ASQ InfVoices – Conference Tips

The Topic of ASQ Influential Voice in April 2014 named “Conference Survival Guide 2014”. Paul Borawski (CEO, ASQ) asked two questions “Which networking events, conferences, or workshops do you typically attend?” and “What are your tips and advice for making the most of the events you attend?” Paul’s tip was to wear comfortable shoes because you would be walking or standing much of time at conference.

I had attended ASQ’s annual World Conference for Quality and Improvement (WCQI) for twice. One was held in 2006 which was the 60th anniversary of ASQ and the other one was held in 2011 which was the 65th anniversary of ASQ (See my records in reference).

(I took a photo in front of WCQI venue for the 60th anniversary of ASQ in 2006)

Moreover, I had attended Asia Network for Quality (ANQ) Congress for 11 times since 2003. In ANQ 2011 in Vietnam, HKSQ representatives took a photo with Mr. Paul Borawski (CEO of ASQ) during a toast to invite all quality societies to attend ANQ 2012 in Hong Kong (ANQ 2011 Farewell Party).

I would like to share my conference strategies for your reference.
i) Understand the conference schedule and arrangement and then select some presentations or activities you like.
ii) Arrive one day before conference start and perform registration as early as possible.
iii) During the break between presentation, exchange ideas with quality gurus and take some photos for memory.
The following photos were taken in ASQ WCQI 2006.
(Right: I, Mr. Ron Atkinson (Chairman, ASQ) and Ms. Ma Lin (Secretary General of CAQ))

(Photo taken with Prof. Noriaki Kano)

(Photo taken with Dr. Yoji Akao and Dr. Kozo Koura)

(Photo taken with Mr. Tommy Tam (ASQ Global Marketing Development Manager) in front of ASQ Worldpartner Corner)

iv) Buy Quality Book and seek the author’s signature.
(Photo with Mr. Bill Wortman of Quality Council of Indiana (QCI))

v) Take some photos in conference you are interested in.

vi) Record your activities and interested things into your blog for sharing.

Hopefully the above strategy is usefully for your coming conference.

Reference:
ASQ World Conference 2011 - Counselor Meeting & Registration - http://qualityalchemist.blogspot.hk/2011/05/asq-world-conference-counselor-meeting.html
ASQ World Conference - Day 1 - http://qualityalchemist.blogspot.hk/2011/05/asq-world-conference-day-1.html
ASQ World Conference - World Partner Workshop - http://qualityalchemist.blogspot.hk/2011/05/asq-world-conference-world-partner.html
ASQ World Conference - Forces of Change - http://qualityalchemist.blogspot.hk/2011/05/asq-world-conference-forces-of-change.html
ASQ World Conference - Day 2 - http://qualityalchemist.blogspot.hk/2011/05/asq-world-conference-day-2.html
ASQ World Conference - Chair's Reception & Annual Banquet - http://qualityalchemist.blogspot.hk/2011/05/asq-world-conference-chairs-reception.html
ASQ World Conference - Day 3 and Closing - http://qualityalchemist.blogspot.hk/2011/05/asq-world-conference-day-3-and-closing.html
ASQ World Conference - IAQ Meeting - http://qualityalchemist.blogspot.hk/2011/05/asq-world-conference-iaq-meeting.html