Get The Most Out of Your Next Online Homeschool Conference

Homeschooling is becoming more and more popular worldwide.

As a result, there are more and more opportunities to connect and learn from each other thanks to the power of the Internet.

Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Conferences will be bring together dozens of homeschooling experts covering multiple topics of all interests to anyone who wishes to attend.

Have you had a chance to attend one?

Over the years I’ve had the privileged of being a part of numerous online conferences and it was a BLAST!

Because online conferences are PERFECT for working moms, I want to share a few tips with you so you can get the most out of your next online homeschool conference.

What Are Online Conferences and Summits?

Online Conferences and Summits offer all the benefits of a Homeschool Conference without the traveling for hours, expenses like hotel, gas and food, the hassle of trying to get time off work and dealing with the crowds.

Depending on the conference you get to watch speakers tackle different subjects of interest over a few days.

You can ask questions and get personal answers. You can browse vendor halls and more! All right from your own home.

This information comes in various forms from live streaming to pre-recorded videos. From online “meet and greets” to chat Q & A’s. These are usually spread over a few days or weeks.

Because they offer such a variety you want to make sure you make the most of the next Online Conference and Summit you attend. Don’t underestimate the power of a little planning and forethought.

I’ll be using the Crushing the Chaos as an example. However, these tips can be used for any of the online conferences or summits you may attend now or in the future.

If you are wondering WHY I believe homeschool moms should attend an online event, read 9 Reasons Online Summits Are Fantastic For Homeschoolers 

1. Sign Up/Register For The Conference

As soon as you hear about the online event you want to attend be sure to sign up or register for the event BEFORE you forget all about it. Be sure to look around the page for any hints of the good stuff coming your way. 

Be sure to take note of the dates and mark them on your calendar or planner of your choice. I like setting a reminder on my phone in case I forget.

2. Connect With The Speakers.

Take a peek at who will be presenting and what topics they are discussing. Make note of the name of the presenter, date and time they are speaking.

Once you get a list, make sure to check your work schedule. You may need to make adjustments to attend.

Most videos are available for at least 24 hours. You may be able to watch them later in the day if needed but do not count on it!

You can see all the speakers and their topics on a “speaker page”. For example, you can see the speakers for Canadian Online Homeschool Conference 2022.

If you miss a favorite you may be able to purchase a pass that will allow you access to all the videos for life! 

This is why you need that list to make sure you don’t miss any topics you really want to attend.

If you are curious, many speakers will have their social media links listed and/or website. Be sure to visit their websites and follow them, it is a great way to connect with the speaker and learn more about them.

One benefit of doing this is you will be more comfortable during the presentation.

Have you ever started listening to a video or podcast only to feel like that person is talking directly to you? It’s as if they get you and all you do?

Like having a coffee with a friend.

Another benefit to connecting with the speakers is you that will identify those who “speak to you” or really connect with you.

Summits and conferences allow you to broaden your horizons and meet others from all over the world. People you want to follow, learn from, and engage with as you continue on your homeschooling journey.

3. Visit The Sponsors

Many online conferences will have sponsors.

The host has worked hard to find sponsors that will provide the best resources for the attendees.

Many sponsors provide great bonus in a digital swag bag such as freebies and exclusive coupon codes for those that register.

They often provide giveaways which is always fun!

Not all conferences will offer bonuses but many do. So keep an eye open for those as well! 

4. Come Prepared To Learn

Make sure you have what you need on hand at least 5 minutes before the presentation begins. That way you can settle in and focus.

You may need:

• Notebooks if you are a paper lover or digital note-taking tool such as google doc.
• Pens, yes more than one as one will always be out of ink. The last-minute scramble of a pen is not fun.
• A list of questions. If the presentations don’t answer your questions be sure to leave them in the comments.
• Water, coffee, or drink of choice.
• Quiet box or other tools to keep kids busy.

Explain to your kids what you are doing. It is important for them to know that mom needs to learn too.

Although not every single session will apply to you does not mean you can’t learn something anyway. I always say, take what you can and use it. What you can’t, chuck it away.

By really thinking about what they are saying you may just uncover hidden gems of exactly what you need.

5. Follow Through

Like anything, you can take notes, attend and learn a lot BUT if you don’t take action…what was the point?

Take time to go over your notes and highlight anything you want to implement.

Dig into any purchases you made. A great sale is only GREAT if you use what you got.

Same goes for Freebies. Those gifted downloads? Ebooks? E-courses? Use them. That is the only way they benefit you.

Surely I am not the only one who signs up for free stuff and then completely forgets about it? Make a note of which item went with which topic so you can remember how you want to use it or why you got it in the first place.

Take note of the presentations you really enjoyed and don’t be afraid to let them know. The presenters work hard and to know even one person was helped can really brighten their day. Trust me, I know! Those thank you emails were amazing. ♥

Reader Bonus Tip:

Allison left this awesome idea in the comments below, “A little tip for anyone who tends to buy digital products or sign up for freebies — download those files and save them into subject-specific folders RIGHT AWAY! And review your inventory often — before planning your curriculum for next year — so that you can use what you’ve got!”

There you have it my top tips for getting the most out of your next online conference or summit. What would you add? Let’s chat!

Take care,

Jen

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