Discovering the Power of Community-Led Events

I recently had the chance to attend a community-led conference centering on a specific technology. Unlike the typical industry conferences led by big corporations, this event was entirely user-driven. Organized and run by volunteers, funded by sponsors within the industry, and attended by users, this conference brought together a diverse group of individuals at various career stages. From beginners to veterans, it was a melting pot of knowledge and enthusiasm.

The Unique Learning Environment

What makes a user-driven conference unique is the focus on learning and collaboration rather than corporate agendas or marketing messages. Nothing wrong with those corporate agendas, but they have a time and place. Participants were there to share knowledge, ask questions, and learn from each other. This kind of environment fosters genuine connections and practical learning experiences. I took some time off  from my corporate job to attend because I wanted to immerse myself as a user, take off my professional hat, and just be part of this incredible community.

Engaging as a Speaker

This year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and became a speaker at the conference. I talked about "Knowing and Sharing Your Value," a topic that is central to my coaching practice. The experience was incredibly rewarding, not just because of the chance to share my insights, but also because of the real-time feedback and engagement from the audience. I asked people to use "human emojis" during the session and hold up hearts, thumbs ups and whatever else they felt like - it was super fun to see those heart-hands pop up as I was sharing my story and my advice. It reinforced the importance of engaging directly with people and seeing their immediate responses.

Now It's Your Turn

Although this recent conference was a technology user conference, I've attended many different kinds of these conferences. For years, I attended Romance Writers of America's annual conference that brought together writers, readers and publishers to learn from each other. I've attended different conferences intended for non-profit leaders, quilt makers, even runners! Granted, I love to learn and am probably a bit extreme, but my point is that there are community-led conferences of all kinds. 

If you have the chance to attend or speak at a user-driven conference, seize it. These events are goldmines for learning, networking, and personal growth. They offer a unique opportunity to engage deeply with a community of like-minded individuals. Remember, the power of your community can drive your career forward in ways you might not have imagined.