Last updated on Aug 16, 2024

Here's how you can make the most of conferences and workshops for grant administration professionals.

Grant administration professionals often face the dynamic challenge of keeping up with funding trends, regulatory changes, and best practices. Conferences and workshops present invaluable opportunities for growth, networking, and skill enhancement in this field. To truly benefit from these events, it's crucial to approach them with a strategic mindset. By engaging actively, preparing thoroughly, and following up effectively, you can maximize the impact of these professional gatherings on your career and the success of your grant management efforts.

1 Pre-Event Prep

Before attending any conference or workshop, thorough preparation can set you up for success. Familiarize yourself with the agenda and identify sessions that align with your professional goals and challenges in grant administration. Consider setting specific objectives, like learning a new grant management system or understanding changes in compliance requirements. Additionally, reach out to speakers or attendees you'd like to connect with and schedule meetings or discussions in advance to make the most of networking opportunities.

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Jeannie Morison Urbani

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You can reach out to them on social networking or via email, but also remember to schedule some fun downtime if traveling. If you are having fun and taking care of your self, you will work harder, more efficiently and effectively.

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2 Engage Actively

During the event, active engagement is key. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your own experiences when appropriate. This not only enhances your learning but also helps you to become more visible within the grant administration community. Workshops, in particular, offer hands-on experience that can be directly applied to your work, so take full advantage of these sessions. Remember to take notes for future reference and to share insights with your colleagues.

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Jeannie Morison Urbani

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Ask meaningful questions. Do not just ask questions to get noticed because everyone is busy, and if your question is not sincere the audience and speaker will know.

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3 Network Smartly

Networking is a fundamental aspect of conferences and workshops. Aim to build genuine relationships rather than simply exchanging business cards. Seek out peers who face similar challenges or have overcome hurdles you're encountering. Introduce yourself to presenters and ask about their work in grant administration. These connections can be valuable resources for advice, collaboration, or even future career opportunities.

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Jeannie Morison Urbani

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I pass out small flashlights and pens instead of business cards. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, too, so remember to ask questions about the other person and compliment them.

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4 Utilize Resources

Conferences and workshops often provide a wealth of resources that can be beneficial long after the event has concluded. Collect any relevant handouts, toolkits, or guidelines offered. Sign up for newsletters or follow blogs and social media accounts of organizations and thought leaders to stay informed about grant administration trends and best practices. These materials can serve as a reference and continuous learning tool.

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Jeannie Morison Urbani

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remember to scan all the materials in as soon as you get back and put it in a folder on your computer. That way it is easily accessible whenever you need to reference it. I have one sub folder under my documents for continuing education and one for conferences.

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5 Follow Up

After the event, follow-up is crucial to cement the relationships you've built and to ensure that the knowledge you've gained is implemented effectively. Reach out to new contacts with personalized messages referencing your conversations. Share your learnings with your team and discuss how new ideas can be integrated into your current grant administration processes. This step turns the short-term experience of a conference into long-term value for your professional development.

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Jeannie Morison Urbani

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I still write handwritten letters to people that make an impact on me. I also send handwritten cards to people I meet that are influential, and I want them to remember me.

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Dayan Eager

PROAID (Executive Director and Founder) -Empowering Not-for-Profit Organizations with expertise in International and Domestic Development, Grants & Project Management
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After an event, thoughtful follow-up is essential to solidify the connections you've made and to put your newfound knowledge into practice. Personalize your outreach to new contacts by referencing your conversations, and share key insights with your team to explore how they can enhance your current grant administration processes. By doing this, you transform the short-term benefits of a conference into lasting value for your professional growth.

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6 Reflect & Plan

Finally, take the time to reflect on your conference experience. Evaluate whether you met your objectives and consider what could have been done differently for an even more productive outcome. Use this reflection to plan for future events, identifying areas where you want to deepen your expertise or new skills you wish to acquire. Continuous improvement is essential in grant administration, and conferences and workshops are stepping stones on that journey.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can make the most of conferences and workshops for grant administration professionals.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Pre-Event Prep

2 Engage Actively

3 Network Smartly

4 Utilize Resources

5 Follow Up

6 Reflect & Plan

7 Here’s what else to consider

Grant Administration

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Here's how you can make the most of conferences and workshops for grant administration professionals.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Pre-Event Prep

2 Engage Actively

3 Network Smartly

4 Utilize Resources

5 Follow Up

6 Reflect & Plan

7 Here’s what else to consider

Grant Administration

Rate this article

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