The best part of a conference this large is the variety of things to do. Beware of the trap of looking for topics or speakers that seem most connected to your current job or setting. Of course you want to learn as much as you can that will be immediately applicable back home, but don’t miss the opportunity to sample something totally different, too. Seek out sessions that—at first glance—do not appear “relevant” to you now and give them a try. You may be surprised!

First, organizations are more alike than different when it comes to volunteer involvement. So whether you’re working in a victim assistance program, a museum or a childcare center, you all share common challenges and issues. It may even be easier to see the forest for the trees when someone talks about a situation from a different perspective. For the same reason, check people’s nametags and talk to colleagues who come from diverse settings.

Second, while a particular trend may not be affecting you right now, there’s every chance it might not be affecting you yet. Some trends sweep the country quickly, others seep slowly. A conference like this can alert you to what others are experiencing, letting you prepare for when the same trend hits you.

Find a topic that maybe makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, and try it out. You’re only risking 90 minutes in a workshop, and you might discover something wonderful (or confirm that it isn’t for you, which is okay, too).

- Susan J. Ellis, President, Energize, Inc. (www.energizeinc.com)