How to Attend a State Speech & Hearing Convention Like a Pro (and What to Pack!)

Mar 26

Your friendly guide to making the most of your first convention—without burning out or forgetting snacks.

Me at the 2007 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) convention, held in Boston, which had over 13,000 attendees, with registrations from 58 countries and all 50 US states. Photo courtesty of Ali Manahan of Word Play Speech Therapy — pre iPhone :)

So, you're heading to your first state speech-language-hearing convention?

First of all—yay! Whether you’re a grad student, a first-time attendee, or just new to the convention scene, I’m cheering you on. There’s something really special about walking into a space full of SLPs and audiologists all gathered together, ready to learn, connect, and grow in their work.

But here’s what I wish someone had told me before I attended my first one:
You do not have to attend every single session. You don’t have to walk away with every CEU. And it’s totally okay to take breaks.

The truth? Conventions are just as much about connection as they are about continuing education. It’s a rare chance to meet professionals from every corner of our field, learn about opportunities you never knew existed, and remind yourself why you chose this career in the first place.

So let’s walk through how to get the most out of your time—and what to pack so you’re not left freezing in a session room or starving between talks.

Before You Go: Prep Like a Pro

A little prep work goes a long way toward making the experience smooth and meaningful. Here are a few quick ways to set yourself up for success:

Register early. Most conventions offer early bird pricing, and some breakout sessions fill up fast.
Download the app or schedule. If your event has a mobile app or printable schedule, review it ahead of time and start mapping out your top picks.
Look at the speaker list. You might spot a name you admire or someone who specializes in your niche - prioritize those but also have a backup incase that session is full.
Follow the hashtag or join the Facebook group. You’ll get real-time updates, vendor previews, and maybe even find a conference buddy.
Create a “conference email.” Many vendors offer raffle entries or freebies in exchange for your email—setting up a separate one keeps your personal inbox clutter-free. Also, it can be really difficult to get off those email lists sometimes :)
Check ahead of time to see if handouts are digital. Are you someone who needs printed handouts? You may need to print before you go.

What to Expect at a State Convention

If this is your first time, here’s what a typical state convention might include:

Breakout sessions on clinical topics, professional growth, leadership, and more.
Poster presentations with current research—often by grad students and university faculty.
Keynote speakers who motivate, educate, and occasionally make you tear up (in a good way).
An exhibit hall packed with vendors showcasing therapy tools, CEU opportunities, assessments, books, and swag.
Networking opportunities during meals, in session hallways, and at informal meet-ups.
CEU tracking. Each state’s system is a little different, so check the rules. Some use badge scanning, others require a form or app.

One of the best things I ever did was simply ask someone next to me in line, “What session are you going to next?” It sparked a great conversation—and made me feel way less alone.

What to Pack (and Why It Matters)

Packing well = less stress. Here’s my go-to list:

The Essentials:

Water bottle – easy hydration, no $4 hotel bottles.
Notebook and pens or tablet – for notes, to-do lists, and aha moments.
Phone charger + portable battery – especially if your phone doubles as your schedule tracker.
Sweater or cardigan – those session rooms can feel like walk-in freezers.
Portable hand held fan - for those session rooms that are saunas.
Snacks – trail mix, granola bars, apples—anything quick and energizing.
Tote bag or backpack – something comfy to carry throughout the day.
Comfortable shoes – this is not the time for “cute but painful.”
Business cards or a digital QR code – for networking, vendors, and new connections. Listen, I used to have a Rolodex (ask my former coworkers) - things aren’t that serious now LOL!

Nice-to-Haves:

Folder or binder for session handouts and flyers.
Extra bag for vendor goodies (some booths really go all out).
Lip balm, mints, hand sanitizer – your personal refresh kit. (Some booths have these as freebies, but if you’re particular about what you use, BYOS (bring your own stuff)
Light lunch or protein bar if you have dietary needs or tight timing.

Pro Tips for a Great Convention Experience

Pace yourself. You don’t have to attend back-to-back sessions all day. Take breaks. Find a quiet spot. Breathe.
Be strategic with sessions. Choose a mix: something for your current caseload, something you’re curious about, and something a little out of your comfort zone.
Say hi to people. Whether you're in line for coffee or browsing the exhibit hall, starting a conversation can lead to surprising new insights—or even future job opportunities.
Volunteer if you can. It’s a great way to meet people—and in many cases, your attendance fee is reduced or waived. I volunteered at the ASHA convention in Boston during grad school and got my entrance fee waived and a light yellow button-up shirt with the ASHA logo. It was packed and a little chaotic, but I loved feeling like I was part of something bigger.
Give yourself grace. If you’re introverted or just feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to skip a session or retreat to the coffee shop. Heck, even a quiet corner.
Don’t stress about CEUs. I wish someone had told me that I didn’t have to get every single CEU at one convention. Pick what’s meaningful, and give yourself permission to rest.

If You’re Visiting the Exhibit Hall

Here’s my personal tip: pay attention to the little guys. It takes a lot of time, money, and effort for smaller companies and private practices to exhibit at conventions—and we genuinely want to connect with you. Also we’re nervous. We = me :)

Stop by their booths, ask questions, and say hello. You might meet someone doing exactly the kind of work you hope to do in the future—or find a resource that fits your students or clients perfectly.

Come Say Hi at MSHA!

I’ll be at the Missouri Speech and Hearing Association (MSHA) Convention April 2–5 and would love to meet you!

I’ll be hosting a booth with a fun teletherapy trivia wheel—so stop by and test your knowledge! Whether you're a teletherapy pro or just curious about virtual services, you'll learn something new and have a chance to win.

Bonus: Everyone who spins the wheel gets a flavored water packet.
Because if you’re anything like me, remembering to stay hydrated at these events can be tough—and sometimes it’s just more fun when your water tastes like lemonade or fruit punch or even skittles.

After the Convention

If you don’t catch me in person, no worries—I’ll be posting all the teletherapy trivia questions and answers on Instagram after the convention. That way, you can keep learning and even share your favorites with colleagues.

Final Thoughts

Conventions can feel big, busy, and maybe even a little overwhelming—but they’re also exciting, energizing, and full of opportunity. You don’t have to have a perfect plan. You don’t have to go to every session. You don’t have to make a million connections. What you do need? Curiosity, openness, a comfy pair of shoes—and maybe a snack or two tucked in your bag.

You belong here. And I hope this post helped you feel a little more prepared—and a lot more excited for your upcoming convention.