It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost three years since the last in-person ISTE conference.

If you've ever attended an ISTE conference, you know that this event is all about connections, so when ISTELive 22 opens on June 26 in New Orleans, it’s going to be a big deal!

That’s why we figured it’s time we all brush up on how “to conference.”

We turned to Twitter for the best advice from ISTE conference veterans on what to bring, how to plan and how to get the most out of the best education conference out there. Before you head for NOLA, read these snippets of advice from the sages of ISTE on Twitter. 

Prepare before you show up in NOLA

Sonia Dominguez-Saravia, director of instructional technology and curriculum development at East Ramapo Central School District in New York, recommends thinking about what you want to get out of the conference before you head out. It’s not just about fancy gadgets, you know.

Jesse McNulty, an edtech specialist from North Star, Delaware, offered similar advice. Perusing the schedule before you take off will help you feel prepared once you arrive.

Enjoy every moment

Taking it all in was a common refrain among those who weighed in, including Kelli Erwin, an instructional design manager and product owner at Learning.com.  

A tech teacher from Pennsylvania, who goes by the Twitter handle Determined Digital Dyan, echoed the sentiments of many:

Ruth Replogle, a middle school English language arts teacher from Port Angeles, Washington, advises attendees to exercise self-care, come well-equipped and plan to spend some time enjoying NOLA. 

Connecting with others is the goal

Many past attendees said interacting with other educators was one of the best benefits of the ISTE conference.

Abid Patel, an IT director from London, put it this way:

Take time for yourself — and wear good shoes

The conference offers a lot of everything — a lot of sessions, a lot of networking, a lot of social activities on and off site. And sometimes you just need a moment. 

Jessica Meservey, a sixth grade English language arts and social studies teacher from Portland, Maine, says it’s important to relax a bit.

She was not alone. Many respondents suggested wearing comfortable shoes. 

It’s not over even when it’s over

After all the stimulation onsite, it’s a good idea to plan some time to decompress and think about all you’ve learned. 

Danie Cowden, a teacher from Grand Prairie, Texas, said: 

You can read all the responses here and if you've been to a ISTE conference and have some good advice, post a comment of your own!