It’s the annual gathering of the work comp tribes time. This year the National Work Comp and Disability Conference is in New Orleans, and I’m really looking forward to the great food, wonderful music, and Southern hospitality. As I’m sure many of you are.
I’m honored to be speaking twice – Thursday morning’s a discussion of chronic pain guidelines with Steven Feinberg MD. Steve is compassionate, very knowledgeable, and highly experienced and I’ve learned much from him. Thursday afternoon is the Bloggers’ Panel; get there early as this session is always well-attended. Any bets on how long before I get grief over the election results from Bob Wilson? (Bob was right and I was wrong in our predictions)
A couple years back I listed a few recommendations based on my far-too-many-years attending work comp conferences.
1. Realize you can’t be everywhere and do everything. Prioritize.
2. Leave time for last-minute meetings and the inevitable chance encounters with old friends and colleagues.
3. Unless you have a photographic memory, use your smartphone to take voice notes from each meeting – right after you’re done. Otherwise they’ll all run together and you’ll never remember what you committed to.
4. Introduce yourself to a dozen people you’ve never met. This business is all about relationships and networking, and no better place to do that than this conference.
5. Wear comfortable shoes, get your exercise in, and be professional and polished. It’s a long three days, and you’re always ‘on’.
6. Finally, what happens in New Orleans gets posted on Instagram. Don’t be stupid. Like these guys. Alcohol is not your friend, and this is not spring break.
Travel pleasantly!
Have a great conference. I went a few years ago in Vegas and learned a lot. Looking forward to the recap!