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Blog
Tell me: How do you pick a conference?
August 25, 2008
The other day I spotted an article that asked, "How do you work a conference or show?" It sounded like a high-minded question, as if the only reason to attend a conference is to put the proboscis to the grindstone. I don't know anyone who does that while outside the office (although I've heard people claim the "really worked" a show).
I'm wondering instead how you justify going to conferences. No, not how you persuade your boss the meeting is absolutely essential to your job but how you determine which conferences you'll go to. Sample questions:
The Restaurant Show
♦ Do you go only when you are invited to speak or sit on a panel?
♦ Do you attend based strictly on the agenda's relationship to your line of work?
♦ Do you go on the recommendation of a colleagues?
♦ Have budget constraints limited the number the meetings you attend?
Those are merely samples. I'd love to hear from you how you choose and, if possible, how many industry gathering you attend annually?
(Shameless plug. Chain Leader is again hosting Chain leader Live, Oct. 28-20, in Atlanta. Details here.)
Posted by David Farkas on August 25, 2008 | Comments (4)
In response to: Tell me: How do you pick a conference?
Dan S commented:
Now this is a good blog question. My company chooses on information provided (what can we learn)at conference. We like a conference where 3 or 4 disciplines are covered with a cross functional industry view so a team of people can attend. That way we can utilize the time to solidify as a team away from the office at the senior level. We used to attend MUFSO but no original information is delivered; it has become fluff. I can stay home and watch Chris Matthews yell on TV. If that $100,000 was spent on research from Technomic or NPD and delivered as NEW and Original content; I would send the entire team. However we have started going to COEX and wow what great new information and team building breakouts
In response to: Tell me: How do you pick a conference?
Mark M commented:
Well I agree, MUFSO is filled with recycled CEO’s looking for work. They don’t need current research or information just as any of them they know it all. You will be hard pressed to find one CEO or COO at MUFSO who is actually beating the industry by 10%. MUFSO the recycled club.
In response to: Tell me: How do you pick a conference?
David commented:
Mark, right on I attend MUFSO; and it's sad. Recycled old CEO's they are all looking for work not ideation ways to lead. Want ot go back to thier local country clubs and say they met Chris Mathews?
In response to: Tell me: How do you pick a conference?
Debra B commented:
Two must-attend, consistently worthwhile conferences: 1) The Women’s Foodservice Forum Leadership Conference in March. Educational programming relevant to both genders at all levels of the organization. 3,000+ strong each year: manufacturers, chains, distributors, service organizations. New executive education and workshops specifically suited for VP and C-level and in partnership with top management schools. 2) Foodservice Sales & Marketing Association’s Top2Top Conference in February. Range of fresh topics in an intimate setting, enhancing the sales agency/manufacturer partnership to better serve each other and the industry. Excellent keynotes and research. Not afraid to put tough issues on the table…one of the best for unique insights and open dialogue. Best when attended by multiple levels of management up to and including the top to understand the benefits and complexities of this relationship.