The Pros and Cons of (Writing) Conferences

In my higher ed job I get to attend and speak at professional conferences on a regular basis. Right now, I’m on the planning committee for three (too many, let me tell you). These are often seen as one of the “perks” of higher ed, and many treat it as such. Instead of going to the workshops or the networking activities, they sit by the pool, or go sightseeing, or bring their families and treat it as a vacation. As someone who is hardwired for learning, I’ve always been baffled by this behavior, but to each their own.

Last weekend I attended the Fall North Carolina Writers Network Conference, which has become one of my favorite annual personal professional development opportunities. I get to learn from and with incredibly talented authors, agents, editors and other creative professionals. Perhaps the best part is I get to meet and connect with dear old friends as well as new ones. It was a perfectly beautiful weekend at the beach, and I could have chosen to go sit out in the sun instead of sitting in a conference room. But look at all I would have missed out on!

These are the pros of attending writing conferences (like any professional development conference). No matter your stage, if you decide to learn something, you will. Even in the sessions where I felt like I already knew most of what was being shared, I still took notes. Attitude is everything. Put yourself in the position of learning, and you will.

It’s also a terrific way to build your professional community. I always say a writing conference is like a warm hug. Everyone is supportive, friendly, and wants each other to succeed. There is a common language and a common understanding of what we are all doing there together.

And, at most of these events, there are opportunities for feedback. At this conference you can read pages aloud for your fellow participants or meet with an agent or editor for professional insight. This time, I met with an agent I otherwise would not have queried (her interests are in other topic areas than what I write) and gained such phenomenal feedback to strengthen my work. Again, it’s all about an attitude of learning.

So, what are the cons? For one, conferences can be expensive. This one had a registration fee, plus travel costs, and I paid extra for the agent feedback. That can be a lot for anyone. (They have a Spring conference that is one day and much cheaper.) Plus, you have to have the time to attend, which is its own sort of cost. That said, there are lot of other venues that allow for online interaction in a similar fashion. And, again, if you don’t go in ready to learn, then you most definitely won’t, and it will feel like a waste of time and money. If you use it as an opportunity for a vacation, well, you might get that, but you won’t learn anything. And learning is the whole point.

The keynote for this year’s North Carolina Writers Network Conference was the incredible Ben Fountain, author of Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, among others. He shared so many nuggets of wisdom, applicable not just to writing, but for any kind of work and for life, as well. Here are just a few:

• Anyone you interact with believes they are the main story of their lives.

• Don't overcomplicate things, the simpler path is almost always better.

• Be an intelligent and discerning consumer of knowledge.

• And, in these days of challenge, trauma, so much disconnection, it is writing, reading, literature, and intentional connection that will save us.

Show up for yourself and for others. Be an intentional and present lifelong learner. In my personal and professional opinion, these are the most important things you can do for success in work and in life.