2017 Spring and 13th GCPS Meeting Community

  • 1.  Advice for First Time Attendee

    Posted 02-14-2017 11:31
    Hi everyone, I get a lot of questions from new members—what advice do you have for someone attending the Spring Meeting / Global Congress on Process Safety for the first time? Thanks in advance for your responses.

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    Monica Mellinger
    Membership Associate and Engage Community Lead
    AIChE
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  • 2.  RE: Advice for First Time Attendee

    Posted 02-15-2017 07:24
    Don't be afraid to network. Start with Poster Session and Meet and Greet the first evening. Stop by the CCPS book sale for deep discounts on books. Also, if interested in certification as a process safety professional, stop by the booth and meet others who have gone through the process. Hand carry the event schedule and map of conference rooms to make the quick transition between rooms. Make process safety friends and plan to eat out each evening or sign up the first day for evening mixers with like groups such as young professionals.

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    Florine Vincik BS,MBA,CSP,CCPSC
    Process Safety Expert Service
    BASF
    Geismar LA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Advice for First Time Attendee

    Posted 02-22-2017 08:29
    I would suggest not trying to pack too much in to one day while planning. The planning app can be very helpful, but remember that its just about the quantity sessions you attend.  I always find the conversations you have are just as vital as the lectures.

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    Amanda Scalza
    Continuous Improvement Leader
    BASF Corporation
    Kankakee IL
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Advice for First Time Attendee

    Posted 02-23-2017 12:27
    Make time to meet others. Try to keep outside working to a minimum. Attend all luncheons, coffee breaks and evening receptions. Do not plan on too many sessions or you will get overwhelmed. Enjoy yourself. Attend some sessions or coffees by yourself and not with a large group of coworkers. Talk with any students who are attending.

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    Michael Robertson
    Corp. Process Safety Engineer
    Huber Engineered Woods
    Buford GA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Advice for First Time Attendee

    Posted 03-01-2017 16:31
    Thanks for your suggestions!  Does anyone else have any tips for a first timer to the Spring Meeting or GCPS?

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    Monica Mellinger
    Membership Associate and Engage Community Lead
    AIChE
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Advice for First Time Attendee

    Posted 03-02-2017 05:43
    YES!

    Network, Network, Network!

    Expose yourself to as many topics and info as possible.  Do not try to "memorize".  Your "on-board computer" (your sub-conscience) WILL record it ALL for later retrieval.

    And/or, you may wish to concentrate on one topic of interest.

    Take daily breaks, preferably in complete solitude.

    Finally, "Remember The Alamo", if you go to the next in San Antonio.

    Freylon Coffey, P.E.
    chemical-process-troubleshooting
    LinkedIn



    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Advice for First Time Attendee

    Posted 03-07-2017 15:35
    The River Walk is a great place to walk and contemplate what you have
    heard and what you want open houses to take in during the evening.

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    Caroline Reynolds BA,MA,MS,PE
    President
    CR Solutions
    Austin TX
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Advice for First Time Attendee

    Posted 03-03-2017 09:57
    There is always so much to see and so much to listen to and talk about.  The best advice that I can give is to MAKE A PLAN.  Do some research before you go - read the technical grid so you know what is happening each day - and mark what you want to see.  Look at the titles and abstracts of the papers, the lunch speakers, times and titles for the poster sessions and evening events.

    You cant go to all of them so tag the ones that you want to go to and make a schedule.  Check out the locations so you know if you need to walk a ways between the sessions.  If you change your mind in mid stream that's ok, but a plan will allow you to see more and not waste any of the precious time you have while you are there.  Also, as other have indicated, make time to network.  Take advantage of your evenings and breaks and meet other people.  Get their business card (hard copy or electronic) and contact them once you return to your own space.  One or more of them could turn out to be a great colleague and friend who can help you with questions regarding your career or point you in the right direction when you need information or assistance.  

    And don't forget to have fun! San Antonio is a great town and there is lots to do and see.  The River Walk and the Alamo are two must see sites.

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    Louisa Nara CCEP, CCPSC
    CCPS Technical Director
    AIChE (louna@aiche.org)
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    Original Message