If 2020 (the Lord Voldemort of years) and the COVID global pandemic have taught us anything, it is that we do not HAVE to be face to face, breathing the same air as someone, in order to learn from them. We have been forced (in some cases, dragged kicking and screaming) to embrace technology if we want to be successful. We have had no choice but to conduct business remotely, learn remotely, and socialize remotely. It has not been easy, but it has either been adapt or fail.
Technological Shifts and Advancements
Thank goodness that technology is where it is at today, as opposed to 10 or 20 or more years ago. Otherwise, this year would have been even harder than it was. But we have come a long, long way when it comes to communicating and learning. Let me illustrate that for you.
About 15 or so years ago, a work colleague (a bit of a technology, extension and knowledge management visionary, to give him full credit for his brilliance) published an article to my department outlining a hypothetical/theoretical extension scenario of the future. I was the subject of the example, which made it all that more bizarre and futuristic to me. I remember reading what he wrote and thinking that it was simply crazy, and I could NOT see most of that actually happening. It involved me doing virtual field visits using a smartphone, having pictures and video shared from the field by clients, and then information being sent shared electronically. Answers were provided visually, virtually, in real time. There were other examples within it, but consider that back in the early 2000s, I did not even have a smartphone. At the time, we still printed factsheets and manuals. Newspaper articles were sent out by mail to the mailing list. Most newsletters had most of their membership receiving their copies by snail mail. As a department, our web presence was increasing but paper and in-person were still the primary channels of communicating information. Video conferencing systems were incredibly expensive, complex and had limited uptake (for lots of reasons).
A Technological Evolution
Fast forward a few years and look at where we are. Losing our smartphone can elicit almost the same level of panic as losing a limb or a child (in that order – heck, now, if you lose the child, you just text them). Most of the information that we rely on is stored somewhere on the internet. Knowledge gaps are filled simply by saying “Hey Google…”. We meet people over video, we have virtual meetings within meetings, all without leaving the comfort and security of our homes. I would estimate that at the moment, 95 percent of my work is now down virtually or remotely, without much negative impact. Using technology, I can be more nimble and responsive to my clients than I ever could before.
Virtual Information Options
With this surge in technological connection, have you found that you access supports and resources differently? Do you find it empowering and exhilarating, or is it tiring? Personally, I find that it has made transitioning from government work to consulting somewhat simpler, since in most cases, I can now visit my clients more simply without incurring a high travel cost for them and me, with the added bonus of keeping both of us safe. I conduct the vast majority of my business online and without paper.
One of the unforeseen benefits (in my mind) is that I have the opportunity to be more creative in how I deliver information, since I know that it is likely not going to be handled physically.
For example, I recently launched my own YouTube channel. It is still mostly empty, and I am still figuring out the style and the methods for different audiences, but it does mean that I can provide information verbally, with a visual side to it, as well as having an attached link to readable material, for that type of learner. I plan on developing and posting some courses (in multiple modules) to meet the need for the extended training that cannot happen in-person right now. I will make sure that personal interactions and connections happen through targeted live Q&A sessions, or in other ways. I can still deliver the knowledge that I have to share with those that need it, but I do not have to worry about meeting regulations or contributing to a prolonged pandemic.
Spencer Horticultural Solutions YouTube Channel
Virtual Conferencing
Due to the global restrictions on travel and distancing, as well as varying and changing requirements, many extension events that we might have participated in have either been cancelled, or they have shifted to an online or virtual format. At the same time, there are scores of different webinars on many topics, all available for free, or for a lower cost.
Have you taken in any virtual conferences yet? If you did, what did you think? I have tuned into a few of them and the benefits outweigh the loss of the direct contact. I can watch most of the presentations later if I need to or want to. The cost is low. The content is excellent and diverse. I am finding that the selection of speakers is much broader than it might be for a more regional event, since without travel, you can tap almost anyone in the world to deliver a message, rather than be restricted to those that you can afford to bring in.
I look forward to taking in a few conferences this winter (more than I would normally), as well as participating more directly in others as a speaker. I am grateful that technology has come so far that it allows us to carry out our work almost seamlessly. It might be less social (I miss hugs), but personally, I would rather have access to the information rather than miss out.
Here are a few that I look forward to.
Green Industry Show and Conference – virtual tradeshow, education sessions, etc.
Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo – virtual tradeshow, education sessions, etc.
Will there be others? Absolutely. Keep your eyes open. If there are conferences that you’ve attended in the past, have a look, and see what they are doing for 2020/2021.
Here are a few conferences that I have attended at some time in the past, or groups/associations that I have been connected with, along with either their website and/or their currently advertised plans for their winter meetings.
North American Strawberry Growers Association – 2021 will be virtual
Pacific Agriculture Show – 2021 will be virtual
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention – 2021 edition cancelled – 2022 projected to go ahead
North American Farm Direct Marketers Association (NAFDMA) – 2021 will be virtual
Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association – 2021 FMT conference TBD
Potato Growers of Alberta – 2020 conference has been cancelled