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I just returned from Philadelphia where I did two presentations on “Legal Issues (for Meeting Planners) in Today’s Environment.” And what I came to realize was (a) I love public speaking, training, and teaching, but (b) not about law. I speak on the subject because I am, in fact, a lawyer. But it’s not mainly what I am…any more. 
Mainlywhat I am is a professor of meeting and event management. But no one wants to hear me (or pay me to) talk about that.
Also, all of my flights to/from Philadelphia were delayed due to weather. To catch the last leg of my journey back home, I actually had to run in Memphis airport from gate B2 to gate A1. If that doesn’t seem far to you, check out this map - I had to run from the middle of the blue concourse to the very end of the green concourse. Further factor in that I am a 40-something woman who is somewhat out of shape and that I was running in clogs, schlepping a suitcase, briefcase, and a small bag of holiday presents. When two airline employees ask you in a concerned way, “Ma’am, are you OK?” you know you’re not looking too good.
And don’t even get me started on leaving my 2-year-old, who is now starting to “get” what it means when Mommy goes on a trip.
On the up side, I got some awesome holiday shopping done in the Philadelphia airport, had a chance sighting of Martin Sheen there, and Delta Air Lines actually held the plane that I ran for in Memphis so I did make it home! (Yay, Delta Air Lines!).
So the question I’m toying with in my mind (and here) is WHY? Why do I do this? The simple answer is either money or ego or both. The more complicated answer is that I love to teach, facilitate, educate and these are great opportunities to do that with a different audience than I have in my undergrad classes. Which leads to…do I do more of it? Do I stop doing it? Do I only do it on different subjects–subjects that I’m still passionate about?
I wrote this because it helps me to get the questions out in writing and in public. I know this is something I have to figure out for myself. But if you have answers, feedback or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
