I think it would be fun to develop an ideal education conference, free from sponsors or sales reps and just focused on fun learning. It would take some doing but I dont think this would be an impossible task. If everything was engaging and worthwhile, it could grow over word-of-mouth rather quickly.

So I want to spend some time thinking about this tonight. I asked what people love or hate about educational conferences below.

There are several reasons why educators love going to conferences:

Professional Development: Conferences offer an opportunity for educators to learn new teaching strategies, techniques, and ideas. They can attend workshops, seminars, and keynote speeches by experts in the field, which can help them improve their teaching skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in education.

Networking: Conferences provide an excellent platform for educators to network with their peers, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships. They can meet and interact with other educators from different schools, districts, and even countries, which can help them broaden their perspectives and learn new approaches to teaching.

Inspiration: Attending conferences can be a source of inspiration for educators, as they get to hear success stories from other educators, which can motivate and encourage them to be more innovative and creative in their teaching.

Exposure to new technology: Conferences often showcase the latest technology and tools that can be used in the classroom. Educators can learn about new software, hardware, and other tech tools that can help them enhance their teaching and engage their students better.

Renewed energy and enthusiasm: Conferences can be energizing and rejuvenating for educators. They can take a break from their routine, connect with other educators, and gain new insights into their profession, which can help them feel more enthusiastic and passionate about their work.

Access to resources: Conferences often offer access to resources such as books, research papers, and teaching materials. Educators can browse through these resources and take back valuable information to apply in their classrooms.

Professional growth opportunities: Attending conferences can be a way for educators to showcase their expertise and gain recognition in their field. They can present papers, give talks, or participate in panel discussions, which can help them grow professionally and enhance their reputation as educators.

Cultural exchange: Conferences can be a great way for educators to learn about different cultures and teaching approaches from around the world. They can meet educators from different countries, learn about their education systems, and gain a deeper understanding of cultural differences.

Exposure to diverse perspectives: Conferences can expose educators to diverse perspectives on education and teaching. They can attend sessions on topics such as multicultural education, special education, and inclusive teaching, which can broaden their understanding of the challenges faced by different students and communities.

Time for reflection: Conferences can provide educators with a chance to reflect on their teaching practices and goals. They can take a break from their busy schedules, engage in discussions with their peers, and think deeply about how they can improve their teaching and make a greater impact on their students.

What do people not like?

While there are many benefits to attending conferences, there are also some aspects that people may not enjoy as much. Here are a few examples:

Cost: Conferences can be expensive, particularly if they require travel, accommodation, and registration fees. This can be a barrier for some educators who may not have access to funding or support to attend.

Time commitment: Conferences can take up a significant amount of time, particularly if they are held over several days. This can be challenging for educators who have other commitments such as teaching, grading, or research.

Overcrowding: Some conferences can be overcrowded, with long lines for registration, sessions, and meals. This can be frustrating for attendees who may feel that they are not getting the full benefit of the conference.

Poor organization: Conferences that are poorly organized can be frustrating for attendees, particularly if sessions are poorly scheduled, or speakers are unprepared.

Lack of relevance: Some attendees may find that the topics covered at a conference are not relevant to their particular area of interest or expertise. This can lead to a feeling of boredom or disengagement.

Networking anxiety: Some people may feel uncomfortable networking with strangers, particularly if they are introverted or new to the field. This can be a barrier to making connections and getting the full benefit of attending a conference.

Information overload: Conferences can provide a lot of information in a short amount of time, which can be overwhelming for some attendees. It can be challenging to absorb all the information presented and prioritize what is most relevant.

Poor quality of sessions: Attendees may find that some sessions are poorly presented, lack useful information, or fail to engage the audience. This can be disappointing for attendees who may have high expectations for the quality of sessions.

Conference fatigue: Attendees who attend multiple conferences in a short period of time may experience conference fatigue, which can lead to a lack of motivation or engagement. This can be particularly challenging for educators who have busy schedules and limited time for professional development.

Travel logistics: Traveling to attend a conference can be stressful, particularly if there are issues with transportation or accommodation. This can lead to feelings of exhaustion and frustration, which can detract from the overall conference experience.

Limited opportunities for interaction: Some conferences may not provide many opportunities for attendees to interact with speakers or other attendees. This can be disappointing for those who are seeking to network or learn from others in their field.

Lack of follow-up: Attendees may find that after the conference is over, there is little follow-up or support to help them implement the ideas and strategies they have learned. This can make it challenging to put new knowledge into practice and realize the full benefits of attending the conference.

Just this exercise has me thinking about how I would make the most vailable, engaging, free event possible. Year over year, I can imagine an amazing event taking place.

Why not? Summer 2024 anyone?

~ Peter