As you flip through the conference schedule, you notice a clever session title and add it to your list. Another has a great description. A third  session is located near a nice lunch spot. Before you know it, your schedule is full.

Don’t waste your time at the conference. Many EHS professionals have to work hard to make the case to attend safety conferences and it’s important to learn as much as you can while you’re there. Consider the following three questions to zero in on the most relevant educational sessions.

1. What do you want to learn?

Identify your specific goal ahead of time (e.g.,“I  want to learn more about human factors in safety”) and then look for a session that addresses it directly. Choose sessions that speak directly to what you want to learn and the skills you should develop.

2. Who will give the best presentation?

Speakers should be dynamic, thought-provoking and motivational. Most of all, they should be extremely knowledgable on the topic and an experienced presenter. Plenty of speakers look good on paper (because they submit their own bio) but it doesn’t necessarily translate to a strong presentation.

Online clips of past speaking sessions will give you a quick preview of their speaking style. A quick Google search will also reveal how much a speaker has written and presented on the issue. Spending a few minutes on background research can save you from having to sit through hours of boring sessions. You might also discover an exciting speaker you might have otherwise missed.

3. What fits in your schedule?

You can’t see everything—but you can easily burn out if you try. Pick the most important sessions and pass on the rest. Prioritize topics that have the biggest implications for your safety program. Sessions on human error are relevant to almost every safety issue.

Learn more about connecting with the safety industry’s best speakers and educational sessions in the Attendee’s Guide to Safety Conferences. The guide will highlight how to make the most of your limited time at safety conferences and guide you through important decisions like who to see and which booths to visit. Download the free guide here.