Last night, I was having an interesting skype chat with a friend of mine and we drifted into the conversation of “WHY I go to conferences?” He mentioned that he thought I had gone to 3 so far (in actuality, it has been 6 this year so far) and why I continued to go.
But for some reason, everyone wanted my attention last night, and I need to walk away from chat with him as I dealt with other issues………but the topic stayed with me. And I wanted to address it here — and also open it up for your conversation as well.
My role in conferencing has changed recently in that I am attending MORE conferences that I am speaking at rather than just being an attender. And I know that that has a great deal of influence on how I lately have been viewing conferences. Though I am very comfy with presenting — you do go into a certain mode (when you are waiting to present) where you are thinking on your session. Not necessarily what you are speaking on, but also the wonderment of who will be there, what the room will be like, will you have enough handouts, did you pack the right outfit…….etc. I think this is true for almost any event in which you are sharing your passion or your talent (per se). I have a friend who is an athlete, and she says the same before a race — she has to put herself into a “zone”. LOL, however, I will claim that my zone is NOTHING like her zone. Marathon running is NOT my forte. 
So — I often am in a different mindset when I go to conferences — if I am presenting.
But — with that said — I know that the absolute truth is that I go to conferences to see friends, to catch up, and to chat. Though I enjoy going to sessions — though I love hearing new ideas, new tricks, new tools — I would rather sit for an hour playing catchup with a friend who I might not see again for a long time than attend a session and listen to someone talk about tech(niques). A good example of this would be the last Tech Forum Midwest. I attended 2 sessions and then I chatted with Mark Pennington all through the 3rd session. Did we both have sessions which we might (or should have gone to?) Yes!! Did we enjoy just chatting — I think we did.
My friend last night also asked me about whether I go to the conferences for “academic” reasons. And though I would love to say “Certainly”……I just can’t. Well, I cannot right now. However, that might change.
When I first started going to conferences — when I was a newbie, and everything was fresh — I was like a sponge. I went to every session I possibly could, walked the exhibit hall and talked with everyone about every product, sat in the impromptu talks, and absorbed the keynotes. But that was a different time, a different place….in my life.
It could be that I am saturated with Tech to the point that I really can’t hear any more…..or it could just be times change. And I realize that it is not all Tech!!
And if you know me, well know me well, most times….you know that when I chat with you — it won’t be about tech. I want to know how your family is, how your pets are doing, what your plans are for the future, how your life is, getting to know your past — I like getting to know the you you — not the tech you!
So – the question “WHY do I go to conferences” — and also “WHY am I a bit sad that I am not going to NECC?” The answer would have to be “YOU.” I go to get a chance to say “Hey!” I get to hear a voice of someone that I only know by text. I swap stories with friends I know well, and hear new stories of friends I have just met. (Like Konrad and his story of the bridge and his dad!! A must hear if you meet Konrad!) I go to conferences for the people meet ups!!
Smiles — which then opens the door to “WHY do I go to conferences and not just go visiting!” Grins, I am thinking of that same thing myself!!
So — I ask you — “WHY? — WHY do you go to conferences? What is your main objective?” And please be honest — this is an interesting conversation and there is NO RIGHT nor WRONG answer because it is your thoughts. Please share!
Jen
ps: And I dedicate this blog post to John Schinker — who asked me “Why” last night and started my thoughts rolling.
I go to conferences for a mixture of the two- I only get to see others that share my interests at conferences so really look forward to that. But I also like find out more about tech tools- I find it easier to learn face-to-face when things can get tricky. I pick things up quicker with a personal interface.
And the free pens and give aways are great! LOL
I have been thinking about this lately, because I feel that I am at a point where I go to different conferences for different reasons now, and I wonder if I should be balancing things differently.
A few years ago, I was always the sponge, everywhere I went. Then as I learned more, I started finding fewer sessions that “fed” me. A friend and mentor said that it was the natural order of things, and that it meant I should be the one presenting now, teaching others what I have learned. I started at the small conferences, then jumped to regional, where I learned and presented. Now I am jumping in the deep end of the pool, and co-presenting at NECC, where I am sure I will learn much, and teach a little too. Now my quandry is how to balance my time between attending conferences that will feed me, and presenting at conferences where I will feed others. I had to make some decisions, as I know you have Jen, about how much I could afford to do. I have chosen more attending than presenting this year, but I am starting to feel guilty about not presenting at the local level more. I have not settled this in my own mind, but I do know that as the learning curve steepens, I am just trying to hang on, and learn as much as I can..at conferences…on blogs…and anywhere else I find someone who wants to talk about the future of education:)
@AllanahK –
Smiles, I forgot about the freebies. But — to be honest — don’t you think they are getting a bit skimpy lately??
And I agree — I enjoy learning the new tools….but enjoy learning them best in a small group atmosphere. (At least that works for me!)
@Vejraska –
I like what you said about attending conferences that feed “you” and presenting where I “feed” others. And I am trying to be able to do each other them instead of them always overlapping. For instance, at Tech Forum Midwest — that was a totally “FUN” and learning trip for me. There was no need for me to do anything but just listen and absorb — and it was good.
And yes, there is the “affordablity” issue as well. For me, at least this year, I chose Illinois and am choosing Boston. Next year though — it will be NECC 2009 in DC. No ifs ands or buts — I will be there!! Hope you will too.
Jen
Hi Jen, I think this question has enormous implications in this digital age of skype, blogs, twitter and instant messaging. It hit me last year at NECC’s Blogger’s Café. The answer, for me, is because face-to-face is still the BEST way to connect with another human being. The other modes of communication do a pretty good job (most of the time) to keep me in touch with folks when we are at a distance, but the bottom line is that we still need to see and interact with each other face-to-face. There is just something about being human together in the same space and time that transcends all the other ways of communicating and interacting. If we lose that, I fear we are in danger of losing some of our humanity.
So, WHY do I go to conferences (willingly, not the ones I am sent to)? Because I want that rich face-to-face experience with my friends. I gain enormously from those encounters and deepen my relationship and understanding (usually) with those people.
Note that I did not mention interactions that occur as a passive conference large group audience member – no, it is those “in-between” session times that are often the richest in potential learning and sharing. And, of course, the meals and “down time”.
Thanks for making me think again, Jen!
Sharon