Industry associations provide many benefits for their members; one of the main ones is hosting events and conferences that members can attend. Throughout the pandemic, it has been difficult to host in-person events, and many organizations have pivoted to hosting virtual events instead. Perhaps because so many people missed the in-person events they previously attended, there is a general feeling that virtual events or conferences are not as fun or useful as the in-person ones, and therefore are not worth attending. That may be true for some, but many have found virtual events and conferences to be just as beneficial and fun as in-person events.
AMA NJ is preparing for our own annual summer conference, “A Brave New Day in Marketing”, and we are here to tell you about the benefits of attending industry association events, whether virtual or in-person.
Network with industry professionals.
One of the most obvious benefits of attending an industry event or conference is that you will connect with fellow industry peers. Whether you are searching for a job or are happy with your current role, it never hurts to make new connections; you never know how someone could be helpful to you (or your company) in the future. At the very least, you can make some new friends and bond over your shared passion for the industry. If the event you are attending is virtual, networking is still possible; instead of meeting new people during a lunch break or a talk, you will meet them in breakout rooms.
Learn new skills and keep up with the trends.
If you have been at your job for a while, it can be easy to fall into the same work patterns that have always been successful for you. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also be aware of new developments in your industry or be open to learning new skills that could boost your work performance even more. Industry events are the perfect environment for you to hone your skills, as they often allow you to both exchange ideas with others and meet industry experts who can contribute to your learning.
Renew your passion for the industry.
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been easy to fall into the same workday routine every single day. This can contribute to boredom and burnout. Attending an industry event can be a great way to break up the monotony and remind yourself why you enjoy the work that you do.
Have fun!
Some people shy away from conferences or events because they see it as an extra task to be completed and think that it will take up too much of their free time. However, not all conferences stretch out over multiple days or even last a whole day. For example, AMA NJ’s summer conference this year is only half a day. Plus, conferences like these are meant to be both informative and fun. If you are considering attending an industry event but aren’t fully convinced, think of it as a fun way to take a break from your normal workday routine while still benefiting your professional self.
There are countless advantages to attending industry association events, whether you are interested in making new connections, refreshing your industry knowledge, learning about current trends, or even just giving yourself a break from your typical workday.
If you are a marketing professional in New Jersey, you should attend AMA New Jersey’s upcoming summer conference, “A Brave New Day in Marketing.” An annual event, this year’s conference will be held virtually on Thursday, June 10, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You can find information about the panelists, who are scheduled to speak on exciting topics ranging from cannabis to cryptocurrency, and register for the conference here.
Author: Abigail Gardener
