True value of conferences...
Hi all, my very first Blog. When I was creating it I quickly named it David's Test thinking that I'll change it later... However, considering that I work in software testing and most Blogs will be about that, I think I'll keep it.I wanted to put some thoughts out there about the true value of conferences (of the software testing variety). Disclaimer - I don't have the ultimate answer, just my views.In my 10 or so years in the industry I've been to many conferences, events, day long workshops, etc. It would be foolish of me to say that I didn't get anything out of them. Yes, some were better than others, but for many different reasons. The 'bigger' ones tend to pull the 'expert' speakers from around the globe, and these always offer value... The 'smaller' ones tend to have more local speakers which also provide value in that you can generally match what their saying to what you do each day. That's not to say that the locals don't take it to the big boys/girls at times...One of the best presentations I have ever witnessed was from a local (Brisbane - Australia) on communication in Agile. I laughed throughout the entire thing, but at the end still remembered all the key messages intended.Anyway, got off track slightly. So lets look at my two value areas... Value for you (personally), and value for your employer (or organisation, company, etc.).Value for you:
Some of this will be obvious, so please forgive me. This Blog is as much for me as others I guess. The number one value add for me personally has been the networking opportunities with like minded testers. I always catch up with people I've met at earlier conferences, and always manage to meet new people. These networks have done amazing things for me in the past, and I'm sure they will in the future!Then, the obvious one, there are the learning's from the presentations, tutorials, workshops, etc. Apart from building your skill level, these also help you to think outside the square... If there is one thing I've learned over the years, it's that you have to be open minded in this industry. Having these learning's to call upon when your in a particular situation is extremely valuable. For example, I once found myself in a meeting where there was only 'one' possible solution to a problem we were facing. Well, we all know that's not the case... It was quite easy for me to recall a presentation that covered a similar problem and provide multiple possible solutions. Instant value for me as these things build reputation.Value for your employer:
The above paragraph once again points out the obvious value add for you employer. There is a trap here though which I have witnessed on MANY occasions. Employees will get sent to a conference and upon their return not share even one piece of information... This can actually equal a loss to the employer. They pay hundreds, even thousands, of dollars sending the employee and get no value add whatsoever. True, there may be a time where that particular employee calls upon a learning or two, but will that make up for the dollar cost of the conference?Due to this, my previous employer stated a process whereby upon return from the conference all the notes taken would be written up and shared. This also led to mini presentations which were given by the conference attendees. At the very least the information was passed on so that more than one or two employees were armed with learning's.The other value add to the employer is potential business. These conferences are attended by many different industries, and many of these require assistance in the wonderful world of software testing. There have been many a 'deal' made at these conferences!
So, if you're planning on attending one of these or sending some employees... Make some ground rules! Both for yourself or your employees. Take notes, pick up all the pamphlets, get copies of the presentation slides if possible, etc, etc!Until next time...
Some of this will be obvious, so please forgive me. This Blog is as much for me as others I guess. The number one value add for me personally has been the networking opportunities with like minded testers. I always catch up with people I've met at earlier conferences, and always manage to meet new people. These networks have done amazing things for me in the past, and I'm sure they will in the future!Then, the obvious one, there are the learning's from the presentations, tutorials, workshops, etc. Apart from building your skill level, these also help you to think outside the square... If there is one thing I've learned over the years, it's that you have to be open minded in this industry. Having these learning's to call upon when your in a particular situation is extremely valuable. For example, I once found myself in a meeting where there was only 'one' possible solution to a problem we were facing. Well, we all know that's not the case... It was quite easy for me to recall a presentation that covered a similar problem and provide multiple possible solutions. Instant value for me as these things build reputation.Value for your employer:
The above paragraph once again points out the obvious value add for you employer. There is a trap here though which I have witnessed on MANY occasions. Employees will get sent to a conference and upon their return not share even one piece of information... This can actually equal a loss to the employer. They pay hundreds, even thousands, of dollars sending the employee and get no value add whatsoever. True, there may be a time where that particular employee calls upon a learning or two, but will that make up for the dollar cost of the conference?Due to this, my previous employer stated a process whereby upon return from the conference all the notes taken would be written up and shared. This also led to mini presentations which were given by the conference attendees. At the very least the information was passed on so that more than one or two employees were armed with learning's.The other value add to the employer is potential business. These conferences are attended by many different industries, and many of these require assistance in the wonderful world of software testing. There have been many a 'deal' made at these conferences!
So, if you're planning on attending one of these or sending some employees... Make some ground rules! Both for yourself or your employees. Take notes, pick up all the pamphlets, get copies of the presentation slides if possible, etc, etc!Until next time...
