Day 5 - 293 -- Learning Crowds

The day began early -- like really early for this non-morning person. Breakfast was purchased along the walk to the conference centre. The research poster was duly posted before 8 AM yet getting to the first session on time in the enormous building was not going to occur, so we paused to eat in the hallway and plan the sessions to visit over the next three days. The exhibition hall opened mid-morning so we checked out a number of the booths before attending the poster for the required Q&A time. I've always maintained that if planned well, an attendee could get a reasonable and balanced lunch from the food exhibitors -- I did my best, but it didn't seem to be like years past. It was massive as expected -- a couple football fields in size -- but the product was different than in the past. At the end of the sessions, there was a reception for the association journal -- for editorial board members, peer reviewers and authors of the past year. It was a delightful event and being able to put faces to the people I e-mail with regularly was very cool. We stopped for a nice supper on the way back to the hotel. By then I was exhausted with the over 12 hour day -- way too tired to write the blog, though I made some key notes to assist when I get back home.

Conferences bring many things -- all relate to learning in one way or another -- new products that exist, latest science findings, new ways to apply knowledge, meeting new people, conversations about conference sessions. Generally, the processes are fun -- tiring but fun. A song with lyrics about learning seemed the best choice to share today. Enjoy!

You Learn -- Alanis Morrisette