Attending Solution Tree events is more than just another professional development opportunity; it’s a chance to connect, learn, and walk away with actionable strategies to transform your school or district. Whether this is your first experience or you’re a returning participant, this guide will help you make the most of your attendance at Solution Tree events.
Tip #1: Everything you need to know is at the Event Hub
The Event Hub is your essential one-stop shop for everything you need at a Solution Tree event. Think of it as your digital companion, accessible from your phone or computer. Before you even arrive, you can explore the hub to get a lay of the land. It contains crucial information like Wi-Fi details, the daily agenda, and descriptions for all the breakout sessions.
This is also where you can find speaker bios, download digital handouts and slides for the sessions you attend, and access an interactive venue map to help you navigate the conference space with ease. The hub also provides practical information, such as parking details and dining guides, which can be a lifesaver when you’re in an unfamiliar city. Taking a few minutes to explore the Event Hub will save you time and help you feel more organized and prepared once you’re on-site.
Tip #2: Make the most of your breakout sessions
Solution Tree events offer a wide range of breakout sessions designed to meet diverse educator needs. Because sessions are first-come, first-served, planning is essential. Using the Event Hub, browse the event agenda and session descriptions to identify the workshops most relevant to your goals.
Creating a personalized schedule helps you avoid last-minute scrambling and ensures you’re sitting in the sessions that matter most. With your route mapped out on the venue map, you can transition smoothly between rooms and maximize learning time. Many educators find that a little upfront preparation allows them to focus more on event participation and less on logistics.
“I feel inspired and empowered to be able to share this incredible work with my colleagues and impact our kids in HUGE ways! Thank you!!”
— Shannon James/ teacher, Corona-Norco Unified School District
Tip #3: Don’t forget time to reflect and debrief
Attending a Solution Tree event is like drinking from a firehose of information. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it’s crucial to build in time for processing and debriefing. At the end of each day, set aside time to reflect. This practice helps you consolidate new information throughout the event rather than trying to sort through everything once you return home.
- Review your notes: Identify a few key takeaways from the day.
- Debrief with your team: Discuss what you learned and how it can be applied.
- Consolidate ideas: Turn inspiration into actionable plans.
Tip #4: Make your travel and meals stress-free
While the heart of Solution Tree events lies in the sessions, logistics play a big role in event engagement. Confirming your hotel reservations, parking arrangements, and dining plans before arrival sets you up for a stress-free experience. This means you can focus fully on the content instead of scrambling for directions or reservations.
About two weeks before the event, Solution Tree sends out a curated email with key travel information, restaurant options, and local resources. Pair this with the Event Hub’s parking and dining guides to finalize your plans. Even something as simple as knowing where to grab lunch nearby can help you recharge and return ready to learn.
Smooth logistics don’t just reduce stress; they increase audience engagement by ensuring participants can be fully present. When travel and meals are squared away, you’ll have more energy to engage with speakers, peers, and the powerful ideas being shared.
Tip #5: Get the most out of every session
The most important preparation you can make is to arrive with an open learning attitude. Solution Tree events are jam-packed with information, teachings, and tangible takeaways from some of the top minds in education. To take full advantage of your time, be ready to listen, take notes, and ask questions.
“I love getting re-invigorated by the top minds at Solution Tree. They always inspire me to go back and be better. ‘We can’t NOT do this.'”
—Jaime Greene/ principal, Lincoln Heights Middle School
The educators around you are just as important as the speakers. By leaning into collaboration and conversation, you’ll leave not just inspired, but equipped to make change in your own context.
Make the most of your Solution Tree event—and enjoy it!
With thoughtful planning, purposeful participation, and the right mindset, Solution Tree events can be a transformative step in your professional journey. Arrive prepared, stay engaged, and you’ll leave energized to impact your students and colleagues.
