Tips for First-Time SAMA Conference Attendees
PREPARATION & PACKING
Read all the info on the website and our announcements to have a good understanding of the event. There’s a lot going on! – and you won’t want to miss out on anything. This year, we have a lot packed into 3 days, and we will keep you updated as best we can if there are any changes. Always watch your email!
- Leave space in your suitcase or bring an extra checked bag for items for the Vendor Marketplace.
- Wear comfortable shoes and plan for layers; Florida loves their AC!
- Casual clothes are fine for all events, but you may want to bring dressier items for the evening receptions and don’t forget your costume for Friday Night!
- Make a folder on your phone of photos of your work to share with other mosaic artists – we’d all like to see what you have been up to!
- Bring a small notebook dedicated to the SAMA conference to create your own schedule timeline, to take notes in workshops & presentations, and for the vendor show, it’s also handy for quick sketches.
- If you have business cards bring at least 50-100. You don’t want to run out while making contacts!
UPON ARRIVAL
After you check in to your hotel room, make sure you take some time to explore the hotel and go down to the Florida Ballroom foyer or the Lobby Bar, where you will find other attendees settling in for the weekend!
SUGGESTIONS
- Try to partake in as many activities, presentations, etc. as you can –this opportunity to be immersed in an environment full of other passionate mosaics artists occurs only once a year! You are going to see over 100 mosaic art works over the course of 3 days!
- Having said that… take time to rest each day. A too-packed schedule may leave you snoozing during presentations, so take a relaxing coffee break or catch a catnap, as needed.
- Check the message board at Registration to find out about interesting activities and local attractions. Be assured that there are many other first-timers who would enjoy partnering up for an activity.
- Be sure to attend the Vendor Marketplace on Friday to check out the great selection of materials and tools — there are beautiful tesserae to see and usually some good bargains. Be sure to examine the contents of your Gift Bag, there may be vendor coupons inside! (plus, once you’ve used your new materials back home consider entering your work in next year’s juried art show or Mosaic Art Salon.)
- If you find you have free time, check the message board or social media posts for last-minute workshop/tour openings.
NETWORKING
- Be sure to put your “First Timer” ID tag on your name badge. Other first-time attendees and Solo attendees will feel more welcome striking up a conversation. Many ‘oldtimers’ like to make a special effort to get to know our New Members.
- Also, look for nametag ribbons identifying Board Members & Volunteers if you have questions.
- Try having breakfast with new people each day! Feel free to sit down at a table, introduce yourself, and ask about/share what kind of mosaics they/you do – you’ll be surprised how easy it will be!
- Help remember people’s details/specialties by writing notes on their business cards. Over the years you’ll get to know them personally, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by 100+ new friends your first time!
- SAMA members are tremendously generous in sharing technical info and how-to tips: take advantage of opportunities to speak to/learn from exhibiting MAI artists: ‘Tell me more about how you did it?’
EXPECTATIONS
PREPARE to learn, be inspired, and have the most fun you’ve had in a long time!
SAVOR every moment because it will be over before you know it!
RESPOND to our online post-conference survey – we need your answers, questions, and vital feedback to continue making the SAMA conferences the very best that they can be!
First-Time Attendee and Solo-Attendee Meet-ups
Is this your first time at a SAMA Conference, or are you traveling alone and would like to meet others who would like to connect and experience the conference together? We have a great team of volunteer SAMA ambassadors who will be your social event connectors. We look forward to welcoming you to the SAMA Community! Watch for these ambassadors when you pick up your registration materials, and at meal events, we will have tables reserved for First Time Attendees!
