My Top Ten Reasons to Go Live

This week's guest blogger is Steven Peer.

Every week I'm invited to 2-3 teleconferences or webinars on this or that. Most invitations come from people I've never heard of. If no live conference exists on the topic, I consider the teleconference. But I vastly prefer live conferences, especially CHADD's conferences on ADHD. Why? Here are my top ten reasons.

1. There is little or no barrier to creating a teleconference—anyone can claim to do them. But the truth is that there are thousands of details that only years of experience creating conference events can anticipate.

2. Ask anyone who's attended a live conference: The joy, the fun, and the tears come from what happens before, between, and after conference sessions.

3. Luddites are welcome at live conferences. Even computer pros can find teleconferences daunting.

4. As a teleconference learner, you learn only what is directed at you. There's no overhearing of questions and comments, there's no body language, no inference, no bumping into world-class presenters in the hallway. There's nothing like face-to-face learning.

5. Checking OUT of your routine and IN to a live conference changes everything. No crying, barking, or other distractions from the sessions. Many folks with ADHD learn best in an immersion setting.

6. Airfares and hotel rooms are a deal right now. And Atlanta is a great place to extend your stay for some much-needed R&R.

7. If you have the chance, ask a presenter what he or she thinks of presenting for a teleconference—it's as awkward for them as it is for you.

8. Quit saying 'no' to yourself. This conference was designed to make your life better.

9. If you can't live without technology, we will have all the sessions on MP3 or video for you—taped in front of a LIVE audience.

10. No teleconference operator can claim a 22-year history of international, life-changing events. But CHADD's annual international conference on ADHD can. You owe it to yourself to treat yourself to this conference.

I hope to see you there.


Steven Peer is the president of CHADD’s board of directors. CHADD's 22nd Annual International Conference on ADHD will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, from November 11 to 13. Learn more or register today.