"Helen,
We are generational and it pains me to see the opportunity that young ones have and waste, all in the name of " doing the right thing," which is a misnomer because " doing the right thing" is not doing the right thing by…"
"We are One"
Conference Advice
This is Free Advice - so take it for what its worth.
I would like to lay out a few things that may help you at the conference, of things that you may be unaware. Again, this is just my personal opinion and experience.
More often than not, at conferences, especially large ones like The Southern Comfort Conference, I will be pulled in 100 directions at once. I am not alone in this feeling. Speaking with almost everyone, they all agree that many many many people will try and "pull you aside" and take up a moment of your time. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your agenda there.
One needs to understand and be considerate to others at a conference and their time schedules. If you happen to catch someone in the lobby or in the restaurant or Bar area, refrain from becoming a "personal space invader" and spilling you entire life story on them as they are walking to the elevator or between seminars.
Have a business card.
Usually, when I get home, I will go through all the business cards people give me, and invite them all to PINKessence, Facebook, or to my Blog, or email them directly and tell them I had a wonderful time meeting them at the conference. This allows me in my own time to re-open the discussions in a more manageable way. Having your photo on the card REALLY helps. We meet so many people at these conferences, it can get hard to remember everyone. I like to take notes on the back of peoples cards as well so that I can follow up with them later.
Be conscience of other peoples partners, friends or spouses. If you approach someone to talk and they are with someone, or in a group, or at a lunch, again, do not dominate their time with your entire life story. It is not an appropriate time. Personally, you are making me VERY irritated if you are ignoring my partner and making them feel like a 5th wheel while you dominate my attention. I am there with them - one needs to respect that. I have seen this done time and time again - and its rude. If you can not include the partner in on the conversation, perhaps offer your email address and ask to contact them at a later time.
Wait for questions in Seminars.
There always seems to be one person in the workshop or seminar that is ALWAYS bursting out or again, dominating the discussion in a seminar. Allow others to answer and participate too. Allow others to share an alternative point, even if you disagree, and don't take them or the panelists to task on ever little thing. Allow the free thought to flow and let the moderator or the presenter balance the discussion as it moves.
Finally, have fun!
Don't take yourself so seriously. Mix and mingle with other people out side your comfort zone. Your going to see a lot of different shades of grey from the TG spectrum - respect them all and be REAL with your self, and others.
Comment
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Comment by Jillian Munsell on September 8, 2010 at 7:07pm -
I'm not even going.. and I am scared I'll screw up!
Everyone.. Have a wonderful time and enjoy each others company..
Wishing I was there.. Jillian.
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Comment by JoAnn Purcell on September 8, 2010 at 6:30pm -
I hear Christine can't wait to sit at your table :-)
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Comment by Chloe Prince on September 8, 2010 at 3:38pm -
Kyndra, you nailed it!... I love it! lol
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Comment by Kyndra Alanis Nevin on September 8, 2010 at 2:59pm -
pshaw....i am certain you've been waiting all your life to meet me, hear my amazing story, and be enlightened by my keen insight, you just don't know it yet until you've been exposed to the unique splendor that is ME.
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Comment by Lana Moore on September 8, 2010 at 12:48pm -
Excellent advice, thanks Chloe! ツ
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