Scott Porad

I spent most of Friday and Saturday at Gnomedex 9.0–the most recent version of Chris Pirillo’s conference about the intersection of technology and humanity.  In my view, there are two reasons to attend an industry conference, regardless of industry:

1. To gain some practical skills or information.  For example, attending a training or sales conference.
2. To develop relationships with industry peers.

Without a doubt, Gnomedex is #2.  There were many excellent sessions, but what I value most from the experience is the people I met, and the exchange of ideas.

I’ve come to understand in a more personal way the age-old axiom that “it’s not what you know, but who you know”.  At a certain point, business is not a meritocracy–there are lots of smart people with good ideas.  It’s the relationships you have, and the ability to enlist others to support you, that separates the good ideas from the successful ideas.

Most companies don’t encourage their employees to attend industry conferences.  I would encourage you to make an effort to do so, even if you have to pay your own way.  The connections made at events like Gnomedex are worth every penny of the price of admission.