I love the high I get from conferences, but, as an introvert, it wasn’t always that way! I appreciate that I get to hone skills, make new connections, connect with old friends, and get out of my usual routine; but man do they deplete me quickly if I am not careful. Do you struggle with this as well?
I know the tendency is to dread conferences and the energy suck they might be, but just because you are more comfortable in your zone, doesn’t mean you should forgo all the amazing opportunities and benefits conferences can provide.
With a bit of careful planning, you can have a fulfilling, and dare I say, energizing conference experience as an introvert.
There are my favorite three tricks to survive conferences as an introvert!
- If You Can Afford it, Get Your Own Room. This is honestly my number one tip. You are going to be “on” all day: meeting people, networking, attending sessions. Having your own room allows you to unplug and recharge at the end of the day. It’s an expense, but if you can afford to do it, do it. You won’t regret it. Plus you might be able to write it off!
- Plan Downtime. Conferences can be nonstop, all day affairs. There’s no shame in taking a break when you need one. Retreat to your room for a little R&R, or hop down the street to a local cafe. In my experiences there is always one session you are meh or on the fence about. That is a-okay! Give yourself permission to take that time for a break to recharge the ole batteries.
- Plan Your Conference Experience. Typically, conferences release their schedules weeks or a month out. I like to plan my conferences around whether or not the topic will propel me and my business forward and then once I have narrowed it down, see who I know that is going too. If I have friends attending, I’ll make sure I’m attending some on the same seminars as they are and plan for some connection time. This is a great hack for feeling more confident and relaxed. Plus, you’ll always have someone you’re comfortable talking to without having to make small talk with strangers. I call that a win!
Just because we’re introverts and find social interactions sometimes draining, doesn’t mean we get to use that as an excuse not to get out there, make new friends, and network! I promise it will be worth it and we’re in this together so what do you say?
P.s. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks for attending conferences as an introvert, check out this Harvard Business Review interview with Susan Cain.
