Tech Conference Survival Guide: Francis Alturas

Francis Alturas, Symph's design and branding master, was one of the first attendees and volunteers of GOAB, spoke there last year, and organizes a few Design events of his own on the side. These are his ways of the force for getting the most out of a conference.

Ask yourself

"Before I decide to attend a tech or design conference. I try to understand 'what value does it bring me?'" By value he means the lessons, the ones that help you become a better developer, designer, startup, business owner, or a better person in general.

Align yourself

"You must align your interests and skill set with the conference." Knowing what interests you helps you learn more about yourself, and when you care about a subject you tend to push past your limits. So if you are passionate about CSS, go to a CSS conference. If you love design, go to a design conference.

Understand that it's a conference, not a boot camp

Some people think that joining a certain kind of conference means they will instantly learn to code. You will learn something from the talks, but mastering a skill takes a lot of practice & time. You are there for inspiration, something to spark your growth, and some direction for where to take the craft you love next.

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Network with people

"Share what you know and develop a network of peers." If you have extra freelance work you can't handle, give it to someone. Make real connections with people, because a lot of opportunities come from working together. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Don't be a douche

Make friends. Ask questions. Be curious. Get inspired. Share what you know. Make the most of it, because you rarely get this many people with the same interests in the same place.

Follow Francis and the Symph design army for design events near you.