We are often asked by fellow lighting people why we take the time and spend the money to go to different outdoor lighting conferences across the country. These events are definitely not cheap to attend; and, of course, time is money – especially when you are a small business owner. So how do we justify the time and expense?
The primary reason is that we understand that, to be the leader in an industry, you must be current on everything to do with that industry. At these lighting conferences, there are many educational seminars that teach on a wide variety of subjects like lighting design, lighting technology, business practices, and much more. All of which are very important subjects that are constantly changing.
Another important aspect of these meetings is the opportunity for networking with other great lighting people from near and far. In the case of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP), there are men and women from all over the US and Canada. When we go to LightFair International, there are folks involved in almost every element of lighting from all over the world. All of these people have information, ideas and insight that may teach us something new and help us think a different way about our business. This one of the ways we separate ourselves from others in our field who don’t bother trying to expand their knowledge base or stay current in the industry. Avoiding the opportunity to learn keeps any professional from being an expert, and allows them to remain in the same rut, doing the same old thing.
Finally, it’s good to get away every now and then to recharge. I can’t remember ever going to one of these events when I didn’t come back with a new outlook and enthusiasm about the year ahead. When you spend time learning new ways to look at your business, you can’t help but be excited about implementing those new ideas and seeing them come to life.
So this week we will be at the AOLP annual conference where we will learn and recharge. We will network with our outdoor lighting friends, both old and new, and we will come back ready to shine our light in the greater Austin area.
