5 Reasons Why You Should go to Conferences

Did you know there are conferences for just about any niche these days?

I get asked all the time why do I go to conferences?

The answer should be simple. I go to conferences for many reasons that I cannot narrow it down to just one. You see every conference is different. But yet they are so much the same.

This past weekend I spent at Word Camp a conference for WordPress users and developers. This coming weekend I will be in Atlanta for a conference for dreamers. One I was an attendee the other I will also have the opportunity to speak at during a panel discussion. Both conferences I am attending for many of the same reasons as I am always seeking to learn from others.

For me, conferences are like little mental vacations: a chance to go visit an interesting place for a couple of days, and come back rested and refreshed with new ideas and perspectives. ~Erin McKean

Here are a few reasons you should go to conferences, even if you know nothing about the conference.

5 Reasons Why You Should go to Conferences

1. You will learn –  If you want to be a leader in your industry you must always be learning new skills. Even if you think you are a master of your trade, there is always someone else that knows more. What better way to learn than from those who know first hand. Perhaps it is not your business idol that is the main speaker at the conference; you never know who you might run across that will teach you.

2. Make connections – Are you are an introvert? Awesome! What better way to force yourself to meet new people then going to a conference where no one knows you are an introvert. Extrovert? Better! You can help the introverts feel welcome while you meet your new best friends.

3. Tools for the toolbox – It does not matter what kind of conference it is, there are always takeaways. I have been to MLM, real estate, motivation, Christian, technology and many more conferences over the years. The conference itself may have been an overwhelming disappointment, but every single one of them I walked away with a new tool. By adding tools to the toolbox, you are better prepared for the unexpected.

4. Break out of your comfort zone – I will never forget my first Launch Out Conference, I did not know what to expect. I only knew the people from online groups, none of them in person. Not only did the speakers encourage the audience to step out of their comfort zones, but all the hugs like you were family from people you barely knew destroyed all the barriers I may have had.

5. Energy and Enthusiasm – So you go to a conference, there is a bunch of ‘rah rah’ cheerleader excitement. When you get home, usually the hangover wears off, and you crawl back into your normal life right? Being around like-minded people can excite you and get you ready to take on the world. However, it is up to you to carry that energy on with you after the conference.

Bonus: Investing in Yourself – Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, writer, blogger, business owner, no matter your trade or title, the only investments that matters are the investments you make in yourself. Markets crash, companies streamline or close. The skills you have and the education and books you read are the only things you can take with you. If you don’t invest in yourself, it is likely no one else will.

I would love to hear your suggestions on conferences that you have either been to or plan on attending. Please share in the comments so that we may all continue to invest in ourselves and one another. Perhaps I will see you at your next conference!

Blessings,

CJ