Getting Old...or something

[avocado_tom]

I just found out that I am scheduled to present at a conference on the Monday after a Saturday evening wedding. I knew the conference was that week, but they only sent out the confirmed program yesterday.

Comments

Re: Regrets

[chasbrown]

(an academic viewpoint): I have had to skip alot of weddings and other things for conferences. In the last few years I have skipped a few because of money and time considerations (to go to an east coast wedding it costs us 1k).

Of course it sucks to miss a wedding because it's really special, but it's also... a wedding... it's not the rest of real life. It's just a day. When you go to about 14 (including your own) in two years, they start to look the same...

If it is too much, it's too much. The couple will understand. Unless you're the best man or something, they'll miss you for a sec, but it's such a hectic day for the couple that it won't be the worst thing. Like you said, if it were more convenient, it wouldn't be a problem, but there are so many points of failure in the driving and getting and getting back and flying that you probably would be stressed at the wedding.

But, conferences are really important. It's networking, it's visibility, and it's one of those things you just gotta do. You have to be on your game, and if you're tired and can't socialize, it's hard. I wasn't as prepared for my last one as I would have liked to have been and I regret that. I had too much other stuff going on.

Re: Regrets

[avocado_tom]

thanks for that.

And yeah, the fact that this is the largest group I've ever presented to also adds to the cautionary perspective: it makes me want to give myself a lot of room to prepare and not add additional stressors in the lead up.

:/

Re: Regrets

[chasbrown]

I think the most people I have presented to was about 300. My first conference. It was only a 15 min talk. I don't know if I could deal with 800+ people. Good luck! I don't even know what you do!

Conferences aren't really like other things that you'd be missing the wedding for. It's not like you're skipping a wedding to finish a report for work, or something that is just plain "lame". They'll understand. Just tell them soon enough so they don't have to pay for your food!

Re: Regrets

[avocado_tom]

I work for the Department of Energy in the Office of Systems, Analyses and Planning.

I look at next generation energy systems (power, fuel, etc.), GHG mitigation technologies (mostly related to CO2), and the energy sector as a whole.

Right now I'm working on the production of liquid transportation fuels from domestic feedstocks (coal, biomass, etc). Somewhat topical stuff. ;)

Re: Regrets

[brcmapgirl]

u r so hawt.

Um, when you come to town, you have to meet my new bf. He works for FERC.