With conference and travel budgets being managed very carefully, here is a list of why you should attend this e.vent.  It's the first in-person, CSS National Congress since 2017.  The CSS participated in the 2019 World Sleep Congress in Vancouver in 2019 but we are hosting our program in lovely downtown Ottawa from April 27-29, 2023.

1. Learn and develop your skills - While most people come to conferences with a solid knowledge base in their field, there will inevitably be things you discover at events. Even if you are a seasoned veteran of your industry, there will always be new faces with new standpoints or new insights about things you already know.

2. Boost your network - Networking is inherent to events and is arguably their most significant advantage. No organization operates in a vacuum, and cannot survive without customers or solution providers. Attending a conference lets you meet potential business partners in just a few days.
3. Acquire the latest industry knowledge - Your organization’s ability to keep up with the latest trends directly affects its competitiveness and credibility in clients’ eyes. Staying abreast of innovations helps bring new ideas that can be implemented in your organization. Innovative ideas can dramatically change your company’s strategic approach or even the overall business model for the better.  Academic events are an excellent opportunity to exchange research or solutions considering a new regulation or transformation.

4. Implement new knowledge in your own company - If you are the expert in a particular subfield of your industry, your organization relies on you to implement the most efficient practices and develop your skills. Attending an academic event does not only advance your expertise but facilitates the growth of your company or department. Bring freshly acquired ideas to your office to improve yourself and your workplace.

5. Meet and hear from your industry’s solution-providers - Conferences provide an opportunity for companies to introduce new products or services. Most business events have an exhibition area where vendors showcase their latest service offerings or announce upcoming launches. Conferences provide the opportunity for industry professionals and solution providers to meet, exchange contacts and possibly begin cooperation. Exhibitors at the event can help you find solutions to your challenges with their technology, consultancy, or product. This information can be invaluable for decision-makers trying to make informed decisions about the direction of their company’s future.

6. Be in an atmosphere explicitly tailored to let you grow and learn - Another great benefit of attending a conference is that it is tailored to further professional development and grant greater focus. You will find exciting workshops, lectures, and round table discussions on topics relevant to your industry in a room of like-minded professionals. In the end, conferences are made to improve, inspire, and get inspired! They are informative and educational and provide attendees with the tools necessary to succeed in their field.

7. Have fun and travel - Last but not least, business events are fun. Physical conferences let you escape the routine, even if it is just for one day, and do something different often in a foreign country. They also allow you to meet new people and enjoy a chat with them. Conferences can recharge your motivation and energy levels by offering inspiring stories from other entrepreneurs who faced similar challenges but were able to overcome them with sheer determination and hard work.