The annual 2024 International ADHD Conference kicks off next Thursday, November 7^th, in Anaheim, California.  Per tradition, it will be jam-packed with pre-conference workshops, general conference sessions, an exhibit hall, plus a talent show.

Although the conference is focused on sharing information, research, and resources on all things ADHD, my favorite part of it is being with my ADHD tribe, seeing old friends and colleagues, meeting and making new friends in the ADHD community, and basically basking in the unexpected fun that happens when over a thousand people with ADHD are gathered all in one place!

With the excitement of the conference growing, I’ve received many questions from clients and our students at the iACTcenter about how to prepare and make the most of their conference experience.  So, I thought I would share with you some things I’ve learned over the past 20 years attending these conferences in case it might help you as well.

Here are a few tips you might want to consider before arriving in Philadelphia to make this ADHD conference a success:
1. Know what you want to take away from the conference experience even before you arrive. For some, it might be to hear a particular session, hopefully, meet one of their ADHD crushes (mine is definitely Rick Greene ), discover a particular ADHD resource, or meet others with ADHD.  So, ask yourself right now, “What do I want to take away from this conference that will make it worth my time, energy, and investment?”  Do this even before you pack your bags.

2. Browse conference, preconference, and keynote sessions online at home. Take the time to review the title of the talk, the speaker’s bio, and the objectives for each session. Make a plan for those you want to attend. During the conference, there can be so much going on that you can get swept up in the crowd and find yourself in a session that isn’t what you wanted.

3. Don’t hesitate to leave a session if it is not serving your needs. Your time is precious, and despite your best preparation, you may find yourself in a session or topic that isn’t what you expected.  It is perfectly OK to excuse yourself quietly, slip into another session, take the time to re-evaluate your plan, or relax.

4. Check the schedule for sessions that might repeat. Occasionally, conference planners realize that some talks or speakers are so popular that they schedule them twice during the conference. If this is the case, it might help you choose what sessions to attend and when.

5. Bring a notebook and pen. Sometimes, these are provided in the conference registration goodie bag, but having your own will ensure you have room for the notes you want to remember.

6. Bring business cards if you have one. Although not necessary, it is a simple way to exchange contact information with new friends.

7. Get two keys for each person in your room. I always lose it if I have one…with two…I always end the conference with both…go figure.

8. write the room number on your room key card with a black permanent marker. No more walking the halls or waiting at the check-in desk…again.

9. It’s Okay not to do, see, hear, or attend everything. Write down your “must do’s” and a few alternatives. Pick the sessions and activities that fit you. Everyone is different, and you want to get what you need from the conference. Yoga or morning nature walks are not everyone’s way of starting the day.

10. Print out the session handouts before you leave and pack them in your suitcase. Before you go, you can visit the conference site to see if the session you want to attend has handouts. Typically, there is a conference guide, but handouts for each session are not included.

11. Bring a smartphone and an extra personal charger. Smartphones are great for taking selfies and photos of an information-packed slide during a session. I’m afraid that charging outlets are few and far between, so please be prepared with your charger in case your phone starts to die.

12. Bring your shoulder tote or backpack. A conference tote is usually given away as part of your registration. Still, it is rarely sturdy enough to carry all the essentials: handouts, giveaways, water bottles, snacks, extra layers of clothes, and brochures you will collect.

13. Plan to smile and introduce yourself to people you don’t know. Remember most people attending the conference are newbies too. Worried you won’t know what to talk about?  Remember, you always have the topic of ADHD in common!  One of my favorite conversation starters is asking people, “What brings you to this conference?”

14. These conferences start early and end late. If you are traveling across time zones, it is even more important to honor your body’s need for sleep to synthesize all the learning you will be doing.

15. Take a break. If you feel you need it, step away from the noise. Excuse yourself and find a corner to gather your thoughts.  If you feel overwhelmed, return to your room or sit in the lobby for a session rather than trying to cram more into your head.  When you are ready to dive in again, your brain will thank you for it.

16. Where to hang out to meet people. Experience has shown that the hotel lounge, bar, or lobby are common places to gather, along with the exhibition hall that often serves food or beverages between sessions.

17. Move your body if you need to. If you find yourself in a session where you need to move, this is the conference where no one will have any problem with you doing so. Move to the back of the room, where you can stretch and wiggle without interrupting others.

18. Prepare for the next day. Each evening leaves some time to review the following day’s events so you can be prepared with the conference guide, handouts, etc.

19. Know when, where, and what meals will be served. This conference tends to be very good at providing nutritious options. However, it will be helpful for you to know which of these meals is included with the conference registration, which you can purchase on-site at the conference, and which you will need to plan on your own.

20. Pack snacks. Hangries are the worst buzz kill during a conference. Add some long-burning fuel snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and protein bars, along with the handouts for the breakout sessions you want to attend.

21. If you are a coffee drinker… plan extra time in any hotel coffee shop to get your caffeine.  These are some of the longest lines during the conference.

22. The attire is business casual. However, I suggest wearing layers and what you are comfortable wearing. Never in 20 years have I seen the fashion police at this conference. You may want to add an extra scarf, sweater, or jacket. The presentation rooms tend to be cool.

23. Expect the Unexpected. Things will not always go as planned.  Have fun going with the flow, and enjoy being with people who completely understand the fun and amusement of spontaneity.

24. Smile and smile more! You are almost sure to share lots of laughs with the people you meet at the conference. Others who REALLY understand you attend this conference.  Enjoy their company and know they are seeking out a friendly face as well.

25. Feeling overwhelmed and in need of a welcoming friendly face?  Visit the iACTcenter Booth in the Exhibit Hall, we will be there throughout the conference eager to greet you, delight in your experience, share words of reassurance if needed and be your touchstone during the conference.

Remember that in addition to the information and resources, there are so many other ways to benefit and grow from attending this conference. Be prepared to meet, shake hands with, or even get a hug from people you have only heard about or read about. The professionals and experts who work with ADHD are very friendly, and you might get the opportunity to thank them personally for making such a difference in your life.

And, don’t be surprised if your smile, hello, or shared ADHD story about ADHD makes a significant different in someone life…Listen. No one else will understands your experience like someone else with ADHD. 

Finally, consider this your invitation to visit us often at the iACTcenter booth in the Exhibition Hall.  And for our fellow iACTcenter students or graduations, we will have a special tote bag with lots of iACTcenter swag to make your conference even more enjoyable!

Stay amazing.

Want to know more about the iACTcenter so you know what booth to look for at the Exhibit Hall? Click here!