The Magic of Conferences

Maybe it's just me, but it seems early second semester (January through April or so) is prime time for conferences -- kicking off with CASE/NAIS and including district conferences, various leadership institutes, etc.

Today, there is more information than ever available on-line. But it still seems like there's something special about taking a couple of days, going somewhere and listening to people speak, even if they're telling you something you might have found on-line if you googled long enough.

So what is it about conferences?

I think there are several special aspects that make conferences worth our time (and money).

1. Conferences remind us that our profession is important. Important enough to take some time and focus on how, what and why we do what we do. We hear inspiring cases, get new ideas and are reminded that we are not alone in the battles we fight. Something about seeing actual people and hearing their voices makes that real in a way that list-servs can't.

2. Conferences make us feel like anything is possible! Even though it's not. We come back full of ideas. Even if most of them go over like a lead balloon, the feeling associated with new ideas is so refreshing. If you're so burned out that a conference can't give you at least a little lift, you may just be done with advancement.

3. I hate to say it, but maybe it has something to do with that much overused 90s word... synergy. Being able to ask questions in front of everyone and getting feedback just generates a kind of energy we need. If people have ideas that work for you, great. If they can't answer your question, well, you're not an idiot for not being able to answer it either. Either way you're better off.

And of course for those of us who don't travel too much for work, seeing a new place and staying in a hotel and getting free snacks is kinda fun....