- Prioritize self-care before scheduling sessions.
- Strategic email management prevents overwhelm.
- Combat the "forgetting curve" with daily reflection.
- Well-being directly impacts conference outcomes.
Cvent CONNECT is renowned for its packed agenda, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities. However, the intensity of such an event can often lead to burnout, diminishing the very benefits attendees seek. David T. Stevens, in his insightful session, emphasizes that prioritizing personal well-being isn't a luxury but a critical strategy for maximizing your conference outcomes.
Attending a major conference like Cvent CONNECT can feel like a marathon, with back-to-back sessions, networking events, and social gatherings. Many attendees find themselves overwhelmed, sacrificing sleep, proper meals, and exercise in an attempt to absorb everything. Stevens cautions against this approach, highlighting that sleep deprivation, undernourishment, and neglecting personal well-being actively undermine your ability to fully engage, learn, and achieve your company's objectives for sending you to the event.
His primary recommendation is revolutionary in its simplicity: schedule your self-care first. Before diving into the extensive list of sessions, block out time for essential activities like sleep, exercise, and healthy meals. Whether it's a morning workout or a dedicated evening for rest, treating these as non-negotiable appointments ensures they don't get squeezed out. This proactive approach allows for flexibility, as you can adjust self-care times if a must-attend session arises, rather than trying to fit wellness into an already overloaded schedule.
Beyond physical well-being, Stevens also addresses mental load, particularly the constant influx of emails. He advises either blocking dedicated time for email management or, ideally, setting a robust "out of office" message. This manages expectations for colleagues and clients, allowing you to focus on the conference without constant digital distractions. Delegating tasks where possible can further reduce this burden, ensuring you're present and engaged throughout the event.
Finally, to ensure all the valuable information gathered doesn't fade, Stevens introduces the concept of the "forgetting curve." Research suggests that without re-engagement, up to 80% of new content is forgotten within 24 to 48 hours. His actionable tip: dedicate time at the end of each day for reflection. A brief journaling session, summarizing key learnings and takeaways, reinforces memory and transforms fleeting information into lasting knowledge, ensuring you return from Cvent CONNECT not just informed, but truly transformed.
“If you are sleep deprived, underfed, and or any of those things, you're really undermining your own outcomes.”
- David T. Stevens, Hosted Creator
