Making the Most of Your Meeting ExperienceAuthor(s): Lauren WestSource: PS: Political Science and Politics, Vol. 42, No. 3, SUPPLEMENT (July 2009), p. 1Published by: American Political Science AssociationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/40646659 .

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LaurenWeí st, Director, Meetings and Conferences, ÂPSA wSfKÊfKÊÊÊfKÊKtSt^fÊ^Ê

Making the Most of Your Meeting Experience With hectic teaching schedules, institutional commitments, myriad other personal and professione demands on your time, and increasingly limited resources, finding the value of

participation in the annual meeting is more important than ever before. We know that the annual

meeting brings together scholars of vastly different levels of experience, areas of interest,

seniority, and affiliation. For this reason, our goal is to provide dynamic experiences that serve the

needs of all attendees while maintaining a dedication to the advancement of scholarship.

Scholarship In his presidential address at the first APS

Annual Meeting in 1904, Frank J. Goodno stated, "it may perhaps be safely said th there was not, until the formation of tl American Political Science Association, ai association in this country which endeavon to assemble on a common ground tho persons whose main interests were connect< with the scientific study of the organizatic and functions of the State." This year, ' anticipate that more than 6,000 politic scientists will travel to Toronto, with tl same goals as the founding members ar those first meeting attendees.

For the 2009 Annual Meeting, APS received more than 11,000 propos submissions; of these, approximately 6c were selected for the program. From tl accepted proposals, the Annual Meetii Program Committee, comprised of ( volunteer members, has produced a progra of nearly 900 panels, roundtables, and then panels. This number of scholarly sessioi provides a significant number of politic scientists the chance to present their wor Additionally, non-presenting attendees ha1 the benefit of enjoying the most diverse ar intellectually stimulating discussions current research in the field. These sessioi encourage and incite continued discussic and exchange throughout the year.

Professional Development I often get the question, "Where is the boc

fair?" Indeed, the exhibit hall contains a gre deal of books, but I can assure you that this not the book fair of your elementary scho days. The number of publishers, education technology companies, and other relate groups exhibiting at the meeting has grow tremendously over the years. Even as recent as five years ago, the exhibition looked vei different from how it looks today. Publishe and corporations have been putting increase resources into the APSA annual meeting ar exhibition. Take the time to walk each ais and look at each exhibit. Many publishe are now sending acquisitions editors to tl meeting- set up appointments and con prepared. There is no other opportuni

during the year for you to have access to thi ¡A number of publishers of political science text iw in one location. If you are interested in politica at science education, the exhibition contain ie the most recent editions of classroom text iy and educational programs. Even if you jus îd need something to take notes with, stop b se the AP S A Pavilion in the center of the exhibi ?d hall to pick a complimentary APSA pen. m Another well-known developmen ve opportunity provided at the meeting is th al Placement Service. For recent graduates an< ie junior faculty, or those looking to chang id institutions, the Placement Service provide

the space for institutions to intervie' IA applicants. If you are interested in takinj al advantage of this service, begin now b )% utilizing this supplement to review curren ie listings from ejobs, the APSA online joi ig board. You can also visit the ejobs Web site t< >o view openings. m Other development arenas include workinj ie groups, short courses, and plenary session« is Decide what your development goals will be al and build a personalized schedule that meet k. those goals.

^ Networking r While scholarly pursuits and professiona

development drive our meeting's purpose networking opportunities abound. APSi members attend the meeting, in part, to mee with colleagues, make new connections, an< visit old friends. I encourage you to take ;

)k look at all of the special events, busines at meetings, and receptions being hosted h is APSA and its affiliates. Graduate student ol and first-time attendees should take specia al note of welcome receptions and specia id events, as well as activities that providi m an opportunity for interaction with senio ly scholars such as departmental receptions. Fo ry veteran attendees, consider attending you rs graduate school's departmental receptioi îd and your organized sections' receptions id Some sponsors and exhibitors also hos le events during the meeting- what better wa; rs to connect with publishers? Take a carefu ie look at all of the events occurring during th< ie meeting and make a point to attend thosi ty that will benefit you, either personally o

professionally.

s Engagement s APSA has recently put an emphasis on il thinking about the meeting not just as a s meeting, but also as an opportunity to engage, s This can be engagement in particular issues t of importance to the members, or civic and y political engagement with local communities, t While attending the annual meeting, become

familiar with the city and the people who t live and work there. Take advantage of e information APSA provides regarding things d to do and places to visit. In many ways, the e annual meeting itself represents the issues s and ideologies that members study and v research on a daily basis. Issues of equality, g labor regulations, green practices, and state y politics are just a few of the areas that directly t impact the planning and coordination of the b meeting. 0 Through the annual meeting, you can also

become engaged in the important work of g the association. Make your voice heard by »• the APSA president and council through î, attendance at the annual general membership s meeting, taking place Saturday, September 5,

at 6:15 p.m. This type of engagement not only affects the value of your meeting experience,

, but the value of your APSA membership overall. >

^ Post-meeting t After the meeting concludes, take 1 the discussion, engagement, ideas, and a relationships made home with you. Employ s new ways of thinking in your daily work. y Utilize acquired knowledge in the classroom, s Engage more fully in the work of the il association. Connect with colleagues of i similar interests. Attend the APSA Teaching e and Learning Conference, the Conference r for Department Chairs, or any other of the r numerous APSA activities held during the r year. By doing these things, you will see the 1 value of your meeting experience for years to ¡- come. t y Y Lauren West (lwest@apsanet.org) has served e as Director of Meetings and Conferences since e 2007 and has been a member of the APSA staff r forbears.

PS Supplement July 2009 1

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