The Inefficiency of Conferences

I work with someone who’s convinced that conferences are inefficient ways to learn useful skills and gain knowledge.

(Sounds like the same criticism Churchill made of democracy: It’s the worst system of government, except for all the other methods.)

Of course conferences aren’t efficient! You’re lucky if you find one mind-altering session at a conference, much less two days’ worth.

Since when is efficiency what you’re looking for when doing the professional development / networking / seeking enlightenment dance?

Shouldn’t the desired result be your improved professional effectiveness? Whether that takes place in a linear, efficient fashion, or by osmosis while hanging upside down at the spa, isn’t the result more important than the method?

Here’s what I want from a conference or workshop:

• Make me see myself doing something I thought was impossible.
• Show me how to tackle a specific challenge.
• Scare me away from disastrous career moves.
• Put me in a room/hallway/bar with interesting people.
• Nudge me to recognize what my subconscious already knows.
• Take me somewhere that gets the office out of my head.
• Inspire me.
• Point me to resources that make my work easier.
• Remind me that my personal life needs as much “development” as my professional life.
• Point me to great places to eat, dance and shoot photos.
• Make interaction easy, without opening the floodgates to trade show exhibitor spam.

I will put up with travel problems, boring keynote speakers, product/service floggers disguised as panelists, awkward cocktail parties, confusing signage and bad coffee, if a conference hits two or three items on my list. Hell, I’ll settle for just one item, if it’s the right one.