The revolving door twirls us into other worlds. Just beyond the cold Lake Michigan wind is a warm, soft-carpeted event that I know nothing about. But I was curious as to all the lanyard- wearing, mostly men, event going on in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel.  On the elevator ride up to my health club I inquired of the other riders about the conference.  It is the Additive Manufacturing Users Group or AMUG.  Who knew?

The scurrying to workshops, grabbing coffee, greeting colleagues, and having a drink at the bar looked pretty fun and brought back memories of conferences past.  I attended several conferences as a presenter.  These were nerve- wracking –but- glad- I- did -this- occasions.  I also enjoyed my role as an attendee and was able to travel New Orleans, Washington D.C., Denver and Champaign, IL.

The benefits of attending a conference are meeting interesting people, listening to new ideas and letting information wash over you.  It is so much better than school. I liked the feeling of anonymity and wasn’t compelled to raise my hand. I just wanted to be a sponge. Maybe it was that moment to become a student again, not being in charge. What a relief.

There is a strategy to attending a conference.  Go the night before it begins to register and pick up the program.  Find some fun people and go through the booklet and circle all the sessions you want to attend. Make yourself a reasonable schedule and fit in as much as you can, but still see the town your are staying in. Take a tour, go to dinner, and walk around the neighborhood.  Another rule that can be hard to follow is sit fairly close to the door. Why? You have limited time and if the talk doesn’t interest you, you want to slip out and onto a better-suited session.  No shame, just go and get the most out of this time.

And isn’t this the take away for life. Get out there, say hello to the Additive Manufacturers and find out what is going on.