Guiding Your Own Development: Maximizing Conference Attendance for YMCA Professionals

As YMCA professionals, we understand the value of continuous growth and development in our careers. In a rapidly evolving world, where knowledge and skills become outdated faster than ever, it is crucial for emerging leaders to proactively seek opportunities for training and learning. One powerful way to do so is by attending conferences, and for YMCA professionals, the YMCA General Assembly conference stands out as a premier event for growth and networking. In this article, join me as we explore the importance of professional development, highlight the benefits of seeking training and learning opportunities, and provide insights on maximizing conference attendance, with a focus on the 2023 YMCA General Assembly conference this week in Atlanta, Georgia!

Importance of Professional Development:

Professional development goes beyond the initial training or onboarding we receive for our roles. It is an ongoing commitment to enhancing our skills, knowledge, and expertise. By continuously seeking growth, we not only stay relevant in our fields but also position ourselves for new opportunities and career advancement; not to mention, we also ensure our membership community receives the highest quality care from us as staff. As emerging leaders, it is vital to take charge of our own development and actively seek out learning experiences that will contribute to our long-term success. Remember to advocate for yourself and present learning opportunities through your "chain of command" to ensure it is always top of mind!

Seeking Opportunities for Training and Learning:

1. Stay updated with industry trends: Our industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires keeping up with the latest trends and advancements. Engage in continuous learning by attending webinars, workshops, and online courses related to your department, or where you see yourself next. Seek out resources offered by the YMCA, such as our online learning platforms (LINK and LCDC), to stay informed about industry-specific developments.
2. Network with peers and mentors: Build a network of professionals who share your passion for growth and development. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn, your local YMCA Professional Network (YPN) Chapter, and national Employee Resource Group (ERG) events to connect with like-minded individuals. Engaging in meaningful conversations can lead to valuable insights and potential collaborations.

Maximizing Conference Attendance:

So you're going to General Assembly (YAY)! Attending the YMCA General Assembly conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community of YMCA professionals, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration. Here's how you can make the most out of your conference experience:

1. Set clear goals: Before the conference, identify what you hope to achieve. Do you want to learn about new program initiatives, connect with potential collaborators, or gain insights from experienced leaders? Setting clear goals will help you focus your time and energy on the most relevant sessions and networking opportunities.
2. Plan your schedule: Review the conference agenda in advance and plan your schedule strategically. Identify sessions and workshops that align with your goals and prioritize them. Leave room for candid interactions and impromptu conversations, as they often lead to unexpected opportunities.
3. Engage actively: Actively participate in sessions, workshops, and networking events. Ask questions, share your experiences, and contribute to discussions. Engaging with others not only enhances your learning but also helps you establish yourself as an active and valuable member of the YMCA movement.
4. Network intentionally: This conference is an ideal platform for expanding your professional network. Attend social events, connect with fellow attendees during breaks, and join targeted networking sessions. Be open to new connections and seek out individuals who can provide insights or mentorship.
5. Follow up and stay connected: After the conference, follow up with the people you connected with. Send personalized messages to express your gratitude and continue the conversation. Stay connected through LinkedIn and other professional platforms to nurture those relationships beyond the conference.

Remember to bring the following with you to the conference:

• Business Cards: Bring business cards and a lot of them too! You'll want to hand these out any chance you get, and to any new person you meet. If you're technologically savvy, you might want to setup a digital business card. Personally, I like the app "HiHello". It's free and easy to use with the ability to transfer to your new connections' phones via NFC tap, QR Code, Text, or Email. Check out the app here (non-affiliate link).

• Note Taking 'Thing': Whether its a laptop, iPad, your phone, or traditional pen and paper, take tons of notes. Not only is this good for your own understanding and recollection, its will help you bring nuggets of information back to your branch and team. Being able to illustrate the return on investment of your professional development only furthers the likelihood that your organization will invest in you again. Personally, I use the app "Notability" on my Apple Products, but truly any free or included app, like Microsoft OneNote, will do. And again, there's nothing wrong with pen and paper! If you want to explore "Notability", check them out here (non-affiliate link).

• Your most outgoing personality possible. I know, I know, not everyone is an extrovert, but to maximize your conference attendance you should try to be as outgoing as possible. Talk to the random person at your table, shake hands with the keynote speaker, and otherwise put yourself out there. People are attracted to infectious personalities. Be the shining light that you are!

In Conclusion...

As YMCA professionals, we possess the incredible opportunity to guide our own development and learning journeys. Recognizing the importance of continuous growth and seeking opportunities for training and learning sets the stage for our success as emerging leaders within the Y movement. By proactively engaging in professional development, we not only ensure our skills and knowledge remain relevant in a fast-paced world but also position ourselves for exciting career advancements.

Attending conferences, such as General Assembly, is a powerful way to maximize our growth potential. This conference provides an unparalleled platform for learning, networking, and inspiration. By strategically approaching conference attendance, we can extract the utmost value from this experience, both professionally and personally.

By setting clear goals before the conference, we establish a roadmap for our learning objectives and focus our time and energy on sessions and workshops that align with our aspirations. Through careful planning, we can create a schedule that maximizes our exposure to new program initiatives, innovative ideas, and thought-provoking discussions.

Active engagement during the conference is vital. By actively participating in sessions, workshops, and networking events, we immerse ourselves in the wealth of knowledge and expertise present. Asking insightful questions, sharing our experiences, and contributing to discussions not only solidify our learning but also position us as active and valuable contributors to the YMCA.

The YMCA General Assembly conference offers an exceptional opportunity to expand our professional network. By networking intentionally, attending social events, and connecting with fellow attendees, we open doors to potential collaborations, mentorship, and lifelong relationships. The power of a strong professional network cannot be overstated, and the conference provides the perfect environment for fostering these connections.

Following the conference, the journey does not end. It is crucial to follow up with the individuals we connected with, expressing gratitude and continuing the conversation. By nurturing these relationships through platforms like LinkedIn, we sustain the momentum gained at the conference and create a supportive network that extends beyond the event itself.

As emerging leaders in the YMCA, we have a unique opportunity to shape our own paths, accelerate our growth, and make a lasting impact within the organization. By embracing the power of professional development, actively seeking training and learning opportunities, and maximizing our conference attendance, we position ourselves as catalysts for positive change. Our commitment to continuous growth not only benefits us as individuals but also ripples throughout the Y movement, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

So, let us seize the moment, unlock our full potential, and inspire others through our dedication to guiding our own development. Together, we can shape the future of the YMCA, enriching lives, and making a profound impact in the communities we serve. The journey starts now – let us embark on this transformative path of growth, learning, and leadership within the YMCA.

SEE YOU AT GA!