There are a lot of reasons individual members should attend an FGIA conference. Some of our events are labeled as a summit or a meeting, but they all offer the same goal: to ensure members receive timely, first-hand information and practical insights to support their organizations and day-to-day operations. In addition to the educational value, these events provide an important opportunity for in-person interaction. Strong professional connections are built through regular face-to-face engagement, and many business representatives recognize and value consistent participation and representation within the industry community. To aid in relaying this value, we’re providing simple talking points to convince your supervisor to send you to our next event.
We also offer smaller scale, virtual events for our three different geographical regions. But not only will going to an FGIA event benefit you, your presence there can also raise your company’s profile.
Networking
Grow your professional development by networking with the right people at the right time. FGIA conferences are an excellent opportunity to make connections. Your colleagues, who are already in the rooms where decisions happen, can introduce you to the contacts they have built over the years. That way, you can continue to foster those relationships either when your manager is not available or after they retire. What if your company has never participated in an FGIA event? That is all the more reason to get into the room with these leaders as soon as possible.
Technical Expertise
At FGIA conferences, you can get your questions answered by the experts we invite to speak. Where else can you have on hand those with the most industry knowledge? Talk to your boss about which meetings to attend that would most benefit you and your organization. While attending in person, you can also meet the FGIA staff and discover the many ways they can help your company. Finally, once it’s all said and done, you can offer to do a post-event report and summary to relay all you’ve learned with others in your organization.
Document Development
During conferences, you can ensure your company has a say in the development of the standards our industry follows, thanks to the working group meetings taking place there. Committees and task groups are a great way for members to take an active role in the evolution of our industry while growing professionally and showcasing your company’s involvement and expertise.
Mentoring
During in-person events, FGIA works hard to match new participants with a mentor for their first conference. This is helpful because you will have an experienced professional who has attended many FGIA events showing you the ropes. Learn how FGIA events work from a new, important networking connection. This ain’t our mentors’ first rodeo. These FGIA members have attended many of our events and will be happy to share their knowledge with you and your company. Decades into our existence, companies agree: there is nothing else in the industry like an FGIA conference. Talk to your supervisor today about coming to our next event.
