I absolutely love the conference experience.

Although online learning comes with its flexible benefits, nothing beats the real thing. There’s something so special about the face-to-face connection. From ignite talks to snapshots to workshops, there’s sure to be something for everyone at a conference. And if there’s also something for me to do in a session, I’m all in.

Here’s one session I’ll never forget.

At the National Science Teacher’s Association Area Conference (#NSTA19) in St. Louis, a few Wake County Science Core Leadership Team (#wakesclt) members and I enjoyed touring the Elementary Extravaganza. With a name like that, our curiosity was spiked from the onset.

At first glance, I saw about 50 tables set up in a huge hall. It didn’t take long to realize that there was no required flow, direction, or people who vendor-like “encouraged” us to go here, go there, see this, or buy that. Alas, it was a completely self-guided, self-paced playground in which to learn as I preferred.

Great start! Now what?

As I visited nearly all 50 tables (and some of them 2-3 times), I realized that moment when a potential one-and-done conference event transformed into a meaningful, relevant, and memorable experience. These themes ran through my mind:

• This is kind of like a poster session. But instead of someone presenting information to me from a science fair tri-fold board, I got to DO the learning with hands-on materials. Because of this opportunity alone, I now have associated a long-term, fond memory of learning constructed at the Elementary Extravaganza. If I don’t have something to do, I’ll forget the session by the end of the day.
• These ideas are simple. Some of them were the main thing; some were introductions; and some were test results, for example, but they were all engaging.
• These resources were inexpensive. By contrast, I sometimes use a handkerchief to wipe my mouth from salivating over vendor products. Then, I use the same handkerchief to wipe away the tears when I hear those vendor product prices.
• I could see my students doing these experiences in our space tomorrow, so to speak. That relevance is a big deal. At big conferences, it’s easy to get lost. It’s easy to get swept away in topics and products that may not directly benefit our very own learners. But there’s definitely value there! Diverse learning opportunities are needed to inform the lifelong learner–for the sake and passion of learning itself. Exposure to seemingly supplemental concepts builds perspective and reinforces the scope-and-sequence of vertical alignment. And at the same time, planning for the intentional conference requires specific takeaways with practical ideas that will impact your practice and enhance learning in your space.
• Finally, imagine if you could have fun AND align your learning conference session experiences with the standards that you are teaching and learning. I often perceive this unfortunate dilemma in education: Either it’s fun OR standards-based. Why not both?

Overall, I was most excited that the Elementary Extravaganza–a session at a big conference–had direct correlations to our learning spaces, and I could confirm that through hands-on learning on-the-spot.

And really? There wasn’t anything overly-extravagant about it all. Sometimes, just one new twist on an existing idea, or one small change can make a BIG difference.

There is joy and… extravagance in simplicity.

Dear @NSTA: I absolutely ❤ the #NSTA19 Elementary Extravaganza! This is exactly what I needed to help my students and enhance our learning experiences. Please continue this format in all future conferences. Thank you! #NSTA pic.twitter.com/orJwSQL15x

— Kyle Hamstra (@KyleHamstra) April 12, 2019

"Tell me about your #NSTA19 Elementary Extravaganza experience, @MrMooreClass…" My #wakesclt teammate gets interviewed by @NSTA. What a great way to start the day! #NSTA #LeadWCPSS pic.twitter.com/LKSvbHeGcH

— Kyle Hamstra (@KyleHamstra) April 12, 2019

Hey, @guerrerosclass. What I ❤ about the #NSTA19 Elementary Extravaganza was how so many new ideas were small changes to existing ones that could make a BIG difference. #wakesclt https://t.co/QRcSeB6cCU

— Kyle Hamstra (@KyleHamstra) April 13, 2019