Conferences and gatherings.
WHAT THEY PROVIDE
Current thinking in the field People you would not otherwise meet Perspective beyond your own organisation
WHAT TO DO BEFOREHAND
Establish what you want from it Look at the programme and choose deliberately Identify anyone you want to meet
WHY DELIBERATELY
Attending whatever is next produces a day of little value.
WHAT TO DO DURING
Ask questions Introduce yourself to people Take brief notes of what matters
WHAT TO AVOID
Remaining only with people you already know Attending sessions out of obligation Collecting material you will never read
WHAT TO DO WHEN MEETING SOMEONE
Ask about their work, genuinely.
WHY
It is more effective than describing your own.
WHAT TO DO AFTERWARDS
Follow up with anyone worth staying in contact with, within days.
WHY WITHIN DAYS
After that, the context is lost.
WHAT TO PRODUCE
A short summary of what you learned, and what you will do about it.
WHY
Otherwise the value dissipates within a week.
