Conference Value

Abstract

Dianna and Fred discuss conference value: maximizing the benefits of conferences and assessing their value for participation.

Key Points

Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss conference value.

Topics include:

• Discover how to make the most of conferences, beyond just attending sessions.
• Learn the importance of planning ahead, identifying key sessions, and networking opportunities.
• Understand how to balance session attendance with breaks for informal conversations and avoid burnout.
• Explore how to follow up after a conference to implement new ideas and create real value.
• Hear about strategies to connect with others, ask meaningful questions, and avoid the “two-minute meet and greet”.

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Show Notes

In this episode, Fred and Dianna discuss how to get the most out of conferences, prompted by a listener question about whether attending conferences is “worth it”.

To get the most value out of conferences, it’s important to go beyond simply attending sessions and instead actively engage in a variety of activities. Evaluating the value of a conference involves assessing both the potential for learning and the practical application of what is learned.

Recommended approach

Here's how to approach conferences to maximize their benefit and determine their worth.

• Plan ahead: Before the conference, identify the specific topics, sessions, and speakers that align with your interests and goals. Look for tutorials or papers on specific subjects you want to learn more about.
• Networking: Conferences offer opportunities to connect with peers, experts, and potential collaborators.
  • Engage in conversations during breaks, lunches, and dinners to build relationships.
  • Don’t be shy about asking questions to gain new perspectives.
  • Follow up with people you meet after the conference to foster ongoing conversations.
  • Be willing to move on from conversations that are not a good fit.
• Active Participation:
  • Attend presentations that are relevant to your goals.
  • Don't hesitate to leave a presentation that is not useful and go to one that is more aligned with your interests.
• Balance Attendance and Breaks:
  • Avoid over-scheduling yourself.
  • Take breaks to recharge and engage in informal conversations.
• Focus on Implementation:
  • Identify actionable takeaways during sessions.
  • Jot down notes on key learnings that you can implement when you return to work.
  • Implement the ideas and track the difference they make.

Conference Value

To determine if a conference is valuable, consider if it provides opportunities for:

• Knowledge Acquisition: Learning new concepts, methodologies, or best practices relevant to your field.
• Skill Development: Gaining practical skills through tutorials and hands-on sessions.
• Networking: Connecting with experts, peers, and potential collaborators.
• Professional Growth: Building your Google resume through presentations and recognition.
• Implementation: Bringing back ideas that you can implement that lead to measurable improvements and cost savings.

Conferences are most valuable when they lead to tangible changes or results that benefit your work. It’s not just about attending, but also about what you do with what you learn. A conference is simply the start of the process to create value, and not a valuable thing in itself.

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