What do you do if you want to maximize your learning at nonprofit leadership conferences and workshops?

- Review the conference agenda and workshop topics beforehand. - Identify key speakers and research their backgrounds and expertise. - Set specific learning objectives and goals for the event. - Prepare questions and discussion points related to the topics. - Familiarize yourself with any pre-event materials or readings provided. - Consider any challenges or issues in your nonprofit leadership role that you hope to address during the event. - Plan your schedule to maximize your time and attendance at relevant sessions. - Bring necessary materials such as notebooks, pens, and business cards. - Ensure you have a clear understanding of the conference location, schedule, and logistics to avoid any last-minute stress.

Drink lots of coffee. Business jargon puts me into a coma, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Thank you for your time.

Great read! What I would add is to be fully intentional for your learning. This would look like considering the areas that you are currently winning in and the areas where more growth is needed. Identify the impact that you will have at your organization as a result of attending the conference. Lastly, mirror what you would want to see at your organization by the way you show up at the conference.

- Define specific learning outcomes you aim to achieve from the conference or workshop. - Align objectives with your professional development goals and the needs of your nonprofit organization. - Identify areas of improvement or new skills you want to acquire. - Set measurable goals to gauge your progress and success during and after the event. - Prioritize objectives based on relevance, importance, and potential impact on your leadership role. - Consider both short-term and long-term objectives to ensure comprehensive learning and growth. - Share your objectives with colleagues or mentors to gain accountability and support in achieving them.

- Identify key individuals or organizations you want to connect with before the event. - Research attendees and speakers to find common interests or potential collaboration opportunities. - Prepare a brief introduction highlighting your role, organization, and objectives for networking. - Actively engage in conversations during breaks, meals, and networking sessions. - Listen attentively and ask thoughtful questions to show genuine interest in others' work. - Exchange contact information and follow up promptly after the event. - Utilize social media platforms or event-specific networking tools to expand your network. - Offer assistance or resources that may benefit others in your network.

- Actively participate in sessions by asking questions and sharing insights. - Take advantage of interactive activities and group discussions. - Volunteer for opportunities such as panel discussions or group exercises. - Listen attentively to speakers and fellow attendees, showing respect and interest. - Avoid distractions like checking emails or using your phone excessively. - Network with intention, seeking meaningful connections and conversations. - Offer your expertise or experiences when relevant to the discussion. - Embrace diverse perspectives and be open to new ideas and approaches. - Take notes to capture key takeaways and action items for follow-up. - Reflect on your learning and experiences during breaks or after sessions.

I agree and do engage. “Fully” is another matter. I observe, watch and engage as needed on the areas I am interested in. Some I tune out because some folks that “fully” engage do so to hear themselves and appear as an expert. Some my engagement is selective.

Nick Milo introduced me to note making instead of note taking. After an important session, write a new note on 'Why is this important?''What does it remind me of?''How will it change my work?' I'm remembering much more with note making.

This is the one most difficult, because I need to schedule time for just follow-up and not jumping back into work mode again.

After attending conferences and workshops, I normally share key learnings with my team to ensure maximum benefits for the charity even though not everyone can attend. With all the contacts made, I will send follow-up messages to each to keep the relationship warm as there are so many opportunities for partnering, idea generation, and even fundraising. In my last charity, we used Monday.com to track possible follow-up actions. Perhaps you can also consider some form of digital assistant options.

Follow up with those who took another training and also help others by exchanging notes! Or follow up with another instructor and see if you can get the power point or the instructor's notes.

Don’t feel you have to attend every session. Sometimes you need to process what you have learned, and see how it applies to your situation. Take advantage of casual. Conservations with other attendees to learn best practices and real- life application.

When attending a conference with colleagues, strategize which workshop or breakout sessions to attend, then debrief together to maximize learning potential. Be intentional about where you sit at the plenary sessions and meal times. These are often the best networking opportunities.

I call it my nonprofit stretch...attend sessions that are both similar to your work and attend those that make you stretch a little to connect the dots. I look for those moments that I reflect and then provide context back to my teams. Even during some sessions, I'm taking pics of slide and sending them back to the team. I love the real-time engagement that happens and it allows for the excitement to be contagious.