It's a big season for blogging and social media conferences.
The anticipation, the actual event and the post-mortem is excitedly shared through all manners social.
I like hearing about people's individual takes on an event that interests me, even if I wasn't there. But, there are definitely themes that emerge when everyone gets home and has a chance to think about things.
No, this isn't about the social intricacies of a large conference.
One of those themes is typically the "take-away" value of the sessions or, "What practical things did I learn that I can actually use?"
No matter the conference (this isn't about Blissdom, or any specific conference) there's always someone who is disappointed by the content of the sessions.
Having planned events, speakers and educational stuff in my past (I taught nursing at a college for a bit, and I spent many years in clinical education), I know a conference can't be all things to all people, no matter how hard you try, since interests and knowledge levels, no matter the audience, can be widely variable.
Now, if you pay for and attend a conference, you have every right to expect relevant and quality topics, but I wonder if people sometimes go to these things with erroneous expectations.
Actually, I'm sure they do.
Apropos of nothing, my thoughts on conference content:
- There's a difference between instructional and topical sessions.
- Session titles can be misleading and someone attends a session expecting instruction (or, "how-to") and when they get topical discussion, their needs aren't met and they are disappointed.
- A large conference with many tracks may not be the place for individually-tailored "how-to" information, no matter what the session is called.
- Conferences really need to look more closely at session titles and descriptors, since I think this is the source of some disconnects.
- General conferences aren't usually training sessions or tutorials, but you might pick up some tips or tricks to enhance what you are already doing.
- Someone will inevitably show me one that is a tutorial, and I will be wrong.
- Conferences should strive to be relevant, but remember that they can't meet everyone's needs.
- Whether it be topical or instructional, I must confess I'm not in love with the large panel (again, not referring to any specific conference, I've experienced at stuff for work, too) format that is popular for break-out sessions. Would usually rather see one or maybe two strong speakers.
- Most panel discussions could benefit greatly from some basic curriculum design practices.
- There's nothing wrong with having a lecture-style session from one speaker (depending on the topic and the speaker, I guess). Conferences, particularly ones that are female dominated, seem to be scared of that.
- The "authority" of a speaker is relative. One person's "guru" may be another person's "Who 'dat?", and that's OK. Either way, though, skill and preparation are essential for an effective speaker and satisfied attendees.
- Popularity doesn't necessarily equal authority or speaking skill. (Simmer down, that was not about a specific conference or speaker.)
- As with most things, you get out of a conference what you put into it.
- I'm drawn more toward instructional-type sessions, while others are drawn more toward feeling and discussion sessions. Even though it takes my last ounce of strength to discuss "feelings" about a topic for more than about 5 minutes (sorry), I have learned it's possible to get ideas and inspiration from both, even if you initially don't think one applies to you.
- A good conference will always ask for your feedback, don't be afraid to give it. But, do recognize that if your suggestions aren't implemented, it doesn't mean they aren't listening to you.
- Don't underestimate the value of spending time with like-minded people at conferences. It's more than just social.
So, there you have it.
ADDED: I'm not an Anti-Panelite, or anything. I just think some topics lend themselves to panels better than others, and that a panel is much more than people grouped together to speak on a topic.
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I have never been to a blogging conference but I have to several business conferences and I just don't see the appeal. I understand wanting to get to know the people behind the screen, but other than that? No. Two hundred women stressing if their blog is big enough in one room?Just no.
Hope you had fun. I always like hearing your perspective on these things.
Actually, that might be another post.
Please know that's not at all what the overall experience is like.
Conferences, blog or not, might not be for everyone. It just makes me kind of sad when people base (not that you are, that was more rhetorical) their opinion on extreme accounts or stories.
There's lots of benefit to be had, if you want it.
I understand. The bad (extreme) stories get read and become bigger than what the actual event itself was.
Very interesting E, especially your point about lecture style from a single speaker. It's not a point that I've seen raised to date and while I think this format would suit some topics better than others, there's definitely something to be said for a more drilled down tutorial/convo from one person's expertise, vs. spread across several speakers that might not scratch the surface as well.
Conferences really need to look more closely at session titles and descriptors, since I think this is the source of some disconnects.
Absolutely! Nothing I hate worse than going to a session expecting something and finding it's about something different all together. Blech.
So glad you are writing about this, Busymom!
I was a little disappointed to read some tweets questioning the panelists' ability during the Blogging With The Stars session (at least 2 of the speakers maintain over 15,000 subscribers each--no small potatoes).
Maybe because blogging circles don't always overlap, we are quick to write off the expertise of one group for our own. At Blissdom I slipped out of the niche blogging workshop and into the one of the writing panels, where I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
Excellent post. And not one word about swag, hallelujah!
Here's a point I'd like to add: if you don't already use twitter, FaceBook, etc., you probably don't belong in the "Advanced Social Media" session, and you shouldn't clutter up the discussion with a lot of beginner's questions.
Again, great post. I hope it goes viral before BlogHer!
So was this directed at a conference in particular? (I kid.)
I think that people don't really have a clear idea of what their goals are before they attend and if they don't walk away dazzled they feel disappointed.
As always, you make good points. I also wish conferences would allow 1 or 2 people to speak instead of trying to democratically spread it across a panel every single time. But most conferences do the best they can - it is hard to meet the needs of such a large and diverse group.
Great post, my friend. Personally, I enjoy attending conferences for the opportunity to meet and trade ideas with "like-minded" folks. That way, I almost always come away learning something about myself, as well.
I do agree, however, that misleading session titles are a total downer and, especially when most folks pay a substantial amount of money and spend a lot of time planning their agenda(s).
Also, I have this thing about conferences labeling folks as "experts," rather than perhaps folks who are willing (i.e. brave enough) to share their experiences, the good and the bad, in any field.
One of the many great things I love about blogging is that there are SO many voices and still plenty of comfortable little corners of the internet to hang out in.
However, trying to get all of 'em...in one room... and not expect some sort of rucus is a little too much to ask, I think.
Again, great conversation, my friend!
And, yes, I spelled ruckus wrong...hence, SO not an expert...
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Good article, lady. I am terrified to shell out the cash for a blog conference for fear of ... well, for fear of a lot of things ... but if the old adage "you get out what you put in" truly applies, I may go for it after all.
Thanks for an interesting post. I have attended many conferences - usually in reference to dentistry as we have to meet a certain amount of continued education units per year for licensure. And while I agree with the concept of continuing education (I LOVE to learn) the many, if not most, of the seminars I have attended over the years are uninspired self promotion (or product promotion) events. And (and this is a huge AND) they are extremely costly. So, I spend a huge amount of money to watch usually just one (sometimes two) speakers with Power Point presentations showing off pictures of their work....yawn. The best seminar that I had the pleasure of attending recently had NOTHING to do with dentistry - it was about Word Of Mouth Marketing presented by many, many outstanding speakers in 20 minute segments with Q&A at the end of each talk. Fascinating, fast paced and FILLED with "take aways". Dental seminar planners could benefit from a.) reading your excellent blog post and b.) attending some really engaging, topical and relative seminars. Thanks for a great post.
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In on my own personal opinion, everyone seems to be an expert these days, about everything. Hell, I sometimes consider myself an expert about the iPhone.
Your session title discussions makes me think I will need to title better for a one-day conference I'm planning for students.
I'm not a conference goer, though I have been attending search and rescue training sessions. Those are pretty much hands on, especially when you're sliding down a snow covered slope. Grab that Tree!
However, I did lead worship at a large New England Christian women's retreat. I had 4 separate sessions to plan out and lead. I purposely started our singing time 15 minutes early with hymns and then morphed into contemporary praise choruses. This was so I could, ya know, make everyone "happy". The joke was on me!
People filled out evaluations after the retreat on how it could be improved next time. MANY people complained that we didn't sing enough hymns. An equal number said we sang too many hymns.
So, yeah...When you're in charge, think it through, pray, and then confidently make your plans and follow through. Hopefully SOMEONE will reap benefit from your efforts!
Great post with great points. The thing I like about a panel is that you can get a variety of view points. I also consider myself more of a facilitator than a "sage on the stage." What are the chances that one speaker will possess more knowledge and info than all the people in the room combined? So I think panels can help balance the odds a bit.
That said, panels of more than about 4 people can get unwieldy. And the panelists need to plan an outline prior to the event!
Your notes about titles and descriptors is well taken.
And while it's nice to know what is on the minds of audience members, I've been sessions at several conferences where it seems most of the time was spent going around the room asking what participants want to hear and very little time was left to address those points!
I have never attended a Bloggers Conference, but want to in the near future. You bring up some great points here, but I truly believe it is up to the attendee to make the conference worthwhile. If you are not sure of what exactly you are signing up for, I guess I would say "Ask." Nice post.
I have to say, that I am excited to be a part of this online community busy mom! you have a great little blog and I can't wait to read more of your helpful hints!
A group of us from BloggersFair had this same discussion about conferences.
Hopefully, these conversations will lead to some variety at these conferences.