Reposted from Tim Richardson

Want a raise, better skills, stronger connections, or a new opportunity? There’s one overlooked move that can fast-track it all.

I’m writing this at 30,000 feet—flying home from Influence 2025, the annual conference of the National Speakers Association, an organization I’ve proudly been part of for 37 years. I haven’t made every event—but I have attended 33 conventions, more than two dozen workshops, and at least a half dozen focused learning summits.

Here’s the simple truth: whatever success I’ve had as a professional speaker is a direct result of those events. The relationships I’ve built, the content I’ve consumed, the people who’ve challenged and inspired me, and the opportunities that were unlocked—all happened because I showed up.
And you can too.
Why You Should Attend Your Industry’s Conference
Ask yourself:
✔ Do I want a raise?
✔ Am I looking to grow my skills?
✔ Would I like to expand my network?
✔ Could I benefit from a career change?
✔ Do I want to help others succeed?

Then there’s one move that opens all five doors: attend your industry’s annual convention, expo, or leadership event.

Whether you’re in law, hospitality, technology, HR, healthcare, or transportation, the highest-achieving professionals I meet are the ones who stay connected to their tribe. They’re lifelong learners. They don’t wait to be invited into the room—they walk in and introduce themselves.

5 Ways to Get the Most from Your Conference Experience

Here’s how to make that investment count:

1. Plan with Intention
Think about who you need to meet before you ever arrive. Reach out ahead of time. A 15-minute coffee chat could lead to a game-changing relationship. After the event? Send a thank-you note, a small gift if appropriate—or better yet, donate to a cause they care about.

2. Pace Yourself
Early in my career, I treated conferences like a networking race. Today, I slow down and focus on deeper conversations. You don’t have to attend every session. In fact, one of my favorite moments this year was ordering takeout and sitting quietly by the pool. Make space to reflect and recharge. It’s okay to be alone even if you are an extraverted extravert like me.

3. Fuel Your Mind and Body
Sleep well. Move daily. Eat intentionally. Bring snacks that support your energy. A conference can feel like a marathon—and you want to be at your best when opportunity knocks.

4. Give Back and Get Better
Volunteer. Mentor. Host a dinner. I’ve chaired a winter meeting, served on and chaired committees, and host an annual tradition I call a Roving Mastermind—a hand-picked group of peers (this year’s participants, Scott Bloom, Christine Cashen, Courtney Clark, and Rachel Druckenmiller )who meet, brainstorm, and challenge each other at every conference. Several first-time conference attendees are invited to listen and learn from the conversation (this year’s “flys on the wall – Bill Schuhlein, Bryce Henson, David Lawhorn Leadership Speaker Elite Mindset Accelerator, Julian Pistone, and Rheid Schloss).
Remember, the more you give, the more you grow.

5. Stay Humble and Curious
Not every speaker will resonate with you. Instead of critiquing them, ask: “What would I do differently?” There’s always something to learn—even if it’s what not to do: but focus on the positive and help redirect others who tear others down. It takes a lot to prepare and speak at a big meeting like Influence. Celebrate and appreciate people even if it’s just the courage it took them to stand on a big stage.
Final Thought: Your Growth Is One RSVP Away
Every year, I leave Influence with new ideas, stronger connections, and more clarity. The same can be true for you.
Your next big opportunity won’t come from sitting behind your desk—it will come from being in the room where the magic happens.

So, here’s my challenge to you:

Find your industry’s next conference and commit to attending. Don’t wait for permission. Invest in yourself.
You never know what (or who) might change your life.

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