Forget The Sessions (no, don't actually): The Real Reason I'm Going Back to the MSAE Conference This

It’s that time of the year: 8:30 AM and I already have about 15 tabs open.

Actually, who am I kidding? For those of us in association work, it's always "that time of the year." Membership business, working on grants, thinking about events, planning for another conference, trying to make the most of social media. I juggle a lot of hats and I’m proud of it, as many association professionals are.

With my calendar already overflowing, why am I taking three days to go to the MSAE conference?

I'm not just going for the keynotes (though I’m sure they will be great). I'm not just going for the breakout sessions (though I wish I could attend them all).

I'm going because I know there will be a couple hundred other people at Grand Traverse Resort who have the exact same 15 tabs open in their head. I’m not yet sure what track I will choose with the agenda, but I know I’m always choosing the "hallway track" in addition.

Because what happens in the hallways? You meet professionals who understand that it’s not just “posting on Facebook.” It’s wondering “Which platform? What content? How often? Why did this post do well and this one fail?” and more importantly, “How can this be improved?”

You meet others in the same profession who understand the world is quickly changing, and are adapting strategies to remain relevant and serve a real purpose for their members. And more importantly, you meet so many who are happy to talk about it and remind you that you aren't facing these challenges alone.

So if you're also looking to join me in the hallway track this year and want to find solutions you won't find on a webinar, I hope to see you there. Come find me, because I’m excited to hear what you’re working on.