More Than Just Meetings: The True Value of In-Person Conferences

Do you go to conferences? Maybe your business or company pays for you to attend one or more either for education, networking, or both. Maybe you are a solo-entrepreneur like me and you carefully evaluate these educational and networking opportunities. Many conferences are held online and are recorded to provide the information to those who live in different time zones. I see the benefit to holding conferences online because they are so much more affordable for everyone involved. But, truthfully, you get so much more than excellent education out of attending in-person conferences.

7 valuable reasons to attend in-person conferences   

1. Networking Opportunities:

In-person conferences provide opportunities to meet industry leaders, potential clients, and collaborators. These face-to-face interactions can lead to meaningful professional relationships that are harder to establish online.

As a professional organizer, I have an opportunity to meet other organizers from all over the world when I go to conferences. I love these face-to-face meetings. Sometimes we share case studies and the challenges that can occur. Other times, we catch up on more personal details.

In my experience, these encounters don’t happen during an online or virtual conference. Even when you have virtual break-out rooms, I don’t find the intimacy you have when meeting in-person. 

2. Learning and Development:

Almost all conferences feature expert presenters, workshops, and panel discussions that can enhance your skills and knowledge. In-person conferences provide you with the ability to ask questions and engage directly with the presenters. If the presenters are invited to participate in the remaining conference sessions, there is often time to learn even more.

3. Exposure to New Products and Ideas:

Beyond participating in the sessions there is an opportunity at an in-person conference to connect with vendors. There are often opportunities there to earn passive income by joining affiliate programs. You can sell products which you believe will appeal to your clients and earn a commission on each sale.

4. Personal and Professional Growth:

When you attend a conference virtually you have access to the information but very little beyond that. Contrast that with attending an in-person conference where you step out of your usual environment and immerse yourself in the conference setting. Doing this can inspire personal and professional growth. It can also reignite your passion for your work in ways you may not have previously considered.

5. Motivation and Inspiration:

The energy and enthusiasm of like-minded individuals can be incredibly motivating. Comparing notes, listening to other people’s successes and challenges may provide you with new perspectives and tools for your professional toolbox.

6. Cultural and Social Experiences:

 Conferences are often held in interesting locations, providing opportunities for cultural experiences. You meet people from other parts of the country or even the world if you belong to a global organization, like the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.  It’s always interesting to hear how someone from another country and culture feels about what they are learning at an in-person conference.

7. Engaging with Others:

 Going to an in-person provides countless casual opportunities to have a cup of coffee or share a meal with other like-minded conference attendees. It is these quiet moments of shared experiences that nurture me as a professional. And it is these casual, unplanned, and unexpected opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with those I already know which keeps me coming back to in-person conferences.   

Affordability Through Early Planning and Saving:

There is no doubt that attending an in-person conference is a financially expensive proposition. However, when you know all the benefits of attending an in-person conference the best way to afford it without breaking the bank is to plan ahead.

If possible, take advantage of the early bird registration fee. Then look for travel deals, and plan to share accommodations to reduce costs even further.

In Conclusion:

There is no doubt that everyone benefits from attending in-person conferences. Yes. They are time consuming. It’s also true that they are expensive for the organization that puts the conference together as well as for those attending. The fact remains that everyone benefits.

If the organizers provide excellent education, the organization they represent benefits.

The attendees benefit in all the ways I have listed above.

It takes lots of hard work to put together a well-organized and worthwhile conference. I know this from personal experience. But I love attending these conferences and the value of attending an in-person conference outweighs the cost.

I hope that if you have an option to attend an in-person conference, you will take it. You won’t regret it.

Diane N. Quintana is the owner of DNQ Solutions, LLC. She is an ADHD Organizing Specialist, a Hoarding Specialist, and a Chronic Disorganization Specialist. Diane is also an ICD Master Trainer, Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization, Certified Professional Organizer and co-owner of Release Repurpose Reorganize LLC based in Atlanta, Georgia. She specializes in residential and home-office organizing.