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Alison Skirtboston

Skirt! Boston editor

Skirt! is evidence that the universe is paying attention: I spent the last six years at mach speed, whether finishing college (Emerson) while writing full time for Boston Globe West (2001-2004) or editing the Boston Parents’ Paper during the day while holding down the steady gig writing for Globe ...

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Conference Confession

Alison editor

Have you ever been so busy that you didn’t look up forever ... then figured out that everyone else had left for the day while you were toiling away in your own little world? Or have you ever been so busy that you don’t realize you haven’t purchased any groceries until you’re looking into an empty sleeve of Saltines for a breakfast crumb?

You don’t want to be the office gofer until you’re 50. Take a break and recharge at the Women’s Leadership Conference at Framingham State College this weekend. You might find the key to getting ahead without trying too hard. And your boss might pay for you to go!

Here’s my confession: I enjoy conferences. Although I never attended one until  just a few years ago, I find them refreshing and energizing because everyone’s on the same page. The Neiman Narrative Journalism conference in Boston was a godsend for me when I was freelancing from home and feeling parched for new approaches. When I was editing a parenting publication, the Franciscan Children’s Hospital held a great conference each year on special needs and education. Last fall I discovered Babson’s Women’s Leadership Conference, which offered great nuts and bolts advice for getting ahead as well as the long-range vision of keynote speaker Sally Ride. It was awesome.

Each time I attend a conference I realize there’s more to a career than just working as hard as you can.

As a capstone to the spring’s Metrowest Chamber of Commerce’s Womens Initiative Luncheons, a conference is set for this weekend at Framingham State College. It’s called Awakening the Leader Within and promises great interactive sessions and networking. See you there!