First timer, best time: My conference awakening

I have always heard from the high management level about the FIDI events, all the meetings, talks, and conferences in nice places. Funny stories, photos from the vacation-worth places. And I will be honest telling you, that I always had mixed feelings about what happens there, behind the FIDI curtains. Being interested and happy to hear those stories, I enjoyed the successes of colleagues, being jealous of the places these meetings were held in and imagining that this to be just another ‘old folks’ get-together. What else could I imagine, having a feeling that attendees are in their late 50s or even 60s, very long time in the industry and sharing their fun stories from the ‘golden’ 90s. That was my picture of the FIDI Conference. Should I regret it or is it indeed changing? 

It was right after all limitations from Covid were lifted off in 2022, when my manager reached out to me with an offer to join the team representing the company in Cannes. Sure! I felt happy and appreciated for the work I did so far. So, let's get things packed! 

The very first surprise was upon registration on the FIDI website, there will be tours! Woohoo! I had to talk with some other experienced colleagues to understand what those tours are, and how it works with my target to network. Sounds fun and easy. 

I was looking forward to the conference for multiple reasons, being my very first conference and having such a role to represent my employer, meet the people I know per email communication since beginning of my work in the industry (2011), possibility first time to visit south of France, finally to grow on professional and personal level. Do you still recall my impression on what this conference is about, so no pressure right? It was not only my very first conference, but I also just joined the FIDI 39 Club.

Therefore, the conference started for us a day earlier, with FIDI 39 Club outside activities on the beach. Had a great time talking about the environment, ocean ecosystem and pollution. After that we were split into teams, given trash bags and a challenge to gather as much trash as possible from the beach - cleanest beach in France, in my opinion. The day followed then with fun sports activities, dinner and finally some dancing on the dance floor in a Club. 

I’m happy that it was the first touch with the conference, as it was a great ice breaker. To meet all these great people there, chilled, helpful, professional, in such an open environment it helped to see that first of all - we all are personalities. 

I found calmness in my heart for the very first official meetings on Monday morning. They went smooth, stress-free, just like meeting old friends, sharing business challenges and successes, with spices of private life. The single stressful experience is to look for your next meeting partner - not knowing his or her face! What do you think about the small and multiple meeting locations, with lack of tables and seating possibilities? I love it. Isn’t it reflecting the core of our business? Communication - by finding each other, finding time - finding mutual schedule possibilities, no chair or table? - no worries, we adapt and find solutions. 

I have already advised how tours sounded fun and easy, oh I was wrong… That's not related to FIDI or organized Tours, but me - introverted in the unknown environment and eastern European mentality, that success is built only with the serious face and hard work. I was enjoying the tour and views of Antibes, but inside I had such stress and struggle on how to approach the people and start the conversations. It was always so easy to tell my smaller kids - go, find yourself a friend. And now, how should I do that? Should I just comment on what I see? Should I introduce myself and immediately give my business card? But that's just rushing, and can I get the opposite effect? But what if they do not want to talk to me? Aaaa! Breath and keep calm… you are not the first and not the last in this situation… Hi, how’s your tour going so far? It’s my first time in the South of France and wow what a place, right? … 

Now I have been to four FIDI conferences, do you know what part of it I'm looking forward to the most? The tours. It’s not only the possibility for me to tackle the introvert side of myself, but to meet all the new people with whom I could not find the appointment time, whom I do not know or have never heard before and those who I always wanted to know but had no chance to approach. It's the place to meet the personalities, and to get to know the person behind the job title. And hey, there is no smell of ‘old folks’ conference as I imagined. There is such a mix from people in their very early 20s with whom you can share your experience and knowledge, and the 50s-60s generation to gather yourself all their experience. Everyone gets to feel comfortable and welcome there. 

For me, the FIDI Conference is all about making trustful relationships and friendship. Let's grow together. 

P.S. Do you know what’s my newest ‘first time’? First time I got to write a blog…