One question that kept coming to my mind as I wrote my Forum article about professional development was: Is it worth the cost? I think classes, education seminars, webinars, etc. are definitely worth investing in... _if_ they're quality programs. But, if you're like me, you've gone to more than one session that just wasn't worth your money or time. Even if your company is paying for your training, you still want it to be money and time well spent.
Recently I've been trying out a new policy: I don't sign up to attend any presentation unless I know firsthand that the speaker is dynamic or I have heard from people whose opinions I trust on these matters that the speaker will make it worth my while. I've stopped relying on the brochures and advertisements that tell me I can't miss this session. Because, let's face it: Every session is advertised as a "can't-miss" opportunity. And, unfortunately, it only takes one malfunctioning PowerPoint presentation or run-of-the-mill lecture to make you regret ever signing up.
The good news is that there are enough great presenters and educators out there that there's no reason any of us should have to waste our time on mediocre opportunities. Find someone who rocks the charts who's speaking to something that piques your interest; and, more likely than not, you'll be glad you paid the price.
I have 2 questions - one for meeting planners and one for attendees.
Attendees: For for those that follow this opinion: "I don't sign up to attend any presentation unless I know firsthand that the speaker is dynamic or I have heard from people whose opinions I trust on these matters that the speaker will make it worth my while". If there is a speaker scheduled that does not fit either of the 2 above parameters, might you sign up anyway if the speaker's information included 1-3 testimonials? In other words - do testimonials have a value?
Meeting planners: Do you preview speakers? If so, how is that done?
Carol Forssander
ABS Graphics
Posted by: Carol Forssander | August 07, 2009 at 08:51 AM
What are some of the best presentation and speakers you've heard?
Posted by: kare anderson | August 09, 2009 at 03:46 PM
The best presentation I attended in the past year was Teri Goudie's "Developing Effective Proposals." The Institute of Real Estate Management (my former employer) and CCIM had her as a speaker at their joint fall conference in October 2008, and Teri's presentation knocked my socks off. She made the material come alive, had interactive demonstrations, and made me certain that I couldn't have learned the same material just by reading a book. (And I love books, but when I'm going to hear someone speak, that's not what I'm after!)
I would love to hear from other people about good presenters/speakers/presentations they've heard/attended. I think that's one of the huge advantages of Association Forum--we have a huge network from which to draw quality recommendations and get a feel for what's out there. Not all our opinions are the same, and that's good; but we have a huge pool of resources to pull from.
So... any good presentations you've attended recently?
Posted by: Amanda Hellenthal | August 12, 2009 at 11:37 PM