaluate which sessions to view live. The Program Committee has so many great sessions that it’s often hard to choose which to attend in-person. One advantage of the virtual is the ability to see more than I could in-person. I also plan on making sure I have no distractions, so my phone will be on Do Not Disturb. It will be easier to stand up and stretch a bit more at home than in-person and still hear the speakers without the typical stiff uncomfortable convention chairs.
3. What are you most excited about for CSMFO’s virtual conference? Despite Covid-19, CSMFO leadership wanted to continue part of its mission to provide training and networking opportunities, and CPE for those that need it.  While it will be different and I will miss the in-person contact with colleagues to catch-up and wander the exhibit hall, I know it will be a valuable experience.  A bit of inspiration, training, and chance for socialization, albeit in a virtual form.

Jennifer Wakeman, City of Lafayette

1. How will you make the most out of CSMFO’s virtual conference? I am going to plan out each of my conference days in advance so that I know where I want to be.  That way I’m hoping I won’t feel too overwhelmed with navigating a new platform.
2. What are you most excited about for CSMFO’s virtual conference? I am most excited for the casual conversations/exchanges that will occur with colleagues that I have been missing for the last year!!

David McPherson, HdL Companies

1. How do you prepare for a virtual conference? Plan for the worst scenario such as printing a copy of the presentation in case the PowerPoint does not work. Make sure your other panelists have a copy of your PowerPoint or can present the material if necessary, have a backup wifi such as a Mifi or another device. Most importantly provide time to answer questions.
2. What are you most excited about for CSMFO’s virtual conference? Continuing the legacy of being there for the members especially during these times when they need to have answers or ideas to share with their management team or policy makers.

It looks like our experts prepare by treating the virtual conference the same as an in-person conference. Plan for the conference sessions you want to attend and become acquainted with the conference technology. Don’t be afraid to set that out of office and set yourself up in a distraction free area!

CSMFO’s 2021 Annual Conference will be held virtually from February 16-18.

We look forward to seeing you online!