GUEST EDITOR
Miki White
Photo by David Fox Photography
LTEN team members Miki White and Gregg Haunroth will be in the Learning Village exhibit hall to answer your questions or help you experience the LTEN Annual Conference.
Rewind 15 years: It’s my first LTEN (previously SPBT) Annual Conference. I have only been in my job for three months, and I’m supposed to know the answers to all the questions our attendees have. However, I find myself at a loss on so many things. Where am I supposed to be right now? What happens next? Are they ever going to feed me? Why do my feet hurt? And why in the world am I freezing in Florida?
Fast forward 15 years to 2025: Now I have attended 15 LTEN Annual Conferences (including the virtual LTEN Connect in 2020), and many other conferences as an attendee and learner. I’m excited to share that even though I may not have all the answers, I know lots more than I did then. And, perhaps of greater value, I know who to ask to get the answers.
I would love to share some of what I have learned so you won’t have to say “Wow, I wish I had known that before I was onsite!”
I hope that what I share will help you maximize your experience at the LTEN Annual Conference.
First things first, I’m answering the first five questions I had. The best way to “find out where you’re supposed to be and learn what happens next” is to download the LTEN 2025 app. Once you have logged in, you will be able to explore everything the conference has to offer – Keynote speakers, receptions, workshops, poster sessions, learning labs, Learning Village exhibit hall, speed coaching, headshot lounge and so much more!
Next up, are they ever going to feed me? Of course, we are! Breakfast, lunch and breaks are available on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Learning Village, and breakfast on Thursday morning. Keep in mind that coffee is not constantly available, so if you need a caffeine boost, please plan to grab it during a break.
Why do my feet hurt? The venue is huge and spread out over multiple floors. Do your piggies a favor and wear comfy shoes!
Why am I freezing? Even though we will be in Colorado this year (and not Florida), you should still expect cooler temperatures inside. We want to make sure you aren’t snoozing when you really want to be learning. Consider bringing a sweater or jacket to stave off frostbite. (Just kidding, it’s not that cold!) And in case you’re curious, the dress code is business casual.
I’m asked a lot what is the best way to maximize my conference attendance. It’s an easy answer — plan ahead!
Here are some suggestions how to do just that:
Download the conference app. Yes, it’s that helpful.
Study the workshops and start building your schedule in the app. If you can’t get the app (or just don’t have it yet), start building your plan by visiting the agenda section of our conference website. You can filter the agenda by learning track, workshop level, presentation format and category.
If you’re coming with a group, divide and conquer by going to different workshops and doing teach-backs when you’re back in the office. If you’re coming with a really big group, consider employing the jigsaw strategy, where you discuss your workshops with those who attended with you (as each of you will have picked up a different nugget of wisdom from your colleague), then share it back with the larger group. This way, you’re maximizing and extending your learning! Win Win!
Plan to arrive on-site by 3 p.m. on Monday to participate in the new attendee meet-up and guided walking tours. Here, you will learn more about the benefits of LTEN membership and have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the space. If you can’t make it, no worries. We will have printed maps available, and a self-guided tour will be available in the app.
Once onsite, immerse yourself in the conference experience and take advantage of all the opportunities to learn, meet and connect. Here are some must-do elements:
Be sure to grab ribbons for your badge at the registration desk; this offers a wonderful networking opportunity. If you’re a first-timer, make sure you grab the First Time Attendee ribbon and look for someone with the Returning Attendee ribbon. Our attendees love networking and helping others, and they will have lots of wisdom to share.
Stop by the New Attendee Lounge in the Learning Village exhibit hall! We will have volunteers there happy to help with any questions you may have. Need help picking a session? We have you covered. Can’t find a booth? We have a map of the floor plan! Want to learn more about LTEN membership? Stop by and see me — I love sharing how to make the most of your LTEN experience!
Attend the welcome reception on Monday evening and the networking reception on Tuesday.
Explore the Learning Village exhibit hall and meet our partners. You just may find your next solution there this year.
Stop and check out the poster submissions from this year’s LTEN Excellence Awards finalists. There’s a lot to learn from their impressive efforts.
Give back! Be sure to grab a “fill it forward” water bottle near the registration desk and scan the QR code every time you get a water refill. We are supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities again this year. Stay hydrated and feel good about doing it!
My final suggestion is the simplest — ask questions! Our staff is always happy to help, so if there is something that I didn’t cover, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I hope you feel ready to come out to Colorado. I can’t wait to see you!
Miki White is director of member services for LTEN. Email her at mwhite@L-TEN.org or connect through linkedin.com/in/mikiwhite.
