Recently, some of my learners asked me, "What is the value of attending conferences, especially for those of us who consider ourselves introverts?" It's a great question. This is especially true as we seem to be right in the midst of conference season. As I write this, I am also getting ready to go to one of the annual conferences for my specialty while also getting slides together for another one.
For introverts, conferences can feel overwhelming, amplifying social anxiety and draining energy. That said, even for someone like me, who considers themselves to be as introverted as it gets, I’ve found immense value in participating in conferences. For extroverts - what an amazing time to fill their cups!
There are several aspects to look at.
Presenting Your Work
If you're presenting at a conference, whether it’s a poster or an oral presentation, you have the opportunity to get feedback and insights from others in your field. Yes, it can feel high-stress at first, but I’ve had many experiences where someone stopped by my poster or attended my talk, asked a question I hadn’t considered, and ultimately helped push my work to the next level.
The takeaway here is that presenting your work offers a chance for encouragement and intellectual growth. Those moments of connection, where someone validates your efforts or challenges you to think differently, are invaluable. It reminds you that your work is meaningful and encourages you to refine it further.
Learning from Others
When you attend a conference, even if you're not presenting, you get to soak in knowledge from your peers. Being in a room full of healthcare workers who are grappling with similar challenges can be eye-opening. Sometimes, it feels like the grass is greener on the other side—that no one else is experiencing the struggles you are—but conferences can provide validation. You'll realize you're not alone, which can be a huge relief.
Not only do you find solidarity, but you may also discover new approaches to solving shared problems. Alternatively, you might find affirmation in seeing others apply strategies you've considered but haven't yet tried. Either way, it’s a chance to expand your thinking and bring fresh ideas back to your practice.
Building Connections Over Time
Let’s be honest: the idea of walking into a room full of people—many of whom you don’t know—can feel daunting. And yes, there’s always the concern of getting sick (especially in today’s world). However, the more conferences you attend, the more familiar faces you'll see, and those overwhelming feelings can start to fade.
Your first conference may feel isolating, but as you attend more, you’ll start to recognize people whose work you admire. You might follow their research or even introduce yourself. Over time, you build relationships, and suddenly, conferences stop feeling like a sea of strangers and more like a gathering of colleagues.
Before you know it, you’ll be the one people are introducing themselves to, as newer attendees join the field and look to you for guidance.
Personal and Professional Growth
Why is all of this important? Conferences push us to learn and grow in new ways. They offer the chance to challenge ourselves intellectually, while also providing opportunities for fellowship and collaboration. This collective experience of learning from and with others helps us figure out how to make a difference in our own practices—and sometimes on a broader scale.
In the end, conferences give you the opportunity to take control of the joy in your career. Whether it’s by improving your own work, finding new inspiration, or building a network of supportive colleagues, they provide essential tools for rediscovering purpose and joy in what you do.
If you’re feeling stuck, isolated, or overwhelmed in your career, attending conferences can be the first step toward reigniting your passion for healthcare. But you don’t have to do it alone. As a career and life coach, I specialize in helping healthcare professionals like you rediscover joy, balance, and purpose. Together, we can create a plan to not only make the most of conference opportunities but also help you find sustainable fulfillment in your day-to-day work. Ready to take control of your career and well-being? Let’s work together to build the joyful, balanced life you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today and start your journey towards lasting career satisfaction!
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