I did something that I used to do pretty much all the time this time of the year. But, this was my very first one since February 2020.
What am I talking about? I am talking about attending an in-person conference! I was able to spend the weekend in West Virginia at the Integrate conference, one that I have been going to pretty much every year since 2010 (!!!)
It has taken over two years for me to be able to get to go to an in-person conference where it was not hybrid and no Zoom screens to be seen.
I was able to take away some key lessons from the experience professionally, but also personally as well.
First, it was SOOO good to see friends and colleagues IN PERSON! As everyone knows, I love my technology, but there is nothing like in person experiences and meet ups. I missed my friends. I missed seeing faces of colleagues who are in the industry. It really was so, so good to see everyone. Some folks I have not seen in years. This warmed my heart!
I need to study up on how to travel again for in person conferences. Y’ALL! I am so out of practice it was pretty amazing to see. Like, I have no idea what I was doing for this trip when it came to packing. I almost forgot my dress shoes but made sure to bring double the amount of workout gear than professional clothes.
I also forgot several chargers back in KY. I also underestimated the time it would take me to drive – especially when several parts of the way were under construction. Learned my lesson!
I also realize my conference behavior has changed due to COVID. I realized this the second day of the conference, and how it was so important to be in the moment and session. Pre-COVID, this was natural for me and I was able to give my full attention to the event. With COVID, when I was in sessions, I would sometimes have things that would come up and then would need to join back in online. This time, I realized I was trying to juggle a few things while attending (ex. conference call for a workshop I am doing in a few weeks, updates to committees, projects, etc). Being present was so important, and I made sure to try to do this for the conference.
Industry has changed across the board. Of course, we have seen a lot of things happen in the events of COVID and other world challenges, but the industry has shifted a bit as well since we last met. NFTs, DEIB, Personal branding, Social Media Jobs, Content Marketing, and the future of Marketing in general were all discussed during the three day event. Lots of insights to take notes on and review for the upcoming year in my classes.
Online connections = Offline relationships. I was able to meet friends I met in person on Twitter finally (!!) in person. Like Brandi and Brianne. We connected on Twitter and met up for the very first time in person at the Integrate conference. It was like we knew each other for years, and this is true because YES! We have known each other for years in the industry online.
Overall, it was such a great experience to be at a place to learn, connect, and be part of a community of digital and social media marketing professionals. Way to go, Integrate Team! Thank you for all you do for us.
See you all next year for 2023!
Best Wishes,
