Do project management seminars, conferences and workshops provide real learning value for practitioners in the industry? New ideas, knowledge and methodologies are being discovered and generated on a regular basis in the world of project management, and there’s no better way of surviving in that industry than to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.
Attending project management conferences is one of the sure ways of staying abreast of the latest developments in the industry.
Though most conferences are free to attend, some professional conferences, such as the national Project Management Conference (ProMaCon) that’s being organized annually in Nigeria, attract participant fees. Some of these fees worth less when compared to the huge benefits you would derive from attending the conference.
The following are some of the reasons project management conferences are invaluable to you as a project manager.
1. New Ideas Are Introduced At Conferences
One of the reasons why project management practitioners attend conferences is to learn new ideas, research or methodologies discovered in the world of project management. These pieces of ideas may not always be groundbreaking or revolutionary, but they are new. When you attend a conference with this mindset, you will be enriched with more efficient and effective ways of managing projects that you would share with your peers.
Example: The first project management conference I attended was organized by Kari Ola of the British School of Project Management UK (BSPM-UK) at Victoria Island, Lagos. (Kari is late now. May her soul rest in peace)
2. Learn From Project Management Experts
Most conferences consist of panel speakers who are experts or have gained much knowledge in the field of project management. They share their real-world experiences and provide useful advice, tips and best practice techniques that will show you how to achieve outstanding business results. Attending conferences will help you tap into their knowledge base.
Example: My blog content titled “Project Management is Key to Natural Wealth” was an idea I learnt from Prof. Andrew Leicester of the Global Project Professional Society when I attended one of his conferences. I also learnt some valuable information that has benefited my career as a Project Management Blogger. I am grateful to all the speakers for all the tips!
3. Attending Conferences Will Help Deepen your knowledge Base
Are you thinking of gaining knowledge in various aspects of project management? Project management is vast and deepening your knowledge in various areas, such as risk management, strategic management, information technology, systems development, materials management, etc, and understanding different methodologies will help boost your career.
4. Earn Conference Certification
Some professional project management conferences offer certification for participants, and some companies request such certification during the course of your career. This certificate act as evidence that you have attended a project management conference and are willing to boost your knowledge.
5. Good Networking Opportunities
Conferences offer you the opportunity to make valuable connections with the organizers, attendees, speakers, and sponsors of the event. Most classes allow you to interact with new people. It’s also a good way to get out of your office or cubicle every now and then and see what the rest of the world is up to, and talk to your peers in the industry. The relationships you build with your connections can help you throughout the rest of your career in project. Take advantage of these opportunities and be proactive. Make sure to pack your business cards so you can exchange contact information with your new connections!
6. You Can Earn Valuable PDUs, CPDs or CDUs
Project management is a continuous learning field, and some project management organizations that offer professional certifications request their holders to show dedication to their profession by earning PDUs (Professional Development Units), CPDs (Continuing Professional Developments) or CDUs (Continuing Development Units). You can earn one PDU, CPD or CDU for each hour of attending some professional project management conferences.
7. Get Answers To Specific Questions
Most conferences are interactive and delegates or attendees are encouraged to ask questions with the speakers providing the answers.
8. Follow Up
Conferences offer you the platform to (physically) meet with some of the project managers whom you have established a connection or relationship with on social media.
9. Learn New Culture
Have you ever attended a project management conference that was organized in another city, state or country? Attending conferences other locations offers you the opportunity to become familiar with the city and/or culture where the conference is held.
What other benefits have you gained in attending project management conferences?
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