What to do after you've left the Conference?

Not too long ago I had the great opportunity to attend the 11th Structures for Inclusion conference, SFI 10+1 for short. The focus on solutions for social engagement and problem solving is a focus of mine. Overall the conference was great, if a bit overdrawn at times. So much energy and excitement was absolutely contagious. It was more then evident the enthusiasm the more than 400 attendees held for the subject matter. Participant participation during the panels, presentations, and break out sessions were phenomenal.

With so much excitement surrounding this event however, I have to wonder, why doesn't it receive more widespread attention? Could it be that the subject is too niche? Could my enthusiasm for the subject be biasing my perception of it's importance? Probably all of the above. There are probably 100s of conferences a year, just like this one, that most people never hear about.

These are very much grassroots endeavors and it is the responsibility of those of us who attend these events to grow awareness of them within our home circles. It is not enough to go to conferences anymore. We must all be stewards of the ideas proposed within these venues. We must continue to discuss and engage these ideas after we've left the conference. Only through this way will the ideas continue to develop and gain momentum outside of the tight circle of conference devotees.

Transforming small scale group-think into large scale group-action will have a tremendous effect on how we design change. Ideas are good, actions are exceptional. There were plenty of actual projects shown at SFI 10+1, but now it's time to grow that Impact.