As the Tessitura Learning & Community Conference approaches, anticipation rises.

For first-time attendees, that anticipation may be coupled with nerves. What can newcomers expect from three days filled with sessions, learning and networking?

Asia Minor, CRM and Data Associate at Atlanta History Center, turned to her colleague Sue Llende, Senior Director of CRM Operations & Strategy, for advice on how to prepare. Meredith Woolard, Tessitura’s Director of Community, joined in to share her insights.

Asia Minor: This is my first time at TLCC, and I am looking for advice on where to start.  How can I prepare for this conference to make it the best experience?

Sue Llende: Starting strong by planning ahead makes a huge difference. Here are four things you can do today:

• Meet with your manager and team to align goals. 
  Discuss what your organization, team and you personally hope to gain from the conference. Come prepared with questions like: What challenges are we trying to solve? What skills or knowledge gaps does our team have? What would make this conference a success? 
  When you align expectations in advance, you can make intentional choices about which sessions you attend, who you connect with and what insights you bring back.
• Download the TLCC app when it opens on July 20 and start exploring. 
  Browse sessions, events and activities, and add anything that catches your interest to your schedule. Don’t worry about making your schedule perfect just yet. Select whatever interests you and remove conflicts as the conference nears. 
• Be ready when session reservations open.
  Some of the Tessitura Analytics workshops have limited capacity. If these are on your list, be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 22 at 1 pm Eastern. That’s when you can secure a spot in these popular sessions at a time that works for you. 
• Scout for travel buddies.
  You’re likely to attend with others in your geographic area, so reach out to coordinate travel. Even if you’re the only one attending from your organization, other Tessitura members from your region may be heading to D.C. and back around the same time. Toss out a comment in your regional community group to see if you can find a travel buddy or two. That way, you can start making connections and friendships even before the conference begins.

“Discuss what your organization, team and you personally hope to gain from the conference. Come prepared with questions.”
_{— Sue Llende}

Wow! All that sounds exciting, but I don’t know how to fit everything in. How should I navigate conflicting schedules and interests?

Meredith Woolard: You’re right, it’d be quite a challenge to attend every session! There are strategies and resources you can use to get the most out of the conference.

• If you are attending with colleagues from your org, split up. Attend different sessions and share notes afterward.
• Prioritize sessions that will help you meet your organizational and personal goals. PDFs of all presentation slides are available in the conference app, so you can check out the content in advance.
• Some sessions will be recorded. Plan to watch those after the conference. You’ll have access to the conference app and all recordings through the end of 2026.
• If a session or event sparks your curiosity, chase that inspiration. You never know what doors it might open in the future. And if you wind up in a room or session that isn’t what you were looking for, it's OK to leave and find a different opportunity.

“If a session or event sparks your curiosity, chase that inspiration. You never know what doors it might open in the future.”
_{— Meredith Woolard}

I understand that TLCC offers many networking opportunities. As an introvert, how would you suggest I make the most of the event to engage with the community while staying within my comfort zone?

Sue: That’s a great question, and you are not alone! The good news is that TLCC offers several networking opportunities in all shapes and sizes, so you can engage in ways that feel natural to you. Here are a few ways to make the most of it:

• Start with what fits your energy. Think about when you feel most comfortable being social. If you’re a morning person, use breakfast or coffee time to connect, whether in the larger dining areas or smaller, more intimate affinity group settings. If you warm up later in the day, focus your social energy on afternoon breaks or evening meetups.
• Lean into built-in connections. An easy starting point is with people you already share something in common with, so check out the regional, topical and affinity groups. These spaces naturally make conversations easier and more meaningful.
• Give yourself permission to set boundaries and take breaks. You don’t have to do everything to have a great experience. There will be opportunities to connect throughout the day with small groups, large gatherings and everything in-between. 
• Take advantage of the quiet room and the quiet tables at meals if you need a break from conversation. Plus, the general session viewing room offers a sensory-friendly space where all general sessions are livestreamed without the crowd.

Bottom line: You don’t have to network like an extrovert to be successful. Just show up in a way that works for you, and you’ll find your people.

“You don’t have to network like an extrovert to be successful. Just show up in a way that works for you, and you’ll find your people.”
_{— Sue Llende}

Let’s say my organization is sending me to TLCC alone, and I feel overwhelmed at the offerings. How would you suggest I navigate or attend events solo?

Meredith: Attending TLCC alone may feel overwhelming, but you’ll be in supportive company once you arrive. TLCC attendees are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people. There are a few things that can help:

• Pick up and wear a first-timer's ribbon to give folks an opening to spark a conversation with you. Ribbons will be available at the check-in desk.
• Look out for Tessitura staff (with yellow lanyards) and Community Chairs (distinct ribbons on their badges). They’ll be happy to chat and help you make connections.
• Join the first-timers connect during the welcome reception on Sunday. It’s an easy way to make a buddy.
• The regional group exhibition during the welcome reception on Sunday will help you meet others from your geographic area.
• Affinity group breakfasts and lunches are great places to ease into networking and meet folks who share your interests.
• Game night on Tuesday is always a fun evening. Play board games with other enthusiasts, and if you have a favorite board game, you’re welcome to bring it with you!
• Do you need some ideas on helpful conversation starters? Check out our networking tips.

“TLCC attendees are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people.”
_{— Meredith Woolard}

Do you have any general advice for a newcomer looking to make the most out of the TLCC experience?

Sue: Absolutely!

• The name badge ribbons are the ultimate icebreakers. Like Meredith said, you’ll see everything from first-timer (that’s you!) to presenter, Tessitura staff, sponsor and more. They’re perfect built-in conversation starters for those in-between moments like elevator rides or waiting for sessions to begin. No ribbon? No problem. Name badges also include each attendee’s organization, offering another opportunity for an intro question or connection. 
• Be sure to visit the sponsor zone. It’s a great space to meet existing and prospective partners face-to-face, explore new products and services and offer a quick thanks for their investment in TLCC. And, of course, pick up some great swag along the way.
• Pack comfort items that will help you feel good throughout the week: a warm sweater to layer up when the conference rooms get cold, your vitamins, favorite snacks if you have food preferences or allergies and a water bottle. Get outside for fresh air when you can, and consider participating in Tuesday morning’s 5K where you can get some blood flowing to your brain.
• Taking care of your health is an important part of a successful conference. Prioritize rest. Take breaks to reflect on what you’ve learned. Don’t stay up late trying to network all night or squeeze in work after a day of learning. Allow yourself to be fully present at the conference by taking care of YOU first.

“Allow yourself to be fully present at the conference by taking care of YOU first.”
_{— Sue Llende}

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Whether you’re attending for your tenth or first time, in-person or virtually, TLCC offers something for everyone. Register now and start building your ideal conference experience.