Day 4 - Down to business: Poster Presentations & Happy Reunions!

So the conference had been officially opened (yesterday - Tuesday) and today was the first day of presentations, posters, workshops and key note speeches. I'd learned from the previous WFOT congress in Santiago that poster presentations were often the most effective networking opportunity, so despite missing a couple of sessions I had planned on attending, I decided to hang about by my poster. 

There was also the little problem of what to wear. Most people who know me, know I can be a little vain, but it wasn't specifically about how I looked, I was trying to think what clothes would be less likely to show how much I was sweating. My body was made for colder climates, and not only was I really struggling with the humidity, but I was also feeling quite lethargic. My shirt would be wet within 5 minutes of me leaving the hostel. I settled on a little pink number (see below).

Me, my poster & 'random' visitor

The quite ridiculously large program 'book' we were given was about as user friendly as a phone book without an alphabetical order! I had given up on trying to make sense of what was on where for the first day, and gone to the wrong presentations twice already in the first day. The program also suggested that poster presenters should be by their poster for a 20 minute period. I always like to take any suggestion as a 'guide', rather than a 'rule', so I stayed by my poster for a good few hours and improved my 'enticement techniques'.

More Poster Visitors

The trick was really quite simple. As people passed, just catch their eye and say hello. The Japanese folks felt immediately compelled to respond, and then all you had to do was half turn your body towards to the poster. Other passersby required a more direct approach. By simply smiling and asking what country or what area of practice somebody was from, the person would almost certainly then ask about your poster. I met lots of awesome people this way, and heard as much about what they were doing as well as being able to discuss my own poster.

Trade stands.

As with any big congress / conference, there are a multitude of trade stands, and of course this congress was no exception. There were all kinds of assisted living devices mobility aids. Here's a few of the stands that were around...

Mobility devices

There were a few 'cultural' based activities on offer too for the many overseas delegates to enjoy. Traditional dress, origami, arts and crafts were all on show for the four days.

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Even a game of frisbee????!!!

The day was quickly ticking by, and I'd already met some friendly and funny OT's from all over the world. However the highlight of day one was yet to come. Whilst heading out of the main trade & poster area, I heard a familiar voice with a lovely Chilean accent.

The wonderful OT professor from Santiago and my good friend Erna Navarrete was having an incredibly hard time trying to explain that her she had a poster to present, but her name was missing from the list or pre-assigned spaces. The Japanese staff were not able to understand Erna's issues, but were trying to remain polite and simply kept smiling. Erna is not one to be easily put off, so we took matters into our own hands and found a free space to display her work, and have a great old catch up!

Erna Navarrete (Chile)

I have a great deal of respect for Erna and owe her a debt of gratitude as it was at her invitation that I visited and spoke at The Universidad De Chile, Santiago, (which gave me the confidence to start a little tour of South American Universities). Probably more importantly, Erna's invitation to visit and speak at her University led me to make a number of great friendships, that still run strong today.

It would be a miss of me not to show some of the other posters on show from day 1. So here's a little look...

Occupational Profiles of Serial Killers

The day was complete when I bumped into another on of those people who I had only ever known as a facebook contact - Louie Arabit. Louie is on of those genuine friendly people who is always happy to stop and chat and does it with a smile on his face. 

Me with Louie Arabit

The day ended, as all good conference days should, with a walk by the beautiful lit-up waterside and drinks in a nearby bar with a bunch of OT's from all over the world. Australian, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, USA. More social photos to come...
So what did we learn from day one of the conference?
1) If you do a poster presentation - be assertive in engaging with the passing trade,
2) Speak to anyone & everyone, you never know who you may be speaking with and how you can help each other...
3) In the OT world, it's unlikely you'll veer have a 'one-off' meeting.
and finally...
4) Pink isn't a bad colour to wear when you're sweating!

Regards from Japan