When selecting a seminar…

When it comes to selecting a seminar to attend, I make sure I pick a topic that truly interests me – whether it is a topic I am passionate about or if it looks to provide information and contacts in an area of interest for me.  As an information-junkie, I value seminars that are of substance and not a lot of fluff.  If you already know everything there is to know on the topic, don’t waste your time and money.  However, if you find yourself attending a conference or breakout session that is your area of expertise, be open, there may be a new perspective or idea that you don’t know about.  I try to attend seminars that are forward-thinking or reaching.  Anything that looks into the future in terms of finance, production, and/or creativity is great in helping you stay above the curve.

As none of us appreciate being roped into a seminar that is really a selling service for someone, I try very hard to vet an event beforehand.  If someone wants to sell me their service, I prefer an honest introduction and direct questioning to see if I am interested.

At the seminar…

Aside from business cards, always have a notebook and a pen, and remember to actually take notes!  People say intriguing things that you may never hear, again – or they point you in a new direction – or they challenge you…all good stuff.  Go in with an open mind and open ears.  Among the best seminars that I have ever attended are:

1.      Megatrends with John Naisbitt (long ago in Colorado)

2.      The Entrepreneur of the Year Conferences in Palm Springs, CA (top notch speakers and ideas)

3.      Seminars put on by the WPO

Be willing to talk with strangers.  Part of why you are there is to learn.  You may meet someone who shares your views, has information that is of use to you or you may have information for her, or has a friend who has a friend…  The networking aspect of conferences and seminars is part of the fun – you never know who you are going to meet, what insights you will have and what synergies you will discover!

When seminars go bad…

Even the most seasoned seminar-goers find themselves stuck at a seminar that is a waste of time.  If I cannot escape, I, like many others, have taken to falling back on the Blackberry to entertain me.  Otherwise, I escape!  I’ve walked out of numerous seminars that I felt had been misrepresented or did not live up to my expectations.  This is where talking with others and good seminar location comes into play.  Often times, there are others who are slipping out.  Politely commiserating together over the quality of the program can lead to, at the very least, a new contact.  On the other hand, you may find someone to explore the city with who also happens to be somewhat of an expert on something relevant.  Travel expands the mind – so, if I find myself walking out of a conference, I take the opportunity to explore.  The trip is still worthwhile if I use this time for seeing new things and enjoying the city.

My favorite seminar destinations…

When selecting a seminar, the subject matter is definitely key, but let’s not forget another important factor – location.  My personal preference is anything north of the Mason/Dixon line (I don’t like heat and humidity).  But I do like New Orleans!  I also like San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, Vancouver and Santa Fe, and I love Chicago and New York.  Big cities work well for me because I can immerse myself in the local culture.  I go to museums, plays, and music events, experience interesting neighborhoods, eat wonderful food, and find funny, interesting tchochkies, people and art.