Thing 15: seminars, conferences and other events

This is timely for me to reflect on since I got a lot out of going to the UKEIG AGM last week and hearing Charles Oppenheim talking about the Hargreaves copyright review. It is a little daunting going to an event where you don't know anyone, and starting up a conversation, but I met some of the people whose work I've read, and had interesting conversations with other people from different backgrounds.

I've been to LIANZA conferences and also the Australian Information Online and all have been great for learning and networking. It pays to get involved, go to the events like formal and impromptu dinners, meet the vendors, talk over lunch and go to smaller poster sessions. If you are in a large library, conferences are also good for getting to know other staff members you don't normally work with.

A few years ago I gave a mini presentation at a special interest group meeting held during a LIANZA conference. The preparation made me realise what I did know and specialised in that others might find useful. I also learnt from the questions and gained more confidence in speaking.

I was able to make use of a presentation technique I'd been taught. The method uses a kind of mindmap and I find it works really well for me. The diagram is used to plan the structure of the talk and is then used as the 'notes' as you give the talk. I wish I could remember who gave the course and whether the technique has a name.

I'd like to go to a major UK conference once I'm back into a permanent role. I'd like it to be relevant to developing or inspiring me further in the role, so I'm not choosing at the moment.

If I gave a presentation I could talk about topics related to my last permanent role but would like to look to my future role for inspiration.