No Judgement Here….
By Melanie Ruberti, ACN Client Communication Specialist
For ACN veterans heading to the 2022 Ag Media Summit, packing for the three-day event is second nature to them.
For newbies, like me, I already have dozens of clothing items, shoes, jewelry, and “To Do” lists strewn around my bedroom floor.
Granted, I will be working behind the scenes at the AMS. However, as every traveling journalist knows—you need to be prepared for anything and EVERYTHING.
Case in point: Recently, two coworkers and I attended a professional development conference (as guests) on Jekyll Island, Georgia. We decided to carpool, so I rented an SUV that would comfortably accommodate the three of us, plus our luggage for the 4 ½ hour drive down to the coast. And when given the chance to upgrade to a larger SUV, I took it—naively (and ignorantly) thinking my two colleagues would probably pack like me.
Negative, Ghost Rider. Melanie needs to attend “Over Packers Anonymous.”
I immediately felt like a moron when each woman showed up to my house with two small suitcases.
I had seven.
That luggage total did not include my purse (which could count as a small suitcase in its own right), a suit on a hanger so it wouldn’t wrinkle, a laptop stand, my laptop bag, and a tote full of bottled water and snacks for us to eat and drink during our car ride.
However, though I was severely overpacked, I did bring some essential items everyone should carry with them when attending conferences.
Business Cards – I always keep some in my purse and bring a second stack in case I run out. If you don’t have physical business cards, you can now create digital ones via apps, like HiHello.me. Best of all, you can design them for free! Though, if you want fancy fonts and templates, it’s going to cost you.
Writing Supplies – While some conferences hand out swag bags ahead of time with notebooks, pens, and pencils, it’s not a bad idea to bring your own office supplies too. Items run out, you use up an entire notebook on one class, someone borrows your pen and forgets to return it, etc. Don’t raid your office supply closet, just bring a few extra items.
List of AMS Sessions and Events – Whether you physically print out a list or pull it up on your phone, be sure to read over each day’s events. It’s a good way to check out the information each class has to offer and decide which courses or InfoGather sessions you want to attend. The AMS Schedule also includes times and locations for every presentation, luncheon, dinner, organizations’ board meetings, networking events, and awards ceremonies. It’s a great way to plan your day.
Laptop – More speakers are using digital “handouts” to accompany their sessions. Presenters will usually explain where you can find the word docx at the beginning of the course so you can follow along—and add any information not listed in the handout.
Of course, read the room before typing away. If people, especially the speaker, seem annoyed, it’s probably best to put the laptop down and use good, old-fashioned pen and paper to take notes.
A Smile and Firm Handshake – Fortunately, these items did NOT take up any extra room in our overpacked SUV down to Jekyll Island. Smile and greet everyone you meet. Look them in the eyes and, if they’re willing, give your new acquaintance a firm handshake. Don’t be offended if someone doesn’t shake your hand. COVID-19 is still very present in our society and some people may take more precautions than others. Offer your elbow instead –and tell them it’s the new form of the “fist bump.”
“The Extras” – While I’m pretty sure you don’t need to bring seven (or more) suitcases and bags to the 2022 AMS, you may want to pack some extra shoes, shirts, or even a raincoat. Ladies, it can be a real confidence booster to wear a cute, summer dress and matching heels. But let’s face it, after being on your feet all day and out in the hot, humid, sultry, southern air, throwing on a pair of flip flops, capris, and putting up your hair in a ponytail is a fabulous look too! (And you’ll feel more comfortable!)
I am excited to attend my first Ag Media Summit! It will be great to finally meet everyone face-to-face.
I know a lot of hard work, long hours, and dedication has gone into making this conference one of the best educational, informative, and fun, networking events in the ag comms industry—and I’m grateful to be a part of it. I hope I can continue the momentum and pitch in on crucial tasks and projects started by the 2022 AMS Steering Committee—and help you all along the way.
In fact, if anyone needs an extra pen, notepad, AMS schedule, bottle of water, unwrinkled suit, ponytail holder, flip flops, or just a smile—please come and find me. ?
See you in Raleigh! #AgMediaSummit2022
Melanie Ruberti is a Client Communication Specialist with the Ag Communicators Network. She has worked with the ACN organization for one and a half years. Ruberti is also a Client Communication Specialist with Association Services Group (ASG), LLC, in LaGrange, Georgia. She has been with the company since May 2020. Before joining ASG, Ruberti worked in public relations. She also worked for more than 20 years in the TV news and print industries, and held numerous positions, such as managing editor, copy editor, anchor, reporter, weather forecaster, assignment editor, videographer, photographer, editor, and news producer. Ruberti graduated Summa Cum Laude from one of the top Broadcast Journalism programs in the country at the University of Georgia – and is proud to be a Bulldog!