The enriching benefits of attending a work conference

November 06, 2017 | Colleen O’ Connell-Campbell


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Next week, I have the pleasure of attending the IGNITE IV conference, hosted by Distinctive Women. I also have the honour of being nominated for Professional of the Year for the 2nd time. Conferences like this are obviously great opportunities for knowledge-building and networking but they also provide a chance for attendees to push the reset button in their professional lives.

Sometimes change is as good as a rest. By stepping away from our desks and putting ourselves in a new environment for a brief spurt, we can refresh our minds by way of new ideas and new people. It can be truly invigorating.

The women-only factor

Most conferences I attend in my line of work are co-ed but IGNITE IV represents a rare opportunity to surround myself with women-only. In my experience, I find this provides one distinct advantage over the co-ed conferences – a stronger voice – for myself and all of the women in attendance. Collaboration comes much easier. Sadly, I still find that women do not speak up as much as men when in attendance at a co-ed conference. IGNITE IV gives them an open and welcoming forum to share their ideas and experience  with confidence.

Making the most of conferences

Don’t panic about missed work when you’re attending a conference. You’re there to enrich your knowledge and capabilities – to be exposed to new ideas that will improve your work when you return to the office. Enjoy it.

And if you want to truly maximize the experience, here are a few tips that have benefitted me in the past:

  • Set a goal of what you want to get out of the conference (new business, mentorship, strategic direction…)
  • Research who is attending and/or speaking
  • Be curious about those around you. Ask questions. Listen. Connect.
  • Be helpful when you can. Do you know someone who could be of benefit to someone you meet? Offer to introduce them by email.
  • Always follow up on important, valuable discussions

Most importantly, when attending a conference, be present and have fun. You’re there because you or your employer sees value in the knowledge and connections to be gained.

Take it all in.

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