If you’re gearing up for the 2011 AGA operations conference, or as it’s officially called the Operations Conference & Biennial Exhibition, I’ve got some last-minute notes to help you make the most of your conference experience. We’re actually doing a series of these during the week to highlight what’s going on at the event so be sure to check back.

First, as a good part of my world functions around the web, I wanted to let you know that we started a twitter hashtag for the event. It’s #agaops. So, if you’re commenting on the conference use #agaops with your tweet and anyone searching #agaops on twitter will see the message. Juanita Spence, part of our operations team, has already started tweeting about the event and even posted a few pictures.

You can also use the hashtag if you’re looking for help with something. We’ll be monitoring #agaops and will try to point you in right direction when we see your question. Twitter is great to use if you need help at the actual event. I’ve used twitter at events before to find people at the event when I didn’t have their contact information readily available or was in a place too loud to talk. People are already starting to use it, including a few of our exhibitors. Maybe there are a few giveaways in our future .

Second, be sure to visit the event landing page on aga.org to get copies of conference materials. They’ll be around the registration and exhibition areas to be sure, but in a pinch, here’s a link to download what you need to find your way around.

You’ll find everything from the conference-at-a-glance to the final program, and even a listing of the exhibitors and fun things to do in the area. I went ahead and grabbed the conference-at-a-glance for tonight and tomorrow for you. Click the image below to get the full pdf.

Finally, and most important, be sure to take advantage of being at the event. While we’ve all learned to get amazing things done by collaborating in our digital worlds, there is no substitute for actually being to look someone in the eye, smile and say “hello.” These are the type of networking events that help build lifelong relationships. So, when you’re at the Grand Opening Reception this evening, take a little time to make a new acquaintance.

Leave us a comment below or jump over to twitter and let us know what you think. Be sure to use the #agaops hashtag so we can find you. Here’s a link if you want to learn more about hashtags and how to use them.