Conference Observations
I recently returned from an executive conference for healthcare information technology leaders. This was the first conference for many attendees since COVID-19 first arrived, and it was wonderful to see industry colleagues and friends in person after a couple of years of seeing each other only in little boxes on laptop screens. While I was there, I couldn’t help but mentally log some key observations. As someone who has been going to conferences regularly for most of my career, it is interesting to see the changes with these various events and also what has failed to progress.
Here are the items that I noted:
It was amazing to see a good number of women in attendance and part of panel presentations. I always love to see women making their mark on our industry. However, I talked with several women who expressed that they are unhappy in their current positions due to not being treated well by their male leaders. They used words such as unfulfilled, diminished (in terms of their responsibilities versus their title), and not included in meetings and conference activities. This is terrible to hear, of course, and I can certainly relate, as I have been there myself, but what I took away from each of these conversations with these women is that they don't feel stuck. Are they disappointed? Yes. Are they frustrated? Yes. Are they taking steps to make the situation better and prove themselves? Yes. But if this does not work, they will simply not stay, regardless of their tenure at the organization. They are not going to stick around because they feel they have to for a certain period of time or keep giving the situation more chances. They are getting out and finding a better opportunity where their contributions will be valued.
I saw women making bolder outfit choices. It's awesome to see professional women wearing bolder colors and prints to a conference where conservative looks have been the norm. While I am a fan of wearing a business jacket over a simple dress to such events, many decided to forego them in favor of striking dresses. I also see more ladies unapologetically wearing flats and even sneakers to provide them comfort during these long days and hikes around the conference venue.
We saw a bunch of men and no women on stage getting industry awards. It was noticed by many, and it needs to change.
I was excited to see, for the first time, wellness activities such as yoga, a fun run, and a spinning class offered at the beginning of each day as part of the event. I took advantage of these and hope to see this at all conferences going forward. It's essential to maintain a workout routine and wellness activities, even when on the road. Exercise rooms at hotels can get boring, where this provided a nice group activity for those of us who were interested in getting up early.
Most importantly, I left with new colleagues and friends that I know will be a part of my career circle going forward.
Have you ventured out to conferences or other industry events recently? What are the changes you are seeing?