Inspired by a recent New York Times article, My Secret to Creative Rejuvenation? Conferences, we’ve been reflecting on why we love our industry so. And why, in the infrequent breaks between organizing our own events, we jump at the chance to attend others.
Could it be because, as Julia Cho says, we temporarily leave behind our long to-do lists and fall under an event spell? Because we are given space to reimagine our routines?
“The change of scenery, the subtle reframing of who I am, where I’m from and what I do creates a meaningful shift.” And while “vacations provide an escape; the best conferences give momentum.” Freed from our usual routines, we think “about possibilities instead of obligations.”
Because “a conference has a singular focus, it gives me permission to do the same.” How refreshing and rare is that opportunity in our multi-tasking, multi-everything world?
We could assume that conferences and events are eagerly anticipated and relished by extroverts, and approached on a scale rising from mildly reluctant to seriously terrified by introverts. But, as self-proclaimed introvert Julia explains “conferences offer just the right blend of social interaction and reflection for an introvert like me. You can listen to keynote speakers, attend a breakout workshop, then retreat to your room or disappear into a cozy, slightly hidden chair in the lobby.”
Could Julia’s love for conferences and events be a sentiment shared by the influx of events industry newbies? A Skift Take on MPI’s recent Louisville WEC (World Education Congress) reported that more than half of the 700 planners attending were WEC first-timers. A post-pandemic events trend that we’ve also seen reflected at IMEX.
And yes, big-ticket events like WEC and IMEX offer first-timers the opportunity to understand our industry’s particularities (and peculiarities!), to connect face to face, to start building their event prof networks.
And yes, big-ticket events like WEC and IMEX offer first-timers the opportunity to understand our industry’s particularities (and peculiarities!), to connect face to face, to start building their event prof networks.
But they also offer an escape, an all-too-rare opportunity for singular focus, a new outlet for self-expression and creativity, a new experience of the world—and the scope to reimagine our place within it.
IMEX America first-timer?
If you’re heading to IMEX for the first time this October, we’re ready for you. Here’s your starting point Find out more here!
backIf you’re heading to IMEX for the first time this October, we’re ready for you. Here’s your starting point Find out more here!