28 May 2012

Agenda and conference networking tips

We are pleased to announce the agenda for the 2012 Australian Community Engagement & Fire Awareness Conference (31 May – 2 June 2012, Novotel Northbeach, North Wollongong).
Click here (http://bit.ly/hdXIs8) to download the agenda. It is not necessary to print a copy of the agenda as it is in the printed handbook (program) that each conference delegate receives.

You will see we have increased the number of workshop sessions and speakers. We suggest you spread members of your brigade or organisation across a number of these sessions in order to get the most out of the conference.

New this year is the ‘Meeting Hub’. It is a space to take a break, have a cuppa, and use those networking skills. Look at the map at the back of the agenda to see the location of the Meeting Hub.

Anton Arathoon (North Rocks Rural Fire Brigade) is a member of our Conference Working Party. We recently discussed networking and he has shared two tips below:

Don’t be shy - If you’ve ever wanted to meet someone specific, go over and introduce yourself. What better place and time than at a conference you’re both attending?

Be a good listener – When you talk to people about a particular topic, you’ll be surprised at what you learn. This recognises that you don’t hold all the answers.

I found this great blogpost when searching for networking tips. It’s called ‘How to Network: 12 Tips for Shy People’, mentions networking at conferences and contains tips on how to build your skills and confidence - http://bit.ly/MRvHE6.

Do you have any other networking tips to share?

Don’t forget – If you are on Twitter we have a conference hashtag of #RFSfireup2012.


See you soon!


Community Engagement Team

NSW Rural Fire Service

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