Reflections on 15+ Years of Attending Conferences

TL;DR: Attending conferences is a great way to grow your career and also give back. While tiring and sometimes expensive, conferences 1) provide job opportunities, 2) help grow your professional network, and 3) a great platform for giving back and building long-lasting friendships.

Summer is over, and fall is here! Fall is more than just golden brown and red leaves, fall = conference season.

*My first ever conference, National Society of Black Engineers, Las Vegas, 2008*.

Whether you’re just out of school, in the early years of your career, a seasoned senior leader, or somewhere in between, conferences are great catalysts for personal and professional development.

For the early-stage professional, conferences are a great way to explore job opportunities, connect with potential employers, and gain valuable insights into your chosen field of work.

My first professional conference was the NSBE Conference in 2008 in Vegas, and I absolutely bombed it. I did not prepare well, wasted time chasing low probability roles (e.g. CIA), and prioritized attending parties (sigh) vs. targeted networking. A big part of why I share my journey is to help more early and mid-career folks avoid some of the pitfalls I made earlier on.

As you gain more work experience (2+ years of working), conferences are a great way to expand your professional network and foster connections that can lead to collaborations and future work opportunities. I have met some amazing people at conference who have gone on to become friends and work acquaintances.

*Representing Microsoft at the NBMBAA Conference in Detroit, 2018*

After over 15 years of attending conferences, I remain excited and energized about attending. While my reasons for attending have transitioned from job hunting to a mission of giving back, it’s always special to join panels, mentor the next wave of talent, and participate in my company’s recruiting efforts.

Conferences are more than just events. They’re platforms to challenge oneself, network with diverse individuals, and accelerate career growth. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege to connect with business, politics, and sports leaders.

Quick tip for meaningful interactions 1) firm handshake 2) keep it short, and 3) if the context allows, consider asking for a photo.

(Left) With the CEO of Wal-Mart, Doug McMillon, Houston TX
(Right) With founder of Under Armor, Kevin Plank, DC

Lastly, lets face it. Attending conferences can be pricey! If you plan on attending any conference this Fall or next Fall, be sure to plan ahead. Factor in costs like tickets, accommodation, airfare, and other miscellaneous costs.

Alternatively, some organizations offer grants to cover travel costs and stipends for people looking to attend conferences. One of such grants is the Google Conference Scholarship for North America, Africa and Asia Pacific.

If you are in a fix about which conference to attend, here are a few options you can explore when applications open up: