Ever Feel that Post-Conference Funk?

Returning from ASAE's annual conference, I felt that familiar pang as I sat down at my computer in my home office: it's all so quiet.

Do you ever feel that way after a conference? I call it the "post-conference blues."

It's temporary - more of a pang than a lasting feeling - and it affects both attendees and organizers.

This "funk" really shows how these intense, connection-packed experiences leave their mark on us.

For attendees, especially remote workers or solopreneurs like me, the stark contrast between the conference's vibrant atmosphere and our usual solitude can be jarring.

Sarah Murphy Youssef, MS, CAE nailed it when she said, "Fraternizing with co-workers outside of a Teams/Zoom box and the pressure cooker of hosting our own meetings. That camaraderie that's built will translate in so many ways to build a strong team."

Spot on, right?

As a conference organizer, I would feel that momentary funk on the final day after months of hard work on a conference. Think about it: we watch it literally come undone as exhibit halls are dismantled, signage destroyed, and attendees leave the venue for good.

These feelings, while uncomfortable, reflect the value of the experience. If you feel these blues, here are some tips to overcome them:

1. Jot down key takeaways while they're fresh.
2. Follow up with new contacts and the promise to reconnect with old friends- and I mean it, block out time for this.
3. Share the big ideas you learned with your colleagues.
4. Jump on those new ideas before they get forgotten.
5. Think about presenting or volunteering next time around.

Remember, feeling a bit blue after a conference means you made some real connections and picked up valuable experiences. Embrace it as a sign of growth and use it as motivation for continued learning and networking.

See you at ASAE in LA in 2025!