So Many Conferences, So Little Time

Seminars, conferences, and vendor briefings have all returned. It's as if the floodgates have opened after nearly three years. I'm always debating whether or not to attend them. Allowing team members to attend such events is the same.

I tend to be very picky about the conferences I go to and the speaking gigs I agree to. In general, the benefits of going should take precedence over the immediate needs of my daily work.?

These are the decision-making strategies that have proven to be effective for me. I?also?discuss?how?to?get?the?most?out?of?attending?such?events.

Why should I attend?

• Will I learn anything new? Is it relevant today? Which of my current initiatives, plans, or activities will be aided by the event?
• Is it worthwhile to connect with the attendees and speakers? Do I have any specific questions I'd like to ask the vendors or speakers?
• Is it for networking and catching up with industry friends? Or do I simply require a break from my daily routine?

During the event:

• To assess any immediate applications, I will attempt to connect the information presented to my current work.
• I jot down three takeaways that I intend to apply in the next two to three weeks. (The most important part.)
• I try to find a good balance between getting in touch with old friends and meeting new people in my field.

Following the event:

• I brief my team on the event's key takeaways.
• Any tasks that come up as a result of what was learned are given to the right people on the team.
• If a new concept is not immediately useful, I file it away in the idea book.
• If members of my team requested to attend an event, I would take the same approach.
• Even if they attended the same event as I did, team members are required to brief the rest of the team. Their perspectives and takeaways are frequently different, and they contribute significantly to our strategies.

How do you decide whether or not to attend a conference? What strategies do you use to maximize your time away from work?