Not every event you attend is going to be your cup of tea—which is why I’m a huge fan of bringing friends along to ensure I make my investment worth it. That’s exactly what happened at the recent conference I attended, but thankfully I had two of my business besties, Akua Konadu and Dawn Richardson with me to keep me focused and maximize our time together.
In this recap roundtable, the three of us sit down to discuss how we felt at an event that didn’t align with us, what we’d suggest to others who find themselves in a similar situation, and what conference hosts could learn from this experience.
Exploring Different Conferences & Educational Styles
Every year, I like to invest in one new event or education in a space where I’ve never learned from before. This year was no different, but it brought a lot of lessons. Thankfully, I had my two business besties to help keep me on track and make the most out of the experience, because spoiler alert: we didn’t love it.
When I first asked Dawn and Akua if they would join me, Akua was hesitant, but Dawn was in! We all knew this was centered around a topic we all needed, so we ultimately went together!
Maximizing Investments in a Misaligned Conference
As you may have guessed, this conference was not what we expected. From unexpected religious undertones to scarcity mindset sales tactics, we quickly realized that none of us aligned with the conference. One of the most surprising aspects was the constant references to religion and misguided encouragement that God wants you to ______________
When Akua and I were ready to throw in the towel and skip the conference, thankfully we had Dawn there to shift our perspectives. We paid to be at this event, to invest in ourselves, and we needed to take something from it.
This is why it’s so important to go with friends—they keep you grounded and accountable. The power of community can challenge you in times like these and having friends around can keep you engaged and motivated.
Key Takeaways for Future Conference Attendees
Stay Grounded in Your Values: Ensure any event you attend aligns with your core values to avoid feeling out of place.
Travel with Like-Minded Friends: The support system makes a significant difference in both accountability and enjoyment.
Be Open and Curious: Approach every session with an open mind, even if the initial experience isn’t what you expected.
Persist Through Challenges: Don’t let initial discomfort lead you to quit midway. There’s always something valuable to gain.
Embrace Conflict and Pushback: Healthy conflict and pushback can foster growth and innovative thinking.
Reflecting on Our Experience
Despite the unexpected elements of the conference, all three of us walked away with insights, learnings, and a strengthened bond. We were reminded of the importance of staying true to ourselves while remaining open to new experiences. Our shared goal was not only to enhance our businesses but also to grow personally and professionally through community and collaboration.
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