When I was just starting my career, going to conferences seemed like a terrific perk. They were usually held in fun destinations and it was exciting to be mingling with smart thought leaders. But I quickly learned that attendance also came with an unspoken price tag. Not only was I missing whatever work was required of me back at the home office—work that I had to figure out how to get done either while I was on the road or once I got back—I also felt a burden to prove that it was worthwhile to send me to the conference in the first place. That the airfare, hotel room, and cab rides were money well spent.
It’s OK If Going to a Conference Doesn’t Feel Like Real Work
You don’t have to go to every keynote.
October 07, 2015
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New!
HBR Learning
Leveraging Your Networks Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leveraging Your Networks. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Map, assess, and strengthen your professional relationships.