That conference energy

I am attending my regional conference and despite a day of hectic travel with delays, mechanical problems, and a full sprint through the airport, I am excited by the possibilities that exist with conferences. It wasn't two minutes into the lobby before I was exchanging research ideas, re-connecting with others in my discipline, and finding that energy again.

You know the energy. The research and teaching energy where you become re-ignited to reflect, explore, and examine what you do as you hear what others do. The energy which can so easily deplete during a busy semester can be recharged when attending a good conference and Southern States Communication Association is always a good conference. I haven't even attended a session and I don't deliver my own presentation until this afternoon, but I can tell you the travel is already worth it.

This reminds me of the work Boyer did on examining faculty work and scholarship and how we reward that work. Additionally, how we talk about and share our ideas on teaching. Boyer's thoughts about faculty collaboration was reinforced within the first hours of my conference experience and I am reminded to slow down and enjoy all of the opportunities and dialogues that can be fostered in academic conference settings.

Want to read more? Check out:
Boyer, E. L. (1990). Scholarship reconsidered: Priorities of the professoriate. Princeton, NJ. Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.