The Conference

AERA 2013 is all a-buzz. The theme of this year's conference is Education and Poverty, but it's so crowded that the theme feels more like "I'm Sorry. I Didn't Mean To Touch You There." The elevator in the main conference hotel buzzes when it reaches the weight limit. This has happened on every elevator I've been on. It's very intimate. 

And yet. I'm sitting here in the lobby waiting for someone I know to pass by and so far, nothing. All these people and I don't know a single one. The man standing next to me has flagged down four people he knows, which suggests to me that I should make some friends. 

The talk is mostly ready. It's my first attempt to share data from the diss at a major conference. I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. The usual feelings there. 

I'm off to stand in line for the elevator now. Yes. There's a line for the elevator. I don't think I'll be participating in AERA 2014.