REWORK

Speaking Gigs, Attending Conferences, and the Importance of Gathering

Nov 8, 2023

Discover the transformative power of in-person connections and the importance of attending conferences. Learn the benefits of speaking at conferences and embracing the challenge. Explore the emotional experiences and human connections created at conferences. Get tips for navigating conferences and pushing past your comfort zone for personal growth.

21:17

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Quick takeaways

Real-life interactions expose the shortcomings of our digital world and the importance of face-to-face connections.

Speaking at conferences challenges speakers, helps distill knowledge, and engages with the audience.

Deep dives

The Value of Speaking at Conferences

Speaking at conferences allows for a unique opportunity to have someone's full attention, fostering genuine connections and meaningful interactions. The live audience engagement and the absence of online distractions create a valuable and special experience. Speaking in person also helps combat the negative influence of social media, as face-to-face conversations promote understanding and open-mindedness.

The Power of Speaking in Front of a Live Audience

01:32

The Comfort Crisis and the Importance of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

00:44

The Importance of In-Person Interaction and Conveying Emotions

03:02

Introduction

5min

The Benefits of Speaking at Conferences and Embracing the Challenge

3min

The Power of In-Person Interactions and Emotional Experiences at Conferences

4min

Navigating the Comfort Crisis: Attending Conferences as an Introvert

6min

Future Speaking Engagements and Building Exciting Things

3min

In a world dominated by virtual interactions, coming together in person offers an opportunity to foster deeper human connections that are impossible to achieve through any other means. Jason Fried recently took the stage in Vancouver and David Heinemeier Hansson did the same at Rails World in Amsterdam.

Today, they join Kimberly Rhodes to share their unique perspectives on life beyond the digital realm. Listen in for their valuable tips for making the most of attending or speaking at conferences and embracing the personal growth that comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.

Check out the full video episode on YouTube

Key Takeaways:

The importance of real-life interactions to point out what's lacking in our digital-first world.
The transformative power of in-person connection to reshape perceptions, and foster deeper human connections.
The value of public speaking for the speaker: how speaking at conferences can help speakers distill their knowledge, engage with their audience, AND challenge themselves.
Why emotion trumps content at conferences—what attendees are really seeking.
Tips for navigating conferences, making meaningful connections, and pushing past your comfort zone for personal growth.
Finding the right mix between expanding your social capacity, and knowing when to step back and recharge.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X [formerly known as Twitter).

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

Rails World 2023 Opening Keynote - David Heinemeier Hansson

The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self

The 37signals Dev Blog

37signals on YouTube

The Rework Podcast on YouTube

@37signals on X

37signals on LinkedIn