By Annalise Smith, International President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
PTK Catalyst is Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention. Catalyst features guest speakers, the Hallmark Awards, educational forums, college fairs, and more.
Catalyst is an eye-opening experience. Per its name, it is intended to be a catalyst for PTK members, inspiring them to innovate, discover new ideas, and create change. Over the past couple of years, Catalyst has changed my life! But, as a new PTK member or a first-time Catalyst attendee, the whole thing can seem quite daunting. No worries, it’s normal! I’ve compiled some tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of your trip to Catalyst.
Pack accordingly: Before heading to Catalyst 2025, make sure to visit the Catalyst schedule site which can be found in your registration confirmation email or at the official Catalyst website. Based on the schedule, pack items you may need throughout the week. Overpacking is usually better than under packing and creating a checklist helps most people. If you forget something essential, don’t fret! There are typically small shops located inside or around the convention center.
Plan your days ASAP: Upon checking in when you arrive at the Catalyst 2025 Convention Center, talk to staff about registration about how to download the Cvent event app. It is highly recommended that you look through the scheduling section of the app so you can preschedule any ed forums or workshops you would like to attend. This will help create a visual layout of what your days will look like throughout the event.
Branch out: Do your best to attend all general sessions, explore the opportunity expo, and sit in on as many ed forums as possible! Catalyst is a once-a-year opportunity to soak up new information and learn something outside of your comfort zone. Taking notes during sessions can be helpful for later reflection.
Be social: Meet new people! Catalyst is a place where you will find tons of like-minded people. In my first year at Catalyst, I was too shy to talk to anyone until the very last day. After meeting some amazing people, I wished I had been more open to talking to other attendees from the start. I still hold so many people that I met at Catalyst dearly and some of my best memories are at Catalyst with friends!
Be responsible: Follow any rules or guidelines set by Phi Theta Kappa or any advisors that you may have arrived with. Arrive on time for events and don’t be disruptive to others! Have fun: Enjoy yourself! It’s like an educational vacation.
Hopefully, if you made it this far into my guide, you’re feeling a bit better, or maybe even a bit excited! Catalyst is a real life changer and we can only wish that every PTK member could experience it. See you there, PTK!
