Attending a conference can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’re new to ACES or a returning attendee, making the most of the experience takes a little strategy.
Tips, insights, and where to find Dragonfly Editorial
The ACES National Conference is happening April 3–5, 2025, in Salt Lake City, and Dragonfly Editorial is thrilled to be a sponsor. We’ll be presenting in four sessions and hosting a booth at the event.
We’ve been in your shoes as first-time ACES attendees, so we know how valuable it is to have a game plan. Here are some tips to maximize your conference experience and details on how to connect with us in person.
Do in-person conferences still matter?
With virtual meetings and webinars more common than ever, it’s natural to wonder if in-person conferences are still necessary. According to a recent study from Northwestern University, the answer is a resounding yes. While virtual events offer accessibility, they lack a key ingredient: spontaneous, informal networking.
The study found that while structured discussions work well online, the connections that spark new ideas and long-term partnerships happen in person. Whether it’s a casual chat between sessions or a chance meeting over coffee, these moments make face-to-face conferences invaluable.
Attending an in-person conference for the first time? Or just looking for a refresher on how to make the most of it? Check out our top tips!
Before the conference
Top tip: Find the right balance
As you prepare for ACES, approach your trip with a balanced perspective. While being mindful of rest is essential, fully embracing the opportunities the conference presents is key to getting the most out of your experience.
“You’re going to be there for three days,” Dave Nelsen, Dragonfly’s deputy editorial manager, said. “You don’t want to let those three days go by and realize you should have attended more sessions or you should have networked more. So, absolutely, if you need to recharge and go to your room or you need to rest, great. But also, keep in mind that you — or your employer — plunked down a bunch of money to pay for the conference. If you have a three-day window to get as much as you can out of this, you can always sleep on the flight back home.”
More tips:
- Set goals: Define what you want to learn, who you want to meet, and how you want to engage.
- Research and plan ahead: Look at the agenda, highlight must-attend sessions, and schedule meetings in advance.
- Pack smart: Bring essentials like business cards, a notebook, comfortable shoes, and a charger.
During the conference
Top tip: Break the ice and start the conversation
Effective networking means pushing past any initial uncomfortableness, according to Corinne Jorgenson, senior writer and Dragonfly’s proposal expert.
“Networking feels awkward,” she said. “But the good news is that everyone feels awkward. You can help your new friends in the room feel more comfortable by simply walking up to someone standing on their own and saying, ‘Hey, what’s been your favorite thing you’ve learned so far?’”
And remember, when you’re at a conference, you automatically have something in common with everyone.
“We’re all word people,” Dave added. “In 2022 in San Antonio, I was sitting in the hotel lobby by myself on the first night trying to figure out what to do for dinner. Another editor saw that I had my ACES lanyard on and said ‘Hello, you look lonely.’ That person was Barbie Halaby. She’s on the ACES Board now, and we’re like BFFs.”
If they have an ACES lanyard on, Dave said that he can “almost guarantee they will be a nice person who is willing to talk to you too.”
More conference tips:
- Engage during sessions: Take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussions.
- Network strategically: Approach speakers, visit exhibit booths, and connect with peers.
- Share and reflect in real time: Post on social media using event hashtags, share key takeaways, and engage in online conversations.
After the conference
Top tip: Keep the momentum going
As you leave ACES, it’s important to reflect on the new connections you’ve made. These connections can provide support, guidance, and opportunities long after the event is over.
One of the biggest resources you can walk away with is an expanded network of other editors, Dave said.
“A lot of editors work solo,” he said. “We often have to explain to people what a copy editor does, so it’s good to go to a conference like this and meet 700 other people who already know what a copy editor does and build your network.”
Perhaps most importantly, allow the ACES conference to offer more than just professional development. When you’re surrounded by passionate peers and fresh ideas, you may find yourself returning home reenergized for the work you do.
“I get a lot from the energy a conference brings to my work,” Corinne said. “I’m able to head back to the office with a new set of skills, but perhaps more importantly, with renewed excitement, passion, and motivation for writing and editing.”
More tips:
- Organize your notes and takeaways: Summarize key insights and action items.
- Follow up with new connections: Send LinkedIn invites or follow-up emails.
- Apply what you’ve learned: Bring new ideas to your team and integrate insights into your work.
Everything to know about Dragonfly Editorial at ACES
Don’t miss our team’s presentations at ACES! We’re excited to share our expertise on editorial best practices, content strategy, and more.
Speaking sessions at ACES
Here’s where you can find us:
Session 1: AI 2025: The Threat, the Promise, and What it Means for Us as Editors and Humans
Speaker: Samantha Enslen, President
Thursday, April 3 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Grand Ballroom
AI is evolving rapidly, and editors need to keep up. Samantha Enslen will explore the latest developments in AI, including its legal challenges, practical tools for editors, and ethical concerns. Walk away with a better understanding of how AI impacts editing, creativity, and communications—and how to navigate the changes ahead.
Session 2: Substantive Editing in 6 Steps
Speaker: Emily Primeaux, Writing Manager
Friday, April 4 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 📍 Grand Ballroom
Substantive editing goes beyond grammar and style—it’s about shaping content to be clear, engaging, and effective. Emily Primeaux will break down the process into six manageable steps, providing real-world examples and hands-on exercises. This session is perfect for editors looking to take their skills to the next level.
Session 3: The Parlance, Process, and Pitfalls of Proposal Editing
Speaker: Dave Nelsen, Deputy Editorial Manager
Saturday, April 5 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 📍 Grand Ballroom
Proposal editing is a specialized field with its own rules and challenges. Dave Nelsen will demystify the process, covering the role of editors, the importance of clarity in business writing, and best practices for improving proposals. This session is ideal for those interested in business and technical editing.
Session 4: “We Regret to Inform You…” A Psychologist’s Guide to Dealing with Failure (Unabridged Edition!)
Speaker: Corinne Jorgenson, Senior Writer
Saturday, April 5 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 📍 Canyons AB
Rejection and setbacks are part of the editing world, especially for freelancers. Corinne Jorgenson will dive into the psychology of failure, sharing strategies to build resilience, shift your mindset, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Don’t miss these sessions packed with expert knowledge, practical takeaways, and engaging discussions!
Check out the full list of sessions and activities scheduled for this year’s conference. Download the Whova app to sign up for sessions, track your schedule, and more!
Not sure how to use the app? Check out this helpful guide to get started.
Where to find us
Want to connect with our team? Visit our booth to chat, ask questions, and learn how Dragonfly Editorial can support your content needs.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to win a free T-shirt featuring our brand-new design! Enter our raffle by visiting our booth and signing up for our newsletter. If you’re already a subscriber, just let us know! We can still add you to the contest. We’ll announce the winner on the Whova app near the end of the conference, so be sure to stop by before 1 p.m. on Saturday!
Written by Grace Teater and Danae Leake
