5 Tips for Attending A Virtual Conference in 2021

We all miss going to conferences in person - still! Seeing colleagues from around the nation and meeting new people. Learning interactively and chatting casually isn't quite the same at a virtual conference, but it is possible! We formatted the conference to keep us engaged with each other. Here are 5 tips to help you get the most out of the 30th Annual CACFP Conference.

#1 Learn how to use the virtual conference platform

This event will be hosted using an online platform. It may be different than other platforms you've used. Registered users will get an email the week prior to the conference with all of the information they'll need to log-in and try the platform out. For our conference platform you need:

• A Computer

• The Internet

• Chrome Browser. (you cannot access the platform in any other browser.) Download Now.

#2 Block off your calendar

Set your "away from my desk" email response. Pretend you are in a hotel. You have to find the rooms your sessions are in. You run into people you haven't seen in a while. You have coffee dates. You attend sessions. You check your email in between these things, not during. Do the same thing with the virtual conference. Commit to attending the conference and working in between just like you would if we were in person in Sacramento, CA.

#3 Schedule your time based on live and on-demand

There is a combination of live and on-demand content with our conference. There will be a scheduling tool in the platform that you can use to create the schedule you would like for the conference. You can also get started now! Here is our "At-A-Glance." Things to know:

• We added a day to the conference, October 18th, so you could have the added benefit of viewing the on-demand sessions at your leisure.

• Watch the on-demand session prior to attending the live Q&A

• There are also plenty of breaks to schedule in on demand watching time - use it!

• All live sessions will be recorded and available on-demand 48 hours after the session

• All on-demand content will be available during the entire conference and for thirty days after the conference

• CACFP Roundtable members can access the content indefinitely on RT-TV

#4 Attend with others

I recently attended a virtual conference with a colleague. Before the conference, we got out our agenda for the sessions and decided who was going to which session. It was really fun. Then we'd text each other about the sessions, almost as if we were together at the hotel. Make a plan and have fun with your friends and colleagues. Be sure to join our social events on Monday and Tuesday: a cooking demonstration and mixology class! More here.

#5 Breathe, Stretch and Eat

Built in throughout the conference agenda are breaks for stretching, breathing and eating. Since much of this year has been difficult in a variety of ways for everyone, we have a focus on mental health and wellness throughout the conference. This includes short mindfulness videos and a short yoga session, created just for you!

And of course - Enjoy!

• Check out this video from our 2020 conference to see what our sessions will be like.

• More details about what to expect from the 30th Annual CACFP Conference (virtual this year).

If you haven't already registered for the 30th Annual CACFP Conference - now is the time!

The CACFP Roundtable is committed to fostering a community of leaders who work together to build equitable access to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and nutritious meals in care settings. Your support goes toward programs and advocacy that help us get closer to ensuring everyone has the right to nutritious meals and making the CACFP an even better Food Program for all.