Registered for the MSLSSL Employment Virtual Conference 2020

I have registered for the MSLSSL Employment Virtual Conference 2020. The online conference is only 1 week away. I have marked it on my physical Planner, and also set a reminder on my handphone. The sessions will be most illuminating, I am sure.

Online conferences and courses are the new norms

To be frank, in ordinary times, I would not be able to attend conferences such as this. Not even a peek at the stage. The fees are usually quite hefty.

MSLSSL 2019

For instance, last year’s MSLSSL registration fees for non-member was RM1,378 (inclusive of 6% SST). That includes all the sessions, foods and networking opportunities. As one who doesn’t eat much and eats slowly, the food would be wasted. Nonetheless, I think I would have loved to expand my network. Plus, last year’s topics were all very interesting and relevant to my work.

Still, considering that:

RM1,378 + accommodation + airfare (KK – KL – KK) + miscellaneous = RM3,000++.

So, definitely NOPE, unless sponsored by my employer.

MSLSSL Employment Virtual Conference 2020

This year’s conference is divided into 6 sessions. Each session only costs RM80. But if you purchase the whole 6 sessions, it wouldn’t be RM480, it’ll be RM420 only plus a free online workshop.

I am not sure how they are planning to conduct the online workshop, especially when there could be internet connectivity issues at some places. It should be interesting.

I have registered for the 3rd and 6th Sessions, ‘New Jurisprudence on the Horizon’ and ‘Workforce Reduction, Business Sustainability and the Way Forward’. I know, or have personally met, or listened to some of the speakers. Therefore, I am certain that the sessions will be beneficial for me.

Preparations before the Conference

I have 1 week to conduct a bit of research into the topics so that I could better follow the discussions.

Really? Do we need to prepare for conferences? Aren’t we going to absorb all the pertinent information from the speakers, anyway?

I can’t speak for all conferences, of course. But in my experience, unlike trainings or courses, the speakers at conferences seldom give an introduction to the topics of discussion. They could, of course, choose to start with a bit of definition or a brief introduction. But don’t expect much since time is short. Normally, they would dive straight into the point.

So, to prevent getting lost in the middle of it all, it is best to do a bit of readings and research into the topic. Better still, prepare some questions beforehand. Take advantage of the speakers’ expertise.

I am definitely looking forward to the MSLSSL 2020.