What do you do if you want to maximize your learning at nonprofit leadership conferences and workshops?

Definitely prepare ahead. Key question to ask yourself is, why you want to attend in the first place and what is the purpose of your visit? Time is the precious and the most effective way to maximise productivity is to plan ahead and add all details into your schedule. All the practical things like booking tickets in advance, planning your journey, and also mentally preparing yourself. Always allow extra time and have a positive attitude, as you know that you want to be in that space and you'll leave with a new experience and new contacts.

- Review the conference agenda and workshop topics beforehand. - Identify key speakers and research their backgrounds and expertise. - Set specific learning objectives and goals for the event. - Prepare questions and discussion points related to the topics. - Familiarize yourself with any pre-event materials or readings provided. - Consider any challenges or issues in your nonprofit leadership role that you hope to address during the event. - Plan your schedule to maximize your time and attendance at relevant sessions. - Bring necessary materials such as notebooks, pens, and business cards. - Ensure you have a clear understanding of the conference location, schedule, and logistics to avoid any last-minute stress.

Drink lots of coffee. Business jargon puts me into a coma, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Thank you for your time.

Great read! What I would add is to be fully intentional for your learning. This would look like considering the areas that you are currently winning in and the areas where more growth is needed. Identify the impact that you will have at your organization as a result of attending the conference. Lastly, mirror what you would want to see at your organization by the way you show up at the conference.

- Define specific learning outcomes you aim to achieve from the conference or workshop. - Align objectives with your professional development goals and the needs of your nonprofit organization. - Identify areas of improvement or new skills you want to acquire. - Set measurable goals to gauge your progress and success during and after the event. - Prioritize objectives based on relevance, importance, and potential impact on your leadership role. - Consider both short-term and long-term objectives to ensure comprehensive learning and growth. - Share your objectives with colleagues or mentors to gain accountability and support in achieving them.

Again, ask yourself why you are there? You, alone know your organisation best and the outcomes from your Trustee and wider Team meetings. What were the key points raised and where are the areas that need developing and improving. Think back to all the challenges and barriers you have experienced in your past projects and all those briefings and impact reports derived from past work. Revisit those moments and take into consideration your teams view points and vision for success. You are there on behalf of the organisation and as a leader, you can navigate how this event can positively impact your organisation's vision and mission.

Crowds. Then more crowds can cause quite a bit of internal and external chatter further adding to frustrations and aggravations that can hinder fully engaging in and adequately obtaining knowledge and information during summits, etc. It greatly helps glean as much information as possible when bringing staff, colleagues, and/or partners to events. Strategizing as to who will attend what...i.e., breakout sessions, networking events, etc., in order to cover as much ground as possible. Also, when multiple parties attend, it provides a stronger recollection of that summit's events. Discussing the information provided, relating to summit topics, evaluating speakers/presenters, and then follow-up/feedback to summit organizers. It's worth it.

- Identify key individuals or organizations you want to connect with before the event. - Research attendees and speakers to find common interests or potential collaboration opportunities. - Prepare a brief introduction highlighting your role, organization, and objectives for networking. - Actively engage in conversations during breaks, meals, and networking sessions. - Listen attentively and ask thoughtful questions to show genuine interest in others' work. - Exchange contact information and follow up promptly after the event. - Utilize social media platforms or event-specific networking tools to expand your network. - Offer assistance or resources that may benefit others in your network.

Network SMARTLY ! S - Shine ( so people come towards you) M - Meaningful ( be authentic and listen to others) A - Articulate ( clear communication with good vibes) R - Round the room ( assess and explore the room) T - Time! ( Beginning, middle and end) L - Love the vibes ( Show appreciation for the invite and thank organisers) Y - Your Impact? ( Self assess and praise yourself for being in the room and nailing another network event! )

Considering diligently my key focus on my goal. There maybe other objective set before me, but the choice to be made must always be my own choice. Listening, looking ahead, leaving room for communication.

- Actively participate in sessions by asking questions and sharing insights. - Take advantage of interactive activities and group discussions. - Volunteer for opportunities such as panel discussions or group exercises. - Listen attentively to speakers and fellow attendees, showing respect and interest. - Avoid distractions like checking emails or using your phone excessively. - Network with intention, seeking meaningful connections and conversations. - Offer your expertise or experiences when relevant to the discussion. - Embrace diverse perspectives and be open to new ideas and approaches. - Take notes to capture key takeaways and action items for follow-up. - Reflect on your learning and experiences during breaks or after sessions.

I agree and do engage. “Fully” is another matter. I observe, watch and engage as needed on the areas I am interested in. Some I tune out because some folks that “fully” engage do so to hear themselves and appear as an expert. Some my engagement is selective.

People can sense authenticity. Be in the moment and take an interest in what's being presented. Sometimes we may think the topic is not applicable to us or not relevant to our field of work. Just an an example, I have walked away from many events, where I have entered with full imposter syndrome, but left like a champion and leader - with some great advice and master connections. Generally, people are helpful and want to see the best in others and the moment you connect with these, kind, generous souls, you can end up having some great everlasting connections which eventually end up in professional collaborations.

Reflection is the ending... I love beginning, middles and endings. Reflecting involves your mind, body and spirit. Somethings are clear where you know, that the event had been a success, as people are cheering and there is jubilation. The silent moments are your private moments ... where you can delve deep and think to yourself, What else could I have done to make this process much better? For myself and my team members ? There is always room for silently praise yourself for coming this far, by looking back at your junior experiences and the barriers you have overcome.

Nick Milo introduced me to note making instead of note taking. After an important session, write a new note on 'Why is this important?''What does it remind me of?''How will it change my work?' I'm remembering much more with note making.

This is the one most difficult, because I need to schedule time for just follow-up and not jumping back into work mode again.

After attending conferences and workshops, I normally share key learnings with my team to ensure maximum benefits for the charity even though not everyone can attend. With all the contacts made, I will send follow-up messages to each to keep the relationship warm as there are so many opportunities for partnering, idea generation, and even fundraising. In my last charity, we used Monday.com to track possible follow-up actions. Perhaps you can also consider some form of digital assistant options.

Follow up with those who took another training and also help others by exchanging notes! Or follow up with another instructor and see if you can get the power point or the instructor's notes.

Don’t feel you have to attend every session. Sometimes you need to process what you have learned, and see how it applies to your situation. Take advantage of casual. Conservations with other attendees to learn best practices and real- life application.

When attending a conference with colleagues, strategize which workshop or breakout sessions to attend, then debrief together to maximize learning potential. Be intentional about where you sit at the plenary sessions and meal times. These are often the best networking opportunities.

I call it my nonprofit stretch...attend sessions that are both similar to your work and attend those that make you stretch a little to connect the dots. I look for those moments that I reflect and then provide context back to my teams. Even during some sessions, I'm taking pics of slide and sending them back to the team. I love the real-time engagement that happens and it allows for the excitement to be contagious.