How could we create the perfect VA conference?
Having worked in the world of technology for decades, I know that every January, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas brings new technology to the attention of the entire world. Folks who don't even care about technology become aware of it through the marketing and hoopla around CES. It's a good thing for technology companies, not just for the conference itself, but also because of the public awareness.
I can find very little information online about VA conferences other than IVAA's annual conference, and a few small local conferences.
What other conferences are there? Is anyone doing an excellent job of creating a conference that benefits VAs both by delivering superb content and by creating positive public awareness of the industry?
And if there's not, what would you like to see at that conference? (because I'd like to create it)
Tags: advice, business, conference, development, event, learning, newbies
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Penny Nielson on -
Mornin' Joel! I'd like to see you create this too, and would be happy to be involved & help in any way I can. For me, conferences are networking, pure and simple. The more vendors the better. Guest speakers and presentations can be effective but so often are WAY too long - I max out at 25 minutes. Local is a must; Sac, Reno, San Jose or SF. I'll be interested to see how this plays out!
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Permalink Reply by Joel D Canfield on -
Being the selfish sort that I am, I'd love it to be that marvelous balance of local to me, irresistible to everyone else who'll have to travel
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Permalink Reply by Savvy Subcontracting, C Schultz on -
What about OIVAC? It looks like that is a complete online conference. Due to funds I wasn't available to attend this year but sure do in the future.
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Permalink Reply by Joel D Canfield on
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I'll give it a look, but I'm very much interested in doing something in real life. I get all the online activity I need already!
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Permalink Reply by Savvy Subcontracting, C Schultz on
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I hear you. Sometimes the physical presense out weighs the virtual.(Did I just say that as a VA?) You're sure welcome to come the direction of one of the largest water parks in the US and have it:) No really I realize if you're the one creating it it makes sense to do it local for yourself. Good luck.
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Permalink Reply by Joel D Canfield on
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My dream, of course, would be to tap into Sara Gaffney's expertise, and create spring and fall regional VA conferences, with one big summer event somewhere different every year. Give everyone a couple events within a short day's drive, and then have The Big One where everyone can come who'll make the trip.
What would make it worth your while to come all the way to California, Collette?
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Permalink Reply by Mimi Klosterman on -
I don't know of any other VA conferences other than IVAA's. I've been wanting to network with other VAs in my local area but there aren't much around here. I'd have to travel somewhere to do that. I'd be happy to help out in any way.
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Permalink Reply by Joel D Canfield on
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I spent half of my childhood in South Dakota; I got used to traveling great distances to go anywhere at all ;)
It's good to see some support for this idea. I'd like to keep the discussion going; get more details.
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Permalink Reply by Roxie Desort on -
I'm dying to meet up with VA's in person! I'd love to go to a conference, network with people, make new friends, maybe even hook up with a few clients!!
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Permalink Reply by Joel D Canfield on
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Howdy, Roxie!
Sue and I are pondering the possibility of a moving conference; basically, travelling to where VAs are, and putting on an event anywhere from half a day to a couple days.
I'll bet there are, like, eleventy-leven VAs in New York, and I've already got dozens of other business contacts out there, so we're really leaning toward an event in your area.
If we could find someone to host or sponsor it in some way . . . ;)
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Permalink Reply by Mimi Klosterman on
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Hey Joel,
What cities are you thinking about hosting these conferences?
The nearest "big city" to me is Minneapolis/St. Paul and that's close to the middle of the US. :)
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Permalink Reply by Joel D Canfield on
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If this happens, we're probably going to try to create 'un-conferences'
Do small events, and more of them. Do them in people-friendly locations, instead of hotel meeting rooms. Do everything exactly the opposite of what you'd expect, because trust me, a conference with Sue and I will be like nothing you'd expect ;)
If we can put together a dozen conferences with even a dozen people at each, we could do a full day conference for about $100 per attendee. That's up close and personal time with both of us, teaching you everything we can possible teach in however long you can stand to talk. And listen ;)
Mimi, I'll bet there are a dozen VAs within driving distance of you who'd like to do something like this. We've also talked about having our hosts attend free, so if you'd like to help arrange something in the Great Vast Middle of the Country, let's talk about it.
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