In this post-pandemic world, we are all more aware of the variety of ways to learn new things and sharpen our skills. You can listen to podcasts or read blogs. Maybe attend webinars, or a virtual event. With so many options available, you might ask yourself why should you invest the time and money to attend an event like EPCOR Payments Conference?
In short, you simply cannot find this unique, focused experience anywhere else, especially when it comes to dramatically enhancing both your professional and personal development, as well as providing you with tools and skills which cannot be taught online. Everyone benefits from attending an in-person conference because it forces you to grow and challenge yourself, well beyond what a virtual event can provide.
Listening to and participating in lively discussions can give you new ideas, refine old ideas and maybe even change your mind about some issues in the payments industry.
These two and half days will equip you with the knowledge, resources and connections you need for success the rest of the year and beyond.
Still need more convincing? Here are additional reasons why you should attend EPCOR Payments Conference - Fall 2023 in Overland Park, KS:
1. Escape Your Comfort Zone – Sitting in the same office at the same chair while you listen to a podcast or webinar might be familiar and comforting, but it can also make you feel disconnected from the industry. And it isn’t going to renew, refresh and inspire you the same way being with a large group of like-minded individuals at a conference will. Attending an industry conference exposes you to new people, fresh ideas, unique perspectives and provides you with a better sense of where things are going in the industry.
2. Meet Experts IRL (in real life) – Hear from industry leaders, ask them questions, discuss the topic further and perhaps make a lasting business connection that profoundly impacts your career. At our fall 2022 conference, I saw several people approach and engage author and general session speaker Jim Stickley, who is a fun, down-to-earth person and interesting person to engage. You can’t do that online. And more good news – he’s speaking again at both conferences this year, so you have the same opportunity!
3. Sharpen Your Saw – As one of Stephen Covey’s habits of highly effective people, sometimes you need to sharpen your skills in a new, inspiring environment. After all, a dull axe won’t cut as well as a sharp one. With dozens of curated sessions covering key payment industry topics, you’ll learn new ways of operating and discover ways to be more productive.
4. Meet and Greet – Even if you aren’t a born networker, the importance of connecting with other professionals cannot be overstated. Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School, says: “Skipping conferences is problematic because you’re missing out on the benefits of networking. Today, probably even more than ever before, networks are a key form of social capital for achieving goals in both your professional and personal lives.” You’ll have plenty of chances to network at events like the Gala Reception, hot breakfast buffets, refreshment breaks, a Luncheon and after-hours dining activities. All are designed to provide a relaxed, fun atmosphere that fosters conversation, connection and collaboration with other attendees.
5. Demos and Freebies – Sure, you can search the web and read about the latest products and services from your desk, but can you get a hands-on demonstration, ask questions that are specific to your business struggles or deepen an existing relationship? Nope. And if that’s not reason enough to attend the conference, many Exhibitors have great prizes that you can win if you visit and drop your business card at their booth!
I realize it’s not always easy to pull away from the office to attend a multi-day conference, especially with staffing issues and budget limitations. But learning new ideas and perspectives from your peers and industry leaders is both enriching and stimulating, and allows you to broaden your horizons, while also making you more valuable in the workplace. Ideally, this can lead to higher job satisfaction and renewed passion for the payments industry, which is a win for both you and your institution.
For more information about our upcoming EPCOR Payments Conference – Fall 2023, click here.
We hope to see you soon!