Why should I go to a conference?

November 1, 2015/Julie Stobbe/

In October 2015 Professional Organizers in Canada celebrated their 15th National Conference in Toronto. Often times people look at the cost of a conference and decide it is not worth going. There are 6 reasons to go to a conference.

1. Grow Your Business

You will learn new information and other peoples’ perspectives on the information. We had great speakers that taught us about marketing our business with speaking for Success by Sarah Hilton, Marketing for Success by Sarah Buckwalter and networking and volunteering to grow your business by Mary Dystra

2. Learn new Online Skills

Social media changes quickly. Whether through a session or while networking you can gain tips to help you better understand social media. We had the opportunity to learn about blogging from Janet Barclay, and apps and online tools from Samantha Kristoferson

Social media can be a challenge

3. Become Better at Your Profession

Go to learn new skills and niches in your profession. We learned about the specialized skills we need to do Digital Photo Organizing by Lisa Kurtz, to work with Special Needs’ Clients and Their Families by Leslie Josel and Dr, Regina Lark and to know how to help Clients with Traumatic Illness & Injury by Lisa Mark and Maureen DeGarmo

Leslie Josel also works with students

4. Become Passionate about What you Do

Having a passion for your profession helps to make you the best you can be at what you do. Sometimes you lose that passion. Spending time with liked minded people at a conference can spark that passion again. Lisa Layden helped us to discover our Big Visions and Big Dreams and Elaine Quinn focused on Secrets to Loving our Business. Val Low helped us to move from being Unfocused to Unstoppable

Lisa has courses on her website to help grow your business

5. Become Involved in Your Association

When you attend a conference you get a glimpse into what is needed to run a professional association. You can see how becoming involved in growing your profession helps you to grow as a person and develop skills. Carolyn Caldwell and Elinor Warkentin helped to develop a model on how to make ethical decisions.

6. Have Fun

Getting outside your comfort zone meeting new people, visiting a new city and trying new things can be fun. We had the opportunity to get a massage from the students at Trillium College Toronto, see the Blue Jays at the Rogers Center or Nathan Phillips Square, and enjoy shopping and restaurants. The conference is about people and building relationships in the way that works best for you.

Let me know why you attend conferences.

Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually through Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.