Four years ago, when Daniel Funke was on his flight to ONA15, he splurged for Wi-Fi to update his resume and website before he landed in Los Angeles. He was an anxious junior at the University of Georgia seeking an internship.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t really sure what to expect,\u201d he said. \u201cONA is an experience that is almost identical for everyone, but no one talks about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Funke said he put so much pressure on himself to get an internship that he didn\u2019t enjoy his first ONA experience as much as he now realizes he could have. Now a fact-checking reporter for The Poynter Institute, he prioritizes differently and suggests others do the same.<\/p>\n
He said conferences can seem stressful for first-timers on the job hunt or those learning how to make the most of their experience. But Funke and other experienced conference attendees have navigated the conference enough to provide some thoughtful advice to newbies.<\/p>\n
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\n7 things I wish I knew before my first @ONA<\/a> conference, a thread 👇 #ONA18<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ZDUyEqcv7J<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Lauren Katz (@Laur_Katz) September 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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Passion is your key asset: <\/b>When you get nervous while networking, use your passions as your go-to conversation topic, said Trevor Knoblich, head of programs and events for ONA, during a pre-conference webinar for first-time attendees.<\/p>\n
Dig past the small talk: <\/b>Ask questions that get beyond the surface level, Knoblich suggested. While those introduction questions are important, get to know the individual\u2019s interests outside of work as well as problems they are facing within the newsroom, for example.<\/p>\n
Wear something from home: <\/b>\u201cI usually wear something Toronto\/Canada-related every year,\u201d said Ron Nurwisah, who runs social media for Huffington Post Canada. \u201cIt\u2019s a great conversation starter and makes you a bit more memorable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid of VIPs: <\/b>Michelle Baruchman, a reporter at the Seattle Times, said to walk up and talk to those award-winning journalists that will be in attendance \u2014 including those nominated for an OJA \u2014 for inspiration to take back home. \u201cMany of those creators will be at the conference,\u201d she said, \u201cand will be able to speak about how they turned an idea into an award-winning story.\u201d<\/p>\n
Be choosy: <\/b>\u201cAs cool as it is to hear people talk about how AI could be the future of news, it isn\u2019t really helpful for dessert,\u201d said Funke. \u201cSave those panels as rewards for yourself \u2014 not the main course.\u201d<\/p>\n
ONA also breaks down the schedule by giving you tracks for sessions that might fit your sub-field, such as audience analytics<\/a>, reporting techniques<\/a> or even entrepreneurship<\/a> to help you navigate your way through the weekend.<\/p>\n
Build a posse: <\/b>\u201cFind people to swap notes with,\u201d said Phil Tenser, digital manager for WCVB-TV in Boston. \u201cYou can\u2019t attend every session, so a collective can take home more lessons than an individual.\u201d<\/p>\n
Get off your phone:<\/b> Don\u2019t overdo it on live tweeting the sessions you attend, said Kelsey Proud, the managing editor for WAMU in Washington. \u201cTweet highlights or things you really want to share with a broader network,\u201d she said. \u201cOtherwise, let what you\u2019re learning soak in!\u201d<\/p>\n
Take care of yourself: <\/b>Funke said his biggest tips are to drink water (maybe grab a reusable one from The Midway), and get out of the conference hotel from time to time.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo find some barbecue or tacos \u2014 it\u2019s Austin,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s tempting to go to every event, but you\u2019ll be more productive and present if you take a breath of fresh air at least twice a day.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nMy #ONA18<\/a> tips:
\n– Put some of your business cards in the back of your name badge, so handy
\n– Don’t spend time looking at people’s badges. Talk to people bc they are interesting not bc of where they work
\n– Take the time you need for yourself. You don’t have to do all the things.<\/p>\n