I just returned from a conference for writers. This was my first foray into this world and community. To be honest, it didn’t change my life. There were a few sessions that were diamonds but there was a lot of rough I had to wade through. I’ve had a few conferences where I left changed. Most of the conferences that I go to are not of this sort. But are conferences worth it? Yes, they are but it is all about expectations.
Here’s my experience. I’m a philosopher and regularly attend and make presentations at academic philosophy conferences (yes, these do exist and there’s lots of them). I often speak at Apologetics conferences. I’ve even gotten to be the lead organizer for our annual Stand Firm conference for the last few years.
Here are some thoughts about reasonable expectations at conferences…
So my advice: Don’t go to conferences expecting great organization and don’t go expecting to come away an expert. So why should folks go to conferences?
So go to conferences. But go with a mild expectation to learn a few things and a great expectation to connect with interesting people (oh and give your conference organizers a break if not everything goes perfectly well!).
Copyright © 2024 by Travis Dickinson
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