By Ilene Watson, CET, CER, CDR,
Chair AAERT Professional Development Committee
If there’s one piece of advice I could offer to anyone looking to grow their business, it would be to attend industry conferences. These events are so much more than an excuse to get away for a few days. They are an opportunity to connect, learn, and expand your horizons in amazing ways.
One of the most valuable aspects of attending conferences is the chance to meet people face-to-face. There is a certain magic in connecting with people who share your interests and challenges. Over the years, I’ve met colleagues, mentors, clients, and employees at conferences. These relationships didn’t just help my business grow. They gave me new perspectives and ideas that I hadn’t considered before.
For example, at one conference, I struck up a conversation with someone during a coffee break. That seemingly casual chat turned into a business relationship that opened the door to new opportunities I hadn’t even imagined. It’s those unexpected moments that make conferences so special.
Our industry is always evolving, and it can be tough to keep up with the latest trends and innovations. Conferences are like a crash course in everything new and exciting. From expert-led sessions to hands-on workshops, these sessions are always packed with insights and little nuggets of knowledge that help you stay ahead of the curve.
I’ve attended sessions on emerging technologies, best practices, and industry challenges that have directly influenced how we run our business. The information I’ve gained has helped us to improve our workflow, refine our intake process, adopt new productivity tools, and completely revamp certain areas of our business to improve our turnaround time and quality that we provide to our customers.
Sometimes, stepping away from the daily grind is exactly what you need to spark creativity. Conferences offer a fresh environment filled with people who are just as passionate about the industry as you are. The energy is contagious, and it’s amazing how often I have come away with new ideas just from hearing a different perspective or an easy solution to a common problem.
Listen, I know conferences can be expensive. Between registration fees, travel, and accommodations, it can be a huge investment, but I promise the returns are worth it. The knowledge, connections, inspiration, and industry contacts you gain will have a ripple effect for years to come. Whether it’s a new colleague you can bounce ideas off of, a new client, a breakthrough idea, or simply the motivation to push forward, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
If you’ve been hesitant about attending a conference, consider this your sign to go. It’s not just about the sessions or the keynote speakers. It’s about the people you meet, the ideas you share, and the opportunities you create. For me, attending conferences has been a game-changer in the trajectory of my career, and I am confident it can be for you, too.
For those looking for their next opportunity to connect, the upcoming Unity Summit is an excellent choice. As the first annual conference to bring together all professionals in the court reporting and transcription industry, the event offers a unique chance to gain industry insights, network with professionals, and stay ahead of the curve. Don’t miss out on the benefits that attending an event like this can bring to your business and career. Early registration discounts end on Friday, February 28th. You can visit unitysummitconference.com to register or reach out to aaert@aaert.org to learn more.