A HUGE thank you to everyone for attending the AZAADE first annual state conference! I’m not sure about you, but I can’t stop thinking about the amazing experience that took place just a short week ago. A Mardi Gras themed ‘Diabetes A to Z’ conference proved to be nothing short of a top notch event within the diabetes community! As I make a mental replay in my head of the long hours and preparation the board put into the event leading up until Saturday, it makes me realize how lucky I am to attend professional conferences. True, conferences cost both time and money for attendees; however, if you measure the time and fees spent in comparison with your ROI (return on investment), it’s clear to see why events such as AZAADE’s 1st annual state conference are the cream of the crop. In short, professional conferences really are a must, and here’s why:
1. Networking Opportunities and Potential Clients
Conferences provide an all-inclusive opportunity to mingle with industry professionals that you may not have the exposure to, otherwise. Attending a conference allows for interaction with others from various subspecialties in the field and different geographic regions, as well as provides essential contacts and clients for future interaction. Heavy hitters in industries go where the crowds are, and you should too.
2. Partnerships
Plenty of events might not attract potential clients but instead your competitors. Erase “competition” from your mind and think “partnership.” In most circumstances, there are multitudes of ways to profit, grow, and expand by forming joint partnerships. Learn about what others are doing in the field and how they’re doing it. Use professional conferences as an opportunity to explore join ventures with others from a sector of the field different than you. Creative cross-promotion usually generates a sum greater than its parts.
3. Raise Visibility
A big benefit of attending professional conferences is raising your visibility and your organization’s/company’s prominence among peers. Consistently going to events, meeting more people, and participating in volunteer efforts allows for expansion of visibility within the field and among colleagues. Increase visibility of your own services, your organization’s programs and your interest in potential partnerships and networking opportunities (directly related to points 1 and 2 mentioned above!).
4. Educational Opportunities
Sessions at conferences are generally high quality, and experts are usually presenting knowledge that’s at the forefront within their field. Q&A sessions allow you to collect solid advice from people with whom you normally wouldn’t be able to work. Professional conferences also provide CE (continuing education) opportunities that apply to your registration, state licensure and specialty certification renewals. With appropriate notice and documentation, some employers even reimburse for these educational opportunities, which keeps employees abreast on current topics, research and developments within their field.
5. Speaking Opportunities
Nothing establishes you as an expert faster than speaking about what you know well. Conferences provide opportunities to build public speaking skills and share knowledge with others in the same field. Potential speaking engagements may also arise when networking and partnering with others at a conference for future events. Speakers are regarded as content area experts and establish credibility among peers by presenting at conferences.
In closing, I’d just like to extend one more ‘THANK YOU’ for attending the AZAADE first annual state conference! As you reflect back on the event, take a moment to think about the impact professional conferences have on us as diabetes educators, and ask yourself which of the above listed opportunities the conference provided for you. Your feedback is important to us, so please add a thread to this blog post and let us know your thoughts!
Kendall L. Smith
2014 Communications Chair