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COVID-19 (photo by David Lat)
I recently attended my first in-person conference in nearly three years (since COVID-19 began). As I packed for my visit to New Orleans, I teetered between feelings of nervousness and excitement. I even said to my husband (who accompanied me): what if I am no longer the networking ninja I used to be? Will there be awkwardness, or will my conversations flow seamlessly? Do I approach my colleagues with a handshake or a hug (the latter being my typical style when seeing someone I haven’t seen in a few years)? Will others feel comfortable being near me?
We often forget just how much COVID-19 has impacted our professional world, leaving many with social anxiety when it comes to being around others in large settings or close-knit events. I personally forgot what it was like to sit in a group-filled room, to listen to a live speaker, and to create memorable person-to-person bonding. I overlooked how much I yearned for that person-to-person connection, and how COVID-19 seemingly transformed me into an introvert who now enjoyed that virtual digital setting.
In the days following the shutdown in March 2020, I remember how awkward it was to shop in the grocery store if someone was in the same aisle. Our eyes met with the same feelings of uncertainty. Nearly three years later, I still approach store aisles with caution and apprehension in case others feel uncomfortable being relatively close to me. COVID-19 has shifted our lives, created levels of social distance, and we’ve had no choice but to adapt to these changes.
Prior to COVID-19, I attended several in-person conferences annually, including CLE events, bar association events, and writing conferences. I also spoke at a lot of in-person events. I reveled in the speaker’s high — those endorphins running through my veins after taking the stage and being able to truly connect with audience members. They energized and uplifted me.
In-person conferences have always brought forth a terrific opportunity to network, increase brand reputation, and boost professional development. Yet, over the past few years with the transition to virtual conferences, I’ve developed a true affinity for them as well, especially since they allow me to get ready in 10 minutes, avoid any commute, sit comfortably at my own desk chair, and immediately circle back to work mode (without any lag time) as soon as the virtual event ends.
While virtual conferences have been a terrific time-saver and provide a continued safety net for those who aren’t yet ready to be in-person, they also preclude real networking and true relationship-building, the kind you only get by being face-to-face.
I’ve always stressed to clients and fellow colleagues that attending just one in-person event a year can help you realign your career or business as well as shift your mindset. After leaving the writing conference almost two weeks ago, I felt a sense of exuberance, fulfillment, and professional joy that was missing during the past few years of virtual learning and networking. There’s nothing like being in-person and learning cohesively with my peers, especially in breakout sessions and small group collaborations. Yet, I also remembered how exhausting an in-person multiday conference can be with travel included. A night after returning home from the conference, I was in bed by 8:30 p.m., and slept nearly 12 hours to recharge my body.
Where does that leave us for the future? In-person conferences will always be a thing because of how well they facilitate in-person networking and enhance learning opportunities. Just as our workforce has stressed the hybrid model of work (with professionals wanting to remain 100% virtual or a 70-30 split), in the COVID and post-COVID world, many organizations will continue to offer a hybrid model: in-person with a virtual option.
The key is for organizations and associations to remain flexible and adaptable. Conduct a survey before planning begins to see if members prefer a hybrid conference model. Consider the possibility of offering a virtual conference and a smaller in-person retreat-style event with limited attendance. These data insights can help you plan better for events in the new age.
Have a question about attending in-person conferences? Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.
Wendi Weiner is an attorney, career expert, and founder of The Writing Guru, an award-winning executive resume writing services company. Wendi creates powerful career and personal brands for attorneys, executives, and C-suite/Board leaders for their job search and digital footprint. She also writes for major publications about alternative careers for lawyers, personal branding, LinkedIn storytelling, career strategy, and the job search process. You can reach her by email at wendi@writingguru.net, connect with her on LinkedIn, and follow her on Twitter @thewritingguru.
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