Speaker 1: With all of the advances in technology, increasing access to information, and webinars available online, you may wonder why you should pay and even go out of town to attend a conference in person. There are many reasons that attending a conference in person is a good idea. In this video, I will talk about the top three reasons why I think conferences are an amazing professional development opportunity. Learning is probably the first thing that comes to mind when people think about why they would attend a conference. Good conferences are packed with valuable information in the form of keynote speakers and other sessions. If you are going to a conference, there will definitely be some good learning going on. What is even more important than learning is the excitement about your work and career that builds when you are at a conference. If you are presenting, you get the opportunity to share what you are doing in a formal way, which promotes discussion afterwards. When you listen to others, your practices, assumptions, and beliefs may be challenged or reinforced. Critically thinking about what you hear can help you pick up or form new ideas. New ideas will excite you and rejuvenate your work. I just got back from the most amazing conference about innovations in online learning and I am very excited to apply the tips and tricks I learned while I was there to these videos and my teaching. It was refreshing to get away and be immersed in the atmosphere of the conference. And the number one reason I recommend attending a conference is networking. The best thing about being at a conference is being surrounded by like-minded professionals. It is so rejuvenating. I find that the most valuable conversations and learning happen in the hallway, at lunch or after the sessions, when you can get to know your colleagues. When you go to a conference, take the time to talk to people. This is where the magic truly happens. Ask questions, introduce yourself to people, and go out for dinner with your colleagues. Form meaningful relationships with people that will help you year round. Who knows, you might find a partner for a project or a new friend. Please share your experiences. Why do you attend conferences? If you have not attended one, what is holding you back? If you want to receive updates as videos are posted, please subscribe. You can also check out other videos by clicking on the screen. Let me know if there are questions or other topics you would like to see videos about. You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and my blog. The links are below this video. Please don't hesitate to connect with me. I'm Friendly. Thank you for watching.