In today’s technology driven world, there are numerous ways to learn new things and sharpen your skills. Blogs, podcasts and webinars are all convenient and readily available to anyone with a smartphone or laptop. And they all have their place in learning.
So why should you even remotely consider investing the time and expense to attend an in-person conference?
FOMO (fear of missing out) is why! And yes, you are missing out on one of the best opportunities to take your game to the next level if you don’t make a point to attend live industry events.
These events, such as the EPCOR Payments Conference, provide unique learning and career building opportunities that you simply cannot find anywhere else.
I realize that conferences can be costly, from the registration fee to the travel, evening meals and bar tabs. However, the return on your investment is unparalleled and keeps on giving after the last prize is given and the conference is over. So, with that in mind, here are four reasons why you should attend our annual EPCOR Payments Conference.
#1: Investing in Yourself with Other Like-Minded Individuals is Empowering
It’s widely acknowledged that making an investment in yourself is a win for your company and for your career too. But doing so with dozens of other liked-minded people is energizing and takes learning to another level entirely. The camaraderie generated in a classroom with others wanting to improve themselves and take valuable information back to their workplaces is an amazing experience that no other learning channel provides. “I learned so many things and met so many interesting people at that podcast”— said no one. Ever.
#2: Meeting Industry Influencers and Experts Can Be Thrilling
While podcasts, webinars and blogs offer convenience, they don’t offer an opportunity to meet your business idols face to face. Your chances increase exponentially when you’re in the same room, breathing the same air at a live event, however. Sharing an idea (or taking a selfie) with someone you admire or making a connection that might lead to a partnership is all in the realm of possibility at a conference. Try doing that at a webinar!
#3: Finding Your Tribe is Fun!
It’s true that social media keeps you connected to your peers, some local and some not. However, there’s no substitution for meeting someone IRL (in real life.)
Good conferences (like ours 😉) build in opportunities for attendees to mix and mingle, to form new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Over coffee, lunch or cocktails, who knows what could happen? You may make a connection with the perfect provider or prospect. At a breakout session, you may find yourself sitting beside your next customer or mentor. Think about it – because your competitors are!
#4: Discovering New Products Keeps You in the Know
Frequently, innovative companies will offer new tools that we haven’t seen yet. Innovation is ongoing and there are products that increase speed, decrease mistakes and just make our jobs easier and our customers happier.
And yes, you can search the web and peruse vendor websites, but isn’t it better to get a hands-on demonstration or be able to ask questions that are specific to your business struggles from the company itself? We think so and our sponsors and exhibitors agree.
In conclusion, it’s easy and convenient to read a blog, attend a webinar or listen to a podcast from the comfort of your office. Plus, you don’t have to meet new people, much less make small talk. And while some people are extroverts who really enjoy networking, most of us find a live event quite challenging to our comfort zone. Sitting at a table with people we don’t know (yet) can be awkward for the most knowledgeable and charming of us.
However, breaking out of our routine and comfort zone is precisely the ACTION NEEDED to force our own growth and to spark creativity that will benefit our company, as well as ourselves, long after we return home.
Please don’t miss out on this opportunity! Your tribe is waiting to meet you.
Consider registering for EPCOR Payments Conference – Spring 2019 or Fall 2019 by clicking here or by contacting Member Support at 800.500.0100 or via email at memserve@epcor.org.