As a young woman, just starting my university in Sweden many, many years ago, a very famous lecturer of what then was called the Women's Studies gave me some well thought and used advise. She said that if I wanted to be on the cutting edge of knowledge on any subject or field, I should attend seminars and conferences. She suggested that three days of true engagement and networking in a convention would give me an edge in knowing all that I need to know on trends and research on the subject I was interested in.
I took her words at heart and have followed her direction for the last thirty odd years. It has shown to have been really good advise. I have been able to get to know a lot of people and have had many privileges that have lead to wonderful opportunities for my career and my life.
Attending conferences is great fun. You get to listen carefully, try lots of interesting foods, see lots of exhibitions and engage in many inspiring and fruitful conversation. You also have a change to build relationships with people from your own and off field that you otherwise would not possibly meet. These relationships can lead to wonderful partnerships and lifelong friendships.
If you pick your conferences well and use all the modern technology available to you afterwards, your skills base will get a huge boost after each conference. The usage of Social Media afterwards will ensure that the relationships last.
You only need to be able to hold on to the initial inspiration the conference has presented and find a constructive and beneficial application for it in your practical daily working or family life.
My recommendation is to use every opportunity to get really inspired through building you knowledge and networking base through engaging and enjoying yourself at seminars, training sessions, congresses, gatherings and conferences.
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