Conferences - to go or not to go?

Conferences - Still relevant in today's electronic media age?

The International Society for Respiratory Protection (ISRP) has launched the conference website for the September 2012 meeting in Boston, USA. I got to wondering about the benefits of attending. After all, it only takes 2 or 3 social media gurus soaking up the atmosphere and blurting it all over the internet and we can all share without ever leaving our desks right? 

No way!

Communication is a human speciality subject that only takes place between humans, and then all too infrequently. It has also been asserted on many occasions that only 5% of communication is verbal so we really can't afford to miss out on the other 95%. Besides, I need to make my own mind up on things that matter to me, professionally and personally and I have evidence to support my suspicion that other people cannot be relied on too much in this regard. Last month I went to a one day conference and came away with opinions that were correct (well of course they were! They are my opinions and everyone is entitled to my opinion!), but out by 180 degrees to the majority of the other delegates. I still think I was right though - just a case of different drivers maybe.

So, we have to be at these events. We have to be there to learn the truth, to challenge and meet with our peers and to listen and watch so we can grow.

Be there, or be square

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