04/23/2026
Yesterday at the Ottawa Construction Association Symposium, I had the chance to show up as both a speaker and an exhibitor.
My post-conference reflection…🤔
💡 Connections aren’t just about meeting new people. Some of the most valuable moments came from reconnecting with people I already know…strengthening trust, picking up where we left off, and deepening relationships.
💡 Having a booth changes the game…but maybe not in the way we think. Yes, it’s a home base. But it’s also a reminder that the real value often happens outside of it, in conversations, in curiosity, and in being willing to step away from the table.
💡 I didn’t need the game I planned. Turns out, genuine conversation beats a “hook” every time. People don’t need to be pulled in, they need to feel seen, heard, and like the interaction matters…so I ditched it!
💡 Referring people to others is never a loss. Some of the best conversations ended with, “You should go talk to…” When you focus on helping people find the right connection, not just keeping them for yourself, you build credibility that lasts longer than any pitch.
💡 And a personal one…having my husband there, representing his company, mattered more than I expected. Not just because of the support, but because it gave me the freedom to step away, circulate, and fully engage. That kind of partnership? It makes a difference.
Biggest takeaway…
It’s not about how many conversations you have. It’s about how you show up in the ones that matter.
To everyone that attended my session, took something away, stopped by my booth, shook my hand, gave me a hug, gave me a high five, left their card, took mine, told someone about me, tagged me in their own conference reflection post, is thinking of reaching out and wants to work with me in the future…THANK YOU!!! 🙏
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