Leaving with more energy, not less

This past weekend I joined Linda Varone of Nurturing Spaces at the monthly meeting of the New England chapter of National Speakers Association (NSANE). Am I glad I did! I left feeling as if every single penny I paid to attend was worth the investment. From beginning to end, the day was everything I aspire to when it comes to organizing Chamber events.

Responsive
According to Linda, the New England chapter has added some new features to its meetings in direct response to member feedback about how to improve.

One is the "Wake-Up Call Program.” For members who want to get as much as they can from a Saturday spent in learning mode, this 1-hour optional session is served up with a healthy Continental breakfast. This month, Suzanne Bates of Bates Communications shared her experiences of getting published and why she does it (not to sell books as much as to attract new clients).

The other feature takes place after lunch when attendees are divided into two groups to accommodate the wide range of experience represented. In Masters Circle, long-time NSANE members share best practices with their peers. The Make It Real session delves into one of the morning topics in more depth. We peppered Helen Osborne of Health Literacy Out Loud and Adam Weiss of Podcast Consultant with a slew of questions about the nuts and bolts of podcasting.

Relevant and practical
Saturday’s topics were of immense interest to attendees, who make all or part of their living from speaking. Presented to them were tools, tips and information that they could implement immediately in their own businesses. Critical knowledge in action!

Engaging
I got so much out of each session because the speakers were passionate about their topics and eager to share their knowledge. Chaco Canyon Consulting’s Rick Brenner walked us through the current economic climate and how to prepare for the return of the buyer had me riveted to my seat. Yes, it helped that all four of them are professional speakers and/or interviewers with a wealth of experience on which to draw.

Looking forward
As the Chamber plans events for the coming year, its aim will be to provide that same caliber of programming and be just as responsive, relevant, practical and engaging.

I want everyone one of you to leave a Chamber event with more energy, not less. With answers, not "what was that all about?" With tips, not platitudes. With clarity, not confusion. Stay tuned!