The benefits of attending industry events for Business Analysts
Written by Yaseen Patel, Senior Business Consultant at Saratoga
As a Senior Business Consultant at Saratoga and the Treasurer of the IIBA South African Chapter, Yaseen Patel is often planning industry events — from Lean Coffees, to Professional Development Days and Conferences. In this article, Yaseen looks at the importance of attending industry events and how this supports the personal and professional development of Business Analysts.
Post-pandemic, event organisers have found themselves grappling with the now infamous conundrum: Virtual, hybrid or in-person? While identifying the appropriate format for an event is crucial, it is also equally important to understand your target audience and what they seek to gain from attending events.
A few months ago, I was talking with a friend who works in marketing for a tech company when she turned to me and asked, “This may be a stupid question, but why should BA’s attend conferences?”.
Her question made me pause for a moment to reflect. This is the ultimate question for a conference organiser. Even more so now that we are confronted with the ‘new normal’, social distancing and continued global economic challenges.
While there are a wide range of benefits for professionals attending industry events, it was important for me to establish an understanding of some of the key reasons why Business Analysts attend events and what they gain from these experiences. No two events are alike, but in my experience with virtual and in-person events some common themes have emerged.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why Business Analysts attend industry events and conferences.
1. Expanding your network
Meeting like-minded Business Analysts and peers in similar industries is one of the key reasons professionals attend conferences. Events like the annual BA Summit in South Africa brings together BAs from all over the world and is an excellent way to meet fellow BAs from different countries, industries and specialisations. These events also give you the opportunity to meet people from different companies and organisations, or to reconnect with previous colleagues — ultimately growing your professional network.
2. Knowledge sharing
Knowledge is power! And industry conferences are the ultimate platform for knowledge sharing. Whether it’s new tips, tricks, techniques, tools, or technologies — learning from Business Analysis thought leaders and their experiences is invaluable. These conferences also often provide the opportunity to attend talks by the biggest names in the BA world, and even more importantly, gives you the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, ask them questions and seek advice that can be applicable to your own work.
3. Presenting to your peers
This reason is a personal favourite — having presented at the 2021 BA Summit. Presenting your work and lessons learnt to your peers is an excellent opportunity to share your specific insights and to hone your public speaking skills. Not only will presenting boost your confidence, it will also provide you with new perspectives on your way of work as people may ask questions that can lead you to different insights or even to a reconsidered approach to your projects.
4. Building your brand
Whether you’re the CEO of a multinational corporation, a second-year graduate student, first-time presenter or a seasoned Business Analyst — attending an industry event offers the opportunities to make connections with professionals who could significantly impact your career or professional development. This is especially important when you’re looking for collaborators, mentors or if you’re keen to implement your BA skills in a new industry and need some guidance. Much like a ‘real-life’ LinkedIn, these events present you with the opportunity to develop your professional brand and establish yourself as a thought leader in your respective industry.
5. Broadening your Business Analysis horizons
From business analysis trends, to career guidance and professional advice — conferences offer Business Analysts access to a range of topics and industry leaders. This provides attendees with access to knowledge and insights they might not gain during their day-to-day work, and exposes them to the many different sub-fields and approaches within business analysis, as well as how they can apply their skills in other industries.
Beyond the above listed benefits of attending industry events, there are a number of additional benefits such as gaining continuing education credits, recruiting qualified professionals to your team, finding a new job or even just getting away from your desk for a day or two and traveling to a new city.
If you’re interested in attending more business analysis events, here is a list of conferences and networking events to get you started:
- BA Istanbul
- BA & Beyond
- European BA-Day
- Digital Architecture Design Day
- DREAM
- BA Convention
- BA Life
- Balkan Business Analysis Conference
- Business Analysis Summit (International)
- BBC
- PMBA Global
- IRM UK — Business Analysis Conference Europe
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