Do you have limited experience attending such a major event as the ADA FDI World Dental Congress - Special Event through a virtual, interactive platform? Here are some tips to maximise your enjoyment and enrichment stemming from this groundbreaking event, without getting overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of possibilities presented this year.
Don't expect to take it all in at once
Breaks are built into the programme, so do take the time to explore beyond the main speakers. Discussion rooms and the exhibition showcase are all available to digitally 'wander' and engage more informally. An event of this magnitude can present a sense of overstimulation or 'information overload', which is exactly why there is a 60-day period where delegates can access all materials – play a presentation over again later, with the ability to pause and take notes, or check out exhibitors and products that may key into the subject matter of a presentation.
There are also several ways for you to interact with organisers, speakers and exhibitors, to ask all the questions
you have in mind so that you can gain a full understanding of the many exciting and new concepts and ideas often introduced by an event such as this. On the other hand, preparing for Congress before the live event by reading blog posts, published articles or study abstracts by or about the main speakers will also give you additional depth of understanding and enjoyment.
Get comfortable, get prepared
When you attend a conference or event in a convention centre or hotel meeting area, there is always a breakout space furnished with comfortable seating, healthy snacks, drinking water and tea and coffee. Ensuring you have the same kind of comforts ready for yourself at home, means you can concentrate fully and easily on the event.
Print out your agenda and any speaker materials, if that's helpful for you, or have them open or readily available on your computer screen when you log in to the event. Choose a quiet location where you can attend uninterrupted (or quality headphones if you can't), and take the time to dress for the occasion to help get your mindset ready for professional development. We won't be able to see your ugg boots, of course, but you will!
Get social
As well as the chat and meeting functions of the Congress platform and the interactive zones (see Get interactive! below), there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the ADA itself, and other ADA member
delegates, on our social media pages. One of the real benefits of being a member of an organisation like this during these times of 'stay at home' and 'social distancing' is you still very much feel a part of a community of like-minded dental professionals.
Visit the ADA on Facebook by searching 'Australian Dental Association' and 'HealthyTeeth
