Conference Season
Conference season is here!
As reliable as the leaves turning colors, invitations to professional development meetings are in our inboxes: regional and national conferences, in-state seminars and professional development meetings are upon us! These gatherings are a hallmark of people-serving industries and since so many of us find them valuable they are worth some extra planning effort this year.
Some of us are doing in-person events for the first time or with that still-feels-new feeling, and our new professionals are dipping a toe into the pro dev waters. Other seasoned folks have transitioned into a new role so they are attending a new-to-them event. And some of us are going to familiar events full of old friends. In any case, lots of us are packing up our business cards and heading on a road trip!
How can you support your staff and colleagues (and dust the rust off yourself a bit too)?
Be a thought partner to colleagues prior to the event. Causally drop by their office and ask what they are hoping to get from the sessions to stimulate their thinking? Are there pain points they are looking for an approach regarding? Programs and services that are in need of some shining-up? A topic that is hot on campus that different viewpoints would help inform? By engaging them in a bit of mental warming-up, they will go to the meetings with an open ear to these ideas.
Connect colleagues via email. If you have anyone in your office attending an event where you have a network, use the power of your relationships to connect those folks prior to the event. Making an introduction helps both parties and it harnesses the power of your relationships to help everyone. Plus, you are helping ease any awkwardness for your fellow staffer.
Build anticipation. For yourself, remember to take the time to review the conference program and do some planning. I know I am guilty of winging-it but I’m always more effective when I do a little prep work. For me, I find that I’m more likely to reach out to my peeps and make plans with them in advance after I have centered myself a little by studying the schedule.
Recap the event. After staff members return, stop by to be a processing partner. Ask them how the conference went, who they met and what they learned. And when you yourself do the traveling, be sure to choose to talk with your own work thought partners when you get back while ideas are top of mind!
I have a few clients who are looking forward to professional development events this fall primarily as opportunities to recharge among peers. If that is you or your team, embrace it! Take the time to go for a walk with a colleague, meet up for coffee and wander into the social events. To whatever degree your spirit needs, take the time to plug in with folks who love helping students and creating educational opportunities for other people. It’s a great use of your time!
Speaking for myself, I am looking forward to the NASPA IV-WE joint conference in Chicago November 6-8. I’ll be presenting on professional development and new employee onboarding and I’d love to see you or meet any colleagues you are sending. Y’all all know I love making a new friend as well as greeting all my longtime pals – hope to see you there!
