Why I Go to Winter Conference

My first Winter Conference was two years ago in 2010.  This year will be my third and definitely not my last.

My First Year. In 2010, I really had no idea what Winter Conference was and why I should attend, but I figured it was a good excuse to get out of town, spend a day away from the office and meet some new people.  Having never attended, I didn’t know what to expect and spent the first half of the day sitting in the back of the room just taking it all in.  By lunch time, I had recognized a few faces and said hello to a few Facebook friends breakout session discussionI had never met in real life.  By the afternoon, I was shaking hands, exchanging business cards and talking with my peers about what was working for them.  The breakout sessions offered a lot of new information on topics that interested me.  I left Prescott that year promising myself that in 2011, I would attend all three days.

My Second Year. In 2011, I felt more comfortable attending Winter Conference. I knew what to expect and knew more faces than the year before.  I had kept in contact with many of the agents from outside of my area and was looking forward to thanking them for the referrals and information they had shared with me over the past year.  I also was surprised when in the months before Winter Conference, I was approached to lead a discussion on trustee sales.  Walking the halls of the conference center in Prescott last year, I was no longer a fly on the wall that was just observing; I was part of the action.  By then I knew so many of the faces walking past me. I realized how I had been working in my own little world for so long.  The information shared over those three days was fantastic. I was able to head home and immediately put a number of items to use in my daily business.  Leaving Prescott last year, I knew this was one event I needed to attend every year.

My Third Year. This year, Winter Conference is going to be just as fantastic.  I was fortunate enough to be asked to be on the Winter Conference Planning Committee and was able to help in a small way plan what is going to happen.  As always, I am looking forward to seeing my old friends and meeting new ones, but I have come to realize it is so much more than just networking.  Walking away from Winter Conference, I am always so much more prepared for my business.  The Legislative Update from Tom Farley, AAR CEO, and Nicole LaSlavic,Vice-President – Government Affairs, keeps us informed of the critical changes affecting our industry at the state capitol.  The breakout sessions let me pick and choose the areas that I need to learn more about.  And this year, the rCRMS course that is included with the registration will put me one step closer to earning that designation.  Winter Conference really has become an event I don’t see how I could miss.

If this is your first time going to Winter Conference, let me give you a few tips.

  • Don’t be shy. Talk to as many people as you can. The friends you will make are fantastic allies in your business and are great for asking questions.
  • Attend everything you can fit in.  If you can only make it for one day, at least make it for that one day. But if you can attend all three, you will be blown away by the amount of things you learn.
  • Go to the cocktail hours and the dinners and the lunches.  If you don’t think you are supposed to go to something, just ask.
  • The regional caucuses on Friday are your chance to voice your opinion. You will learn a great deal about issues affecting the areas around you.

If you are still on the fence about going…  just go.  Try it and see what all the buzz is about.  I promise you that you will walk away being glad you did.  While there, make sure you look for me, say “hi” and introduce yourself.  I want to meet you and make sure you enjoy Winter Conference as much as I do.