By Mindy Ward, AAEA President-Elect
“Do you have a business card on you?” I traveled to my first Ag Media Summit with great expectations of making a good first impression with my fellow editors. But you guessed it, I didn’t bring along a key item that would help them remember me—a business card.
When I look back on that AMS, I remember the words of Jackie Joyner-Kersee, “It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.” So, for this year’s trip at the end of the month to Kansas City, Mo., here are a few ways you can plan ahead and feel more like a seasoned Olympic athlete and less like a AMS novice:
Bring a business card. Today’s smartphones make it easy to share contact information either via text or Airdrop. You can also rely on the traditional 3.5 x 2-inch hard copy. Either way, be ready to share your contact information with your fellow ag communicators. It is a great networking tool.
Search the sessions. Really look over the sessions list and speakers. Choose the professional development seminars that elevate your career or enhance your knowledge of the industry. Remember, we don’t check credentials or titles at the door–you don’t have to be a photojournalist to attend a session on photography.
Start a conversation. Don’t always sit with your alma mater or company compadres. Make it a goal to walk up to a table of people you do not know and introduce yourself at least twice a day. Expand your network. Remember, we are all in the ag family here, you just may be the second cousin we haven’t met yet.
Be informed. If you want to know what is going on in our association attend the business meeting. It happens only once a year. It is not only for officers or committee chairs, it is for all members. These meetings are a great way to stay informed and see where you can plug in and get involved.
Attend the awards. There was a time I thought only those who won awards attended the award ceremony, until I attended and did not win. In that moment, I realized while we all may want our named called, it is about viewing great pieces of work. More importantly, the award ceremony is about supporting our fellow ag communicators.
From left to right: AAEA Members Kasey Brown, Holly Spangler and
Christy Lee enjoy catching up during the 2019 AMS in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
(Courtesy: Holly Spangler)
Chill with friends. AMS is a big family reunion, so make sure to carve out time and reconnect, thankfully this year in person. Sit at the hotel or take in the sights and sounds of this great city in my home state of Missouri. It does not disappoint.
I look forward to seeing you, business card or smartphone, in hand at this year AMS Aug. 1-4 in Kansas City.
Safe travels!
Mindy Ward is the Senior Content Director with Farm Progress.