How did I know my social battery was depleted before the conference got started? I walked into the networking session and physically just didn’t feel like saying a word. I scoped out the hors d’oeuvre options and left. One of my own action items for myself is honoring my instincts. This wasn’t a push through moment. It was a conversation with myself to myself, “Grab some dinner and go watch the Real Housewives of Potomoc.” I hear you, girl!
Professional development and learning from others in the field is absolutely essential to growth and frankly, a privilege. Being able to network with other practitioners and create new connections is only going to help and the students I work with benefit from these connections. For all the learning, it is important to realize how taxing attending a conference can be.
The work day is longer from attending breakfast, breakout sessions, meals and post-conference gatherings.
Your brain is in brainstorming mode, trying to figure out how you take what you learned back to your team and implement it.
Home life is still happening. Your partner, your children, pets and whoever else you love still needs you in some way.
What can you do to find integration that is best for you?
- Understand your own needs – don’t feel obligated to go to every single part of the conference. Think of it like a buffet: pick and choose what works for you.
- If you can, adjust your travel so you are not rushed going to the conference or heading back home.
- Level set with your colleagues if you are traveling as a pair or a group – everyone might need space, even if they don’t say it outloud. Teams don’t always have to coordinate sitting together at every large gathering or going to dinner each night of the conference.
- Decide what your goals are before you go. What are you looking to learn? What is going to make you feel like attending was worth your time?
- Honor the out of office message you set. It is impossible to be present at the conference and constantly check your email. Give yourself time and grace for responding to messages.
As I wrap up my time at the CEIA Conference in Tampa, I’m leaving full of ideas, thinking about what I have the capacity to implement, while still ready to get back home to the hugs and kisses that await.