How do you integrate what you learn at conferences into your practice and share it with your colleagues?

1 Before the conference

Before you register for a conference, think about your learning goals and objectives. What are the topics, skills, or trends that you want to learn more about? How do they align with your current or future projects, challenges, or interests? How will they benefit your practice and your clients? Write down your learning goals and share them with your supervisor, manager, or mentor. They may have some suggestions or feedback on how to maximize your learning experience. They may also support you in getting approval, funding, or time off for the conference.

2 During the conference

During the conference, be an active and engaged learner. Attend the sessions that match your learning goals and objectives, and take notes of the key points, tips, and examples. Ask questions, participate in discussions, and exchange contact information with the speakers and other attendees. If possible, attend some sessions that are outside your comfort zone or area of expertise. You may discover new perspectives, ideas, or connections that can enrich your practice. Also, don't forget to have fun and enjoy the conference atmosphere.

3 After the conference

After the conference, review your notes and reflect on what you learned. Identify the main takeaways, insights, and action items that you want to implement in your practice. Prioritize them according to their urgency, relevance, and feasibility. Create a plan for how, when, and where you will apply what you learned. For example, you may want to update your resume, portfolio, or website with your new skills or certifications. You may want to try a new tool, technique, or strategy in your next project or assignment. You may want to share your findings or recommendations with your clients or stakeholders.

4 Share with your colleagues

Sharing the knowledge gained from a conference with your colleagues is not only a way to showcase your professional development, but also to contribute to the collective growth of your team or organization. Depending on the audience, format, and purpose, there are a variety of ways to share what you learned. You could write a blog post, article, or newsletter that summarizes the main themes and trends from the conference, including links or resources for further exploration. Alternatively, you could create a presentation, webinar, or workshop that highlights the most relevant skills, tools, or best practices. Additionally, you could organize a discussion group or forum where colleagues who attended different conferences can compare notes and share tips. Lastly, you could mentor or coach a colleague who wants to learn more about a topic that you learned at a conference.

5 Keep learning

Learning does not end with a conference. Conferences are just one of the many ways to expand skills and knowledge in your field. To continue learning, reach out to speakers, attendees, or organizers you met at the conference. Connect with them on social media, email, or phone. Ask for more information or propose a collaboration or partnership. Additionally, seek feedback on how you applied what you learned at the conference from your clients, stakeholders, or colleagues. Evaluate the impact of your actions and learn from successes and failures. To stay updated on the latest developments in your field, read books and articles, join online communities and forums, attend webinars and workshops, enroll in certifications or degrees, and listen to podcasts and newsletters.

6 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?