Optimizing My NSTA National Conference Experience: Structuring My Day for Success

My Schedule for NSTA 2024

Attending the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference is a big deal for me. As a husband and dad to a wonderful 7-year-old, life at home is full of responsibilities, love, and joyful chaos. This trip to New Orleans represents a rare opportunity—a chance to step away from the everyday roles of being a parent and partner and immerse myself fully in my professional growth. For a few days, I get to be creative, productive, and focused entirely on what lights me up as an educator.

But let's be real—conferences can also be exhausting without a plan. I’ve learned the hard way that it’s easy to overbook myself, skip meals, and end up mentally drained. This time, I wanted to be more intentional. So, I built a daily structure that balanced learning, productivity, self-care, and reflection. Here’s how I made it work—and why it was worth it.

Why I Needed a Plan

Conferences are a whirlwind of sessions, conversations, and new ideas. It’s exciting, but it can easily lead to burnout if you’re not careful. I’ve been there before—overbooking myself, forgetting to eat, and then ending up mentally fried by day two. This time, I wanted things to be different. I created a daily plan to balance learning, reflection, and self-care. The goal? To be present, make meaningful connections, and leave New Orleans feeling motivated—not exhausted.

My Daily Schedule and How It Worked

Bedtime at 8:30 PM

I’m not going to pretend this was easy. But getting consistent sleep was a game-changer. Conferences demand a lot of focus, and a solid night’s rest helped me keep up my energy and stay sharp. Plus, it meant waking up refreshed and ready to dive in.

5:00 AM Wake-Up and Morning Exercise

Early mornings are my time. Getting up and moving—whether it was a brisk walk, some stretching, or a workout—helped clear my mind. Exercise boosted my mood and got me focused for the day ahead. There’s just something about moving your body that makes everything else feel doable.

Coffee Shop Work Time (5:45 AM - 7:45 AM)

Post-shower, I’d head to a coffee shop. This was my quiet time to get things done—catching up on emails, organizing notes from the day before, or just setting goals for the day. There’s something grounding about starting the day with a warm drink and some uninterrupted time to think.

Sessions (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

With a clear mind, I was ready for the first conference sessions. I chose topics that aligned with my teaching priorities and dove in. This was when my brain was at its best—fresh, curious, and ready to absorb new ideas. Starting strong helped set the tone for the rest of the day.

Lunch and Personal Work (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Midday was a mix of rest and reflection. I’d grab lunch, take a breather, and then spend time processing what I’d learned. Sometimes it meant jotting down key takeaways or connecting what I’d heard to my classroom. Taking a step back to reflect kept the day’s learning from becoming a blur.

Sessions (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

Afternoon sessions brought a new wave of insights. I tried to balance practical workshops with inspiring talks. I knew my energy dipped in the afternoons, so I focused on engaging content and hands-on learning to keep me engaged.

Exercise Break (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Yes, another exercise session! After sitting and soaking up information, moving around was exactly what I needed. It helped me decompress, reset, and process everything I’d absorbed. Plus, it gave me a burst of energy to tackle the evening.

Evening Work (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

This was my time to synthesize notes, respond to messages, or brainstorm ways to bring conference insights into my classroom. I’d also connect with other educators—sharing ideas and learning from their experiences. It felt good to be productive but still flexible.

Wind Down at 8:30 PM

At the end of the day, I needed to unplug. I’d read, journal, or do something calming to slow down my mind. Getting consistent sleep helped me recharge and made the next day’s learning even more impactful.

Why It Worked

• Energy Management: I felt energized, not burned out, because I prioritized rest, exercise, and mental breaks.

• Reflection Time: I carved out moments to process what I’d learned, so nothing got lost in the shuffle.

• Focused Learning: Prioritizing sessions and sticking to a schedule kept me on track and aligned with my goals.

Conferences don’t have to be exhausting marathons. With a little planning, they can be inspiring, transformative, and even rejuvenating. This structure worked for me and kept me grounded, energized, and ready to learn. I’d love to hear what works for you—let’s learn and grow together!