In-person learning, networking and professional recharging is the only thing that works for me. I have zero interest in attending a conference virtually. And I’d rather eat dirt than present at a virtual event.
I just returned from Summer Camp; aka #Mindcamp. I think my 8th? What is Mindcamp? Well this is how the organizers describe it:
Mindcamp is a retreat where you can learn and practice creativity, innovation and leadership skills.
It’s a multi-day retreat for personal, professional, and organizational creativity — a feast of concurrent sessions presented by the best creativity leaders in North America and world-wide.
For me personally, it’s so much more. It’s Continuing Ed. It’s Personal Development. It’s Community/Tribe. It’s Friendship. It’s an opportunity to tap into the minds of some super smart people. It’s Professional with some Woo-Woo at the same time. It’s the place to RECESSitate* ME!! Oh and of course to have FUN!
It’s also a place to give back. This year the organizers asked me to do a 4 morning intensive, I’ll be honest I was apprehensive at first. In my mind presenting to your peers is often the hardest gig of all. But then I went to that part of my soul that screams this can/will be a heck of a lot of fun! I also asked one of my many fun friends to collaborate. And we did.
We touched on communication, leadership, teamwork, program development, ideation, problem solving and so much more. We pondered. We thought. We shared ideas. We reflected. We played. It was four mornings of play! But play with a purpose. So much fun I sometimes feel like I shouldn’t be able to expense it on my taxes. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
While the Plaque of 2020 changed many things – one being how we attend meetings and conferences – the benefits of in-person meetings should not be overlooked. Deeper conversations. Visiting and exploring new locales. That unexpected encounter with someone or something that you won’t find on a screen sitting at your desk. Brand building. That end of day socializing that is critical for recharging or maybe to find that next collaboration.
In this cray-cray busy non-stop world I know we often think we don’t need or have the time to get away and be with peers. And that my friends is probably the reason you need to do so. So the next time you have the choice between virtual or in person learning, make the in-person effort. Your soul will benefit. So will your families, colleagues, customers, etc.
*RECESSitate: To undergo a period of learning, recharging and/or celebrating