Joys Of Conference (Or Event) Hosting

I was honored to serve as the coordinator for our T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Conference in 2010. When I agreed to do it, I had some trepidation though. I had never even helped coordinate a TCC event (so there was some fear of the unknown), I didn’t have time, and organization and details are not my natural strengths. I remember thinking, “I don’t even know what I don’t know!” Perhaps you can identify with some element of this? If so, fear not. Supporting a conference or TCC event is not a daunting burden. On the contrary, it’s an amazing opportunity.

One benefit is receiving. One does not coordinate a conference alone: you have a team working with you and other experts who have come before you. You are supported throughout the process. More than 40 people helped pull the 2010 conference together; teachers offered their services in any way needed. I’ll never forget experiencing the teh (sincerity) of our teachers.

Relationships also develop. The conference team became closer the longer as we served, and my interactions with individual teachers deepened during the conference itself. There was an underlying feeling of care and gratitude that was almost moment-to-moment. Angels were everywhere.

We come to conference for many reasons, including deepening our practice. Perhaps you fear if you’re coordinating the conference there won’t be the opportunity to actually enjoy it. Fear not. Even with my few extra duties, I deepened my TCC practice and experienced the unexpected. Yes, there will likely be a couple of glitches, offering the opportunity to maintain a sense of humor, and that’s always a good thing. I encourage you to give yourself this special opportunity. Only joy awaits you!