Should You Go to a Conference?

I would agree that attending (actually really attending, and not hung over) conferences are excellent for your professional development. An even better source of professional development is to give a paper.

One of the best things I ever did for my career was when I started giving papers at conferences...

Absolutely. The more that one "gives" the more one actually benefiits.

In our trade association, its the companies that don't particpate that end up uncompetitive and often out of business. The leading companies are active at local and national meetings, have multiple people involved, and are the leaders in almost every indicator.

milo

So del, is it so they can get a little, mouse?

"Many experts..." wouldn't be experts if they didn't know what they are talking about. Further, they are "expert" by reason of their distinguished accomplishments and respect among their peers. Who am I to contest such renowned and distinguished company. I fully agree that trade shows and conventions can be beneficial. I believe it is incumbent upon everyone who is agressively pursuing a career in any profession to be as well-informed and current as they can possibly be in order to excel in that profession and, perhaps become one of the "Many experts." Further, there are many trade shows that are so entrenched in the promotion of their industry that NOT showing at that particular trade show can negatively affect your perceived standing in that industry. Sometimes it is also a release from the constant pressures that are the result of daily back-breaking and mind-bending work. Mingling with others in your chosen field may seem frivolous in some circles, but it can be therapeutic. Go to the meetings, enjoy the time away and learn something. What could be better??

I don't mean to be repetitive, but I forgot to sign in. Here is my answer again, only under my name:

"Many experts..." wouldn't be experts if they didn't know what they are talking about. Further, they are "expert" by reason of their distinguished accomplishments and respect among their peers. Who am I to contest such renowned and distinguished company. I fully agree that trade shows and conventions can be beneficial. I believe it is incumbent upon everyone who is agressively pursuing a career in any profession to be as well-informed and current as they can possibly be in order to excel in that profession and, perhaps become one of the "Many experts." Further, there are many trade shows that are so entrenched in the promotion of their industry that NOT showing at that particular trade show can negatively affect your perceived standing in that industry. Sometimes it is also a release from the constant pressures that are the result of daily back-breaking and mind-bending work. Mingling with others in your chosen field may seem frivolous in some circles, but it can be therapeutic. Go to the meetings, enjoy the time away and learn something. What could be better??