Table 2.

Timeline Checklist for Professional Conference Tasks

Date Completed	Task	Notes
Before the Conference
	Review and select a professional conference to attend approximately six to nine months in advance.
	Register for the conference, volunteer positions, and CEUs. Book hotel, travel, and transportation.
	Organize goals for conference attendance.
	Review the conference program for speakers, events, meetings, and special interest groups.
	Identify the degree to which you want to focus on refining current skills, discover new areas, and network with other professionals.
	Write down a schedule for events you plan to attend (and conflicting events).
	Review the literature for presenters and events.
	Initiate contact with anyone you would like to meet at the conference.
	Coordinate with any colleagues who will, or will not, attend the conference.
	Search tourist locations and events.
	Check the weather conditions to plan transportation and attire.
	Pack supplies for the conference trip (e.g., Band-Aids, pain relievers, electronic chargers, business cards, professional clothes, casual clothes).
	Other:
	Other:
During the Conference
	Review your goals throughout the conference to assist with your goal-oriented plans.
	Arrive on time to each talk.
	Take notes about content or follow-up items.
	Network with other attendees.
	Search nearby stores to obtain last-minute necessary items (e.g., snacks, medicine).
	Stay hydrated and nourished.
	Obtain necessary sleep.
	Sightsee the conference location.
	Other:
	Other:
After the Conference
	Submit all CEU documentation.
	Complete reimbursement requests.
	E-mail speakers for resources and materials.
	Locate articles that you noted during the conference.
	Organize and review resources (e.g., notes, articles, business cards) you collected during the conference into categories (e.g., clinical applications, research ideas, collaborations, follow-up).
	Send thank-you notes.
	Note anything you would do the same or differently at the next conference you attend.
	Share information and resources with colleagues who did not attend the conference.
	Other:
	Other: