You know I'm new to the conference - an ICF first timer. I don't know quite what to expect, especially at the largest ever coaches conference to date. I'm excited, and looking forward to the whirlwind of people, information, creativity and connection. But, I'm an introvert, easily exhausted by lots of people and so am also having thoughts like - will I be able to have intelligent conversations at the end of the day, will I feel like having lunch with other human beings, what kind of impression will I leave when my cranky tired out self leaps into the conversation unbidden?
I appreciate Molly's post about what she gets out of these conferences and how she goes about it. It sort of gave my introvert the permission it needed to come out of the closet.
What I know is I need to have a plan. Not only a plan for what to bring, what to wear, who to connect with, but a plan for my energy and renewal daily - perhaps even hourly.
One of the things I love about the coaching community is that we get to be who we truly are. If you meet me at 4pm and I'm a bit frayed around the edges, forgive me - you've just met my tired introvert.
Sounds like peas in a pod. I ride the line between introvert and extravert, and if I am feeling at all tired or off my feed, I default to introvert.. One of the things that impressed me about my first conference in Orlando (1999?) was how non-overwhelmed I felt. 900 people (there will be almost twice as many in SJ), yet somehow lots of psychic space.
Posted by: Molly Gordon | November 07, 2005 at 12:23 PM
Aloha Catherine,
You're so funny! Great post.
I guess that explains why Hawaii agrees with you so nicely. Although - you may want to experience North Shore living, and then you'll be itching to interact with people at a conference. :+D
And if you're up for energy-altering substances - try Monster energy drink. It really does the trick when ya just want to curl up under the covers and not come out.
Looking forward to staying in the loop with the conference while I travel around looking for more real estate investments on the mainland.
See ya' soon. (And if all those huggers get the best of you - just wear a shirt that advertises you as an introvert saying "INTROVERT WARNING - Back off - I've just come out of the closet!"
Posted by: Coach Deb | November 06, 2005 at 01:04 AM
Yay! Validation! Nancy and I were recording our podcast this week talking about the conference and joking if there was some sort of initiation ritual that involved massive amounts of hugging.
I'll see you in the corner!
Posted by: Catherine Bruns | November 04, 2005 at 06:16 PM
Welcome, fellow introvert! Thanks Catherine for sharing. Shall we all get together to share our dreads about this conference experience? Oh, I guess that wouldn't be a good idea, we'd never show up for the meeting! I am actually an introvert who pretends to be extrovert at these things, and usually get burned out quite quickly. Too many extrovert coaches emoting and gushing all the time, really it's exhausting, all that good will and hugging. Let's you and I sit in a corner and just think for awhile and recharge our batteries... Denise and I often say we are two introverts who put our heads together to make one extrovert! See ya soon, and I promise to not be too gushy!
Posted by: Patsi Krakoff | November 04, 2005 at 04:50 PM