Mohammed Al-Oshan

Every country in the world is rich with an unlimited number of conferences, forums, workshops, and seminars that have a beginning but no end. These events are held at local, regional, and international levels, and each entity strives to put forward attractive titles that catch people's attention for the event and entice them to attend. Thus, you find a number of marketing and promotional phrases in the publications and advertisements for this event, such as: (the first international conference - the largest gathering of... - the biggest event in the field of... - featuring international experts, the conference... will be held).

One may feel puzzled about what to do regarding these endless invitations, which may slightly touch on their interests or may not at all. From here comes this post, drawn from a not-so-brief experience attending such events, offering a series of recommendations.

First: Don't attend!

Events, forums, and conferences on any topic are not an invention that cannot be repeated, and you should not fear missing out on anything. Every topic that is presented has been discussed before or will be discussed again, so in most of its sections, it is not something rare or a secret being revealed for the first time; rest assured.

Second: Watch from a distance!

A considerable number of these events are documented and published later and made available to the public through the organization's website or social media accounts, even live broadcasting of these events is done recently with sound and video during the event. You are not compelled to leave your work or enter into the chaos of commuting back and forth; you can follow them from a distance when you wish.

Third: For the unemployed!

Unless you are suffering from chronic boredom, there is no reason for you to attend any conference, forum, or seminar being held here or there. Know that if you spent your entire life attending them, you would not be able to witness them all, so do not worry about missing out on many of them.

Fourth: Exceptional attendance cases?

Attendance at the event becomes necessary and justified when the topics being discussed touch on your needs, whether they align with your passions, interests, or job responsibilities. In this case, attending could be fruitful at times when the event organizer succeeds in selecting competent guests and a distinguished presentation.

Fifth: Attendance for networking and diagnosis!

You may attend a forum that does not address your needs when you have another goal, which is to build connections, strengthen relationships, and stand out among those interested. Your attendance, then, is merely for networking and building relationships, which necessitates optimal choice of your seating position and the nature of your contributions, and it requires you to bring along your business cards that introduce you.

Sixth: Do not be disciplined!

When you attend one of these events, there is nothing that compels you to commit to attending (all) sections of the pre-prepared program. The person entering a public library is not obliged to read it according to its classification but rather according to what they want. In events, attend what your heart leans towards and what you expect to achieve from your participation. As for the sections that do not appeal to you, whether due to the topic or the presenters, you can—without any guilt—step out of the hall to have tea or converse with friends! However, I recommend reviewing the event schedule before attending and determining the sections you will attend and those you will not. It is also important to plan how to benefit from the intervals when you will be absent, which might prompt you to schedule meetings or bring books or files to review.

Best wishes,

Mohammed bin Saad Al-Oshan

A media professional interested in self-development and charitable work

@bin_oshan