Some pro tips

Here's one pro tip: the first few nights of AAR/SBL there are receptions. For instance, I attended a reception hosted by Wiley Blackwell Publishers, who were celebrating the launch of the 25th anniversary of Alister McGrath's Christian Theology. At these receptions are tasty and healthy snackies and wine. In other words, a light dinner that is free.

The bonus of attending these receptions is the opportunity to meet very interesting people for informal discussion. Neil Gaiser, who was with me, and myself were joined at our table by Dr. John Hart, who teaches Christian Ethics at Boston University. His expertise is around issues of ecology and ethics. Well, this gave me a great opening to talk with him about how ecology and justice is a central thrust of MTSO's vision, which gave him a lot of encouragement. He was not familiar with our institution. Plus, he shared with me some insights and suggestions related to my own interests. Just a fantastic conversation. So, yes, go to the receptions.

Pro tip number two: it is best to go to AAR with at least one other peer. It is great to run in to MTSO professors and say a quick word. But it is even better if you can share this experience with another student. Professors are very busy networking with their colleagues, preparing for presentations and running about. But as students we can soak it in and process all we are experiencing. I attended AAR last year but with no other students to talk to. I admit there were times I felt a bit lonely in the crowd of thousands. So, if you can go to AAR with a fellow student, it makes the experience that much better.

This pic is of Neil having a conversation with one of the scholars responsible for moving him from atheist to Christian: Alister McGrath.