{"id":2614,"date":"2017-10-05T17:33:20","date_gmt":"2017-10-05T21:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.home.ona\/newsroom17\/?p=169"},"modified":"2021-06-22T18:34:34","modified_gmt":"2021-06-22T22:34:34","slug":"first-timers-find-their-way-at-ona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journalists-org-develop.go-vip.co\/newsroom\/2017\/10\/05\/first-timers-find-their-way-at-ona\/","title":{"rendered":"First timers find their way"},"content":{"rendered":"

They\u2019re the ones with the \u201c1\u201d button on their badge. First-time attendees at ONA,
\nfrom students still finding their way in the industry, to working professionals hoping to gain new skills, packed a first-timers session on the opening day of the annual convention.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what attendees had to say about their expectations for their first ONA Conference.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI took a summer class and my professor mentioned [ONA] at the beginning of the summer session. [My main goal is] networking. I really want to meet people.\u201d
\n– Shanda Kersey, Towson University<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\u201cMedia\u2019s such a changing, malleable beast at times, and ONA has a lot of really cool tools and tips for tackling that. A lot of the speakers and panels that I\u2019ve read about so far on the schedule seem really innovative and a lot of people some amazing ideas, so I\u2019m excited to learn about what other people are doing that\u2019s working so well for them. \u201d
\n– Sarah Gibbens<\/a>, National Geographic<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201c[My goal is] to take back as much information as I can to share with our team and better our digital presence. I want to find better ways to utilize social media platforms.\u201d
\n– Joe Jarosz<\/a>, ABC 10<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI came to ONA to broaden my experience in journalism to understand more about how media is
\ngathered and what emerging technologies there are that can best represent media and information. In the future I want to merge technology with news-telling and create a new experience for people. I\u2019m hoping to meet people beyond the network of our school and understand how they were able to accomplish their goals.\u201d
\n– Diandra Dwyer, UNC Chapel Hill<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI chose to come to ONA this year because my co-workers went to it last year. Once I found out more information about [ONA] I said, \u2018I can\u2019t miss it next year\u2019, so that\u2019s why I\u2019m here. I just want to learn as much as I can to help me be a better journalist, to pick up skills that I may not have had before, and just to meet and network with new people.\u201d
\nNajja Parker<\/a>, The Atlanta Journal Constitution.<\/p>\n

If you missed the orientation, or if you\u2019re a seasoned ONA attendee who wants some tips, here are some pointers offered to ONA newbies:<\/p>\n

Networking Tips<\/strong>
\nHit those networking events!
\nAsk where others are going. Invite speakers and new friends to join you.<\/p>\n

Find alone time.<\/strong>
\nGet plenty of rest. Take naps. Drink water. Take walks. This helps avoid conference burnout.<\/p>\n

Things people like: Food. Caffeine. Beverages.
\nInvite others to share one or all of these!<\/p>\n

Diverse connections foster true innovation.<\/strong>
\nSeek out people different from you in all aspects.<\/p>\n

Ask about their passions.<\/strong>
\nThink about what you can offer them. What can you give, rather than get?<\/p>\n

We\u2019re all here to nerd out.<\/strong>
\nBe authentic and you\u2019re bound to find others with similar interests.<\/p>\n

Program Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make a game plan.<\/strong>
\nWhat are your can\u2019t-miss sessions?<\/p>\n

Get there early!<\/strong>
\nSession rooms often fill up quick.<\/p>\n

Join the social conversation.<\/strong>
\nUse session hashtags, speaker handles and #ONA17<\/p>\n

Explore exhibits and Midway<\/strong>
\nLearn about new tools and programs – plus, get swag and free snacks!<\/p>\n

ABC = Always Be Charging<\/strong>
\nThere are charging stations around the conference floor, so take advantage .<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get FOMO.<\/strong>
\nMost sessions will have social, audio or video coverage. ONA will post them all online!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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