You know you’re up for this.
You understand it’s not only an honor to speak at a national conference, but one heck of an experience. It’s difficult to commit to such an endeavor without it changing you -stretching you out of your comfort zone.
One thing we love about planning the NANT conference is the privilege of reviewing the incredible work that you’re doing in the world. You inspire and motivate us, and in turn, hundreds of your colleagues at the conference.
So it’s time to begin. The Call for Abstracts is here!
While you’re pondering the research, quality improvement project or clinical content you’d love to present, take a look at the Top 5 Reasons to Submit:
1. Courage
Like Dr. Brene Brown says, you become courageous by engaging in courageous acts. Speaking in front of hundreds of your peers takes guts. I applaud anyone who willingly steps onto the stage, or into the arena, so to speak.
To begin, you must first submit to speak. You can do that by clicking here. You’re ready. Take one step forward and feel the confidence that comes with this courageous act.
2. Credibility
The funny thing about credibility is sometimes feels like you have to leave your own NICU, city or state to obtain it. After presenting, I often have someone approach me and say, “Thank you! I’ve been trying to teach our staff this information for years. Why do they believe you so easily?”
Because there’s something about having a suitcase and a plane ticket that gives you credibility. People from ‘far away’ must know better! Hilarious – and a common perspective.
AND there’s this: the more you stretch yourself by speaking locally or internationally, the more credibility you gain because you learn something by standing up and presenting it. By fielding questions and having your information organized and referenced. By becoming a great communicator.
So, while the plane ticket itself doesn’t add to your credibility, the process does. You become credible by ‘doing credible’ in front of hundreds of witnesses.
And there’s something to be said for the added credibility of being chosen to present out of a pool of esteemed colleagues. We’ll talk more about that in #4.
3. Growth
Your growth is palpable from the moment you decide to submit an abstract. You feel different. Fully implementing that vision is powerful.
I always think speakers look a little taller as they leave the stage.
I’ve watched it happen over and over. Kelli Jackman, MPT comes to mind. First a poster presenter, then speaker, then published author. Whew – her growth has been visible.
She was certainly accomplished before that whirlwind year, but the domino effect of her most recent growth began with her decision to complete this form.
It gives me chills.
Is this your year?
4. Privilege
Plain and simple.
It’s a privilege to be selected to speak at a national conference.
Not an ego-driven-can’t-get-your-head-through-the-door kind of privilege. But a real one. I’ve presented at 7 different national conferences. And I’ve been turned down as well. I drew lessons from each experience.
Privilege. Gratitude. Celebration. Honor.
5. And yes, it’s great for your CV.
Maybe your curriculum vitae (CV) is incredibly impressive. Or maybe you’d love it to be impressive!
Regardless, speaking at a national conference is a great CV-builder.
For reasons 1-4, and many more, it’s a great way to highlight your expertise and your desire to show up in a powerful way.
Many of you have already asked us when the call for abstracts for the 2014 NANT Conference will be available. Well that time is NOW!
Here’s the link again to the online form: http://bit.ly/callforabstract
Are you in?
(Please forward this to interested colleagues!)
