Did you know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of administrative professionals gathering throughout the world each year to attend several different professional conferences?
I’ve attended professional conferences annually for nearly two decades, and I’m 100% convinced of their value in moving my skills and career forward. I take my tablet or notepad with me to jot down notes or ideas during the educational sessions and become inspired and excited to return back to work and apply what I have learned.
Here are 10 reasons why I believe administrative professionals should attend professional conferences throughout the year:
- To learn about new computer technologies impacting us as administrative professionals. The keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops offer quality education to advance your knowledge and skills. I’ve heard, met, and shook hands with some great presenters over the years such as Erin Brockovich, Clinton Kelly, Suze Orman, Erik Wahl, Oprah Winfrey, and Shannon Miller. What great memories and what AWESOME photos!
- To gain insightful information on the trends impacting the administrative professional industry.
- To meet and network with other administrative professionals who have chosen the same career. It’s exciting to form new friendships and be able to stay in touch through email, social media, and conference attendance. Build your network outside of the company you work for and outside of the geographical area you live in. Build a network worldwide!
- To gather ideas and learn new ways to do something, to gain information on how to resolve common issues/concerns impacting administrative professionals, and to gather additional resources.
- To build relationships and create partnerships with businesses attending exhibitor expos.
- To raise your visibility and your company’s visibility.
- To participate in award recognition programs, volunteer programs, and leadership opportunities.
- To be inspired to think broader, think differently, and think bigger!
- To become re-energized about your career as an administrative professional.
- To travel and see different cities where conferences are held. I love using some of the downtime in the evenings for sightseeing.
This past week I attended IAAP’s Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Not only did I attend educational sessions, I also presented at three sessions this year. Wow! Switching from attendee to presenter this year was new for me, but I’m glad I did it! I enjoyed attending the exhibitor expo where I was able to meet and gather samples and handouts from exhibitors who target their business to the administrative professional. It was rewarding to attend recognition events to support others in their achievements. It was fun to attend social events and to meet new friends and reconnect with existing friends.
As with any conference, there is cost involved for registration, travel, lodging, food, your time at the conference, and so forth. Have all of my employers over the last two decades paid for these conferences? No! Did I let that stop me from attending? No! If there is something I want to attend, I save, and I register to attend! Trust me–I have become very, very creative over the years with some of my employers when asking for time off and expenses to be paid for professional development. If you feel like you are facing a brick wall and do not have the support from your employer, email me. Let’s get creative and figure out how we can get you to a professional conference.
I cannot wait to attend IAAP’s annual conference next year in Louisville, Kentucky in July 2015! Hope to see you there.