What Are the Best Ways to Prepare for In-Person Events This Summer?

Published

1 year ago

May 5, 2022

In-person events are gradually coming back after COVID-19 largely put them on hold. If you’ve got some on your summer agenda or are thinking about buying tickets soon, here are some actionable strategies to get ready to attend them as an exhibitor or attendee.

Be Patient When Getting Back Into Networking

The pandemic didn’t halt networking entirely. Still, it’s a wholly different experience getting to know someone in a Zoom breakout room versus in-person over a cup of coffee. Transitioning back to face-to-face networking isn’t always smooth, even for people who are highly experienced in interpersonal relations.

Lisa Lopez is a professor of educational psychology at the University of South Florida. She recently spoke at an in-person conference and commented, “It felt invigorating and exciting to be in person.” However, she reflected on her face-to-face conversations with peers, saying, “We were joking about how we had to relearn our social skills. We’re all developmental psychologists who study social and academic development, and we had to retrain ourselves on social development.”

Think about what you could do to let yourself ease back into the social interactions such events require. Whether you’re an exhibitor or attendee, consider scheduling some lower-stakes gatherings first to get your confidence up and eliminate preventable pressure.

Alternatively, go to some of the less-formal offerings at trade shows before exposing yourself to the ones where you really want to be in your best form. For example, add a casual breakfast to your schedule before putting yourself out there at a speed networking event.

The pandemic changed people in ways they haven’t fully grasped yet. If some of the early interactions at in-person events don’t happen as smoothly as you’d hoped, remember that the individuals on the other end of those conversations are probably dealing with similar struggles.

Plan for Hybrid Events

COVID-19 proved having online content offers perks in-person events can’t. For starters, offering material online breaks down geographic barriers. Even the most motivated individuals can’t always come to physical events, especially if doing so requires significant travel time or visa applications.

Having at least some of the event’s programming online eliminates those potential issues. As you think about what your return to physical events looks like, realize it might not mean eliminating online content.

Shawn Shapiro, an event planner at Redstone Agency, said, “2022 will be about quality over quantity with content and other factors in the event process. I think you will see a large shift towards hybrid events, especially in the first and second quarter, with an increase of in-person events as the year progresses. As in-person does return, I do think we will see a virtual piece stay for many events, which will help to connect to larger audiences and make for a more immersive and global experience moving forward.”

Diana Canellis, head of sponsorships at Techsytalk, felt similarly, saying, “Hybrid or bust! Smaller in-person regional events with virtual capacities will thrive – similar to events after 9/11, where regional events became more popular.”

She continued, “I think people will continue to enjoy working from home but will be interested in smaller networking events (with proof of vaccination or COVID-free tested attendees) closer to home. And for event professionals, this will help with risk (budgeting) instead of larger in-person events and potential no-shows – even though it will mean more work!”

Go With an Attractive and Welcoming Booth Design

Even though so much has changed since in-person events were last running at their usual frequency and capacity, some things have remained the same. It’s still vital to use branding elements, such as hashtags and logos, to draw attention to your company. You may even want to do something more that helps your booth stand out from others, such as installing a floral arch that catches attention and features your brand colors.

Now, in a time when people are easing back to in-person events, it’s equally important to make them feel comfortable at your booth. One possibility is to see what you can do to manage traffic flow so the booth doesn’t get too crowded.

Making hand sanitizer available is another straightforward way to increase comfort. Also, even if the event does not require masks, consider having one to put on in case a person you’re conversing with prefers it.

Some people may not want to go back to shaking hands yet, either. Give them a welcoming smile as they approach your booth, then leave it up to them to decide whether they extend a hand or make another move to show friendliness.

You’ll need to be as flexible as possible in accommodating booth visitors where they are. Some people may gradually become more at ease as the event progresses, but others may be relatively careful the whole time.

Show Sensitivity to Risk Tolerance Variations When Making Company Decisions

In-person events typically offer attendees a broad assortment of possibilities. You might go to a talk about how 3D printing is transforming the electronics industry before heading to a fabrication robot demonstration. However, not everyone is ready to dive back into everything an event offers.

As Mahmood Noman, people director of Bradfield College, pointed out, “Many of my colleagues and their families have suffered through the pandemic, and a return to in-person events will cause great anxiety.” You can’t know everything that factors into how people feel about returning to physical events. Someone who has already had COVID-19 twice and was only mildly sick each time might feel they’re ready to do everything they did before the pandemic and perhaps more.

However, immunocompromised people or those with chronically ill family members at home may be more careful about what they do. It’s also highly likely that individuals who have been personally and severely affected by the virus may feel more hesitant about in-person events than those who had less-intimate impacts.

Proceed individually when doing things like deciding which staff members will work at trade show booths instead of assuming they’re okay with that role. Although you need an on-site presence, don’t push people into doing things before they feel comfortable. Such situations could make them outwardly nervous and not the best representation of your company.

Are You Ready for In-Person Events?

Attendees will return to in-person events at their own pace. That may mean things aren’t immediately back to what you’re used to, but being responsive to that reality as an attendee or exhibitor will help you have a productive experience no matter what.

5 Tips for Maintaining a Good Work-Life Balance

Published

4 weeks ago

September 1, 2023

Times of Startups Staff

Tips for Maintaining a Good Work-Life Balance

Effectively balancing between your professional and personal life implies dedicating sufficient time to work-related activities and personal issues without getting overwhelmed or stressed. Being able to successfully maintain a healthy work-life balance ascertains sound mental health and boosts your physical health. This makes it easier to efficiently complete your personal and professional duties.

Maintaining a good work-life balance ensures your personal relationships don’t get strained and keeps you engaged at work. Keeping a proper balance between work and your personal life isn’t easy. Nevertheless, implementing the right strategies eases the process. Outlined below are five tips for maintaining a good work-life balance.

1. Consider downtime

Since your brain is constantly working, it requires some downtime to ensure a balanced life while making yourself more productive. Overworking your brain means you won’t work as effectively and may experience burnout and health issues. Planning some downtime every once in a while helps rest your brain and keeps it healthy. It boosts your ability to focus and betters your performance in all you do.

Downtime doesn’t mean your brain stops working. It implies focusing on activities that restore and repair the brain rather than strenuous tasks. During this time, you can join a chat room such as www.chatrooms.site to make new friends from across the globe. Alternatively, reading a book or doing other things you enjoy can help restore your brain.

2. Make a plan

Juggling various roles and responsibilities can make balancing your personal and professional life difficult. Nevertheless, a healthy work-life balance is attainable, provided you make a daily, weekly, or monthly plan that you can comfortably adhere to without sacrificing one aspect of your life for the other.

A plan enables you to organize your days, set boundaries, and prioritize tasks while ascertaining that you spend quality time with your loved ones and at work. With a good plan, navigating life in a balanced manner becomes manageable, minimizing burnout risk and raising productivity. It also improves personal happiness. Planning ensures effective time management, which makes it easier to balance your personal and work life.

3. Create time for family

Sacrificing your personal life for your profession can strain your family relationships and even result in feelings of isolation and loneliness. Family time is a crucial personal life aspect you shouldn’t neglect. Quality time spent with family and loved ones strengthens your bond, and boosts your mood. It also minimizes stress and anxiety. Through family time, you can make lasting memories with your kids. To effectively make family time, consider the following:

Setting priorities: List your priorities and keep family time at the top. This makes it easier to say no to specific commitments and other things that might be a hindrance
Planning family time: Put family time in your calendar to ensure you’re for them regularly
Being present: If it’s time for family, keep away all your gadgets and other distractions that could rob them of your attention
Planning activities: Organize fun activities that all of you can enjoy together

4. Learn to say no

Saying no is crucial to regaining control of your time and balancing your life. It requires you to set boundaries and consciously decide how your time will be spent. When you overcommit, you may experience burnout and your productivity may take a dip. It also robs you of the time you would otherwise commit to your personal life. Once you master saying no, prioritizing your energy and time on things that resonate with your well-being becomes easier. It keeps you from overcommitting and preserves your energy.

To effectively say no, you must first recognize your limits and priorities. Setting boundaries and saying no to things that don’t match with your values/ goals, you can comfortably make time for what matters to you. This helps balance your personal and professional life.

5. Practice self-care

Considering the many stressors available in the workplace, being overly busy diminishes your energy levels, making it difficult to stay engaged at work. These stress triggers may result in burnout and exhaustion, a sign of an unhealthy work-life balance. Incorporating self-care into your work-life balance plan significantly benefits your physical and mental health. Self-care looks different for different people. So, focus on what makes you relax. You can go hiking, meditate, practice mindfulness, and more.

Endnote

Being able to strike a healthy balance between personal and professional life betters your well-being and workplace productivity. Consider implementing these tips for a good work-life balance.

Disclaimer: This article does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Times of Startups. Times of Startups does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article and/or view(s) expressed herein. Times of Startups shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s), etc., stated/featured in the same.

Implementing SASE: Best Practices for a Smooth Transition

Published

1 month ago

August 16, 2023

Times of Startups Staff

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses constantly seek innovative solutions to enhance their network security while maintaining optimal performance and scalability. The rise of remote work and the increasing complexity of cyber threats have prompted organizations to explore modern approaches to network architecture, and one such approach that has gained critical traction is Secure Access Service Edge or SASE.

Implementing sase solutions represents a paradigm shift in how organizations approach network security, blending network and security functionalities into a unified framework. To ensure a seamless transition to this transformative model, here are some best practices to consider:

Understanding SASE

Before diving into the implementation process, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of what Secure Access Service Edge entails. Secure Access Service Edge is a holistic approach that converges wide-area networking and security into a single cloud-based service. It emphasizes the importance of providing secure access to resources regardless of the user’s location while offering consistent and robust security measures.

Assessing Your Network

Begin the transition by conducting a thorough assessment of your existing network architecture. Determine the advantages and disadvantages of your existing configuration, and determine how well it aligns with the principles of SASE. Consider factors such as data flows, application requirements, and user locations. This evaluation will serve as the foundation for devising an implementation strategy that caters to your organization’s specific needs.

Choosing the Right Provider

Selecting the appropriate Secure Access Service Edge provider is a critical decision that significantly impacts the success of your transition. Look for providers that offer a comprehensive suite of services encompassing network connectivity, security protocols, and user-centric policies. Evaluate their track record, scalability options, and integration capabilities.

Implementing in Phases

Rather than attempting a complete overhaul, consider implementing SASE in phases. This approach allows for a gradual transition, minimizing disruption and easing the learning curve for your IT and security teams. Start with a pilot project that targets a specific department or branch. This provides valuable insights and helps identify and address potential challenges before scaling up to the entire organization.

User Education and Training

Introducing a new network and security model requires thorough user education and training. Ensure that your employees understand the benefits of SASE and are well-versed in its usage. Highlight the enhanced security features and the flexibility it offers for remote work. Providing comprehensive training materials, workshops, and support channels will empower your workforce to make the most of this transformative technology.

Ensuring Compliance

As with any major technological change, compliance with industry regulations and data protection standards is paramount. Collaborate with your legal and compliance teams to ensure the Secure Access Service Edge implementation aligns with relevant mandates. Evaluate how data will be handled, stored, and transmitted within the new framework. Address any compliance concerns proactively to avoid potential legal repercussions.

Continuous Monitoring and Optimization

Secure Access Service Edge implementation doesn’t conclude once the initial setup is complete. Continuous monitoring and optimization are essential to maintaining the security and performance of your network. Implement robust monitoring tools that provide real-time insights into network traffic, user activities, and potential threats. Evaluate your security measures’ performance on a regular basis, and adapt as needed to handle new threats.

In conclusion, as organizations adapt to dynamic work environments and ever-evolving cyber threats, implementing sase solutions emerges as a strategic choice. By following these best practices, your journey towards a secure and efficient network architecture can be smooth and successful. Through meticulous planning, careful execution, and continuous refinement, Secure Access Service Edge can revolutionize how your organization approaches network security, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity, heightened security, and sustained growth.

Supporting Pregnant Women in Recovery: The Role of Suboxone Clinics

Published

2 months ago

August 10, 2023

Times of Startups Staff

The prevalence of opioid use during pregnancy has become a significant concern in recent years, with a growing number of women experiencing the challenges of overcoming their dependence on these substances while expecting. In this context, it is essential to provide adequate support and resources to pregnant women in recovery, ensuring that they can maintain their progress and minimize potential risks to both themselves and their unborn children.

This article aims to explore the role of Suboxone treatment clinics in offering a safe and effective treatment option for pregnant women who are striving to overcome opioid dependence, highlighting the importance of these specialized facilities in fostering a healthier future for mothers and their babies.

Challenges of Opioid Addiction during Pregnancy

Opioid dependency during pregnancy can lead to complications for both mother and fetus, such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS includes withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to opioids in the womb. Opioid dependency can also increase maternal health risks.

Stigma and Barriers to Treatment

Pregnant women with opioid dependency face stigma and barriers to treatment, stemming from societal judgment and misconceptions about substance dependency. This may result in a reluctance to seek help or disclose dependency to healthcare providers.

Barriers to treatment include limited availability of specialized programs, lack of insurance coverage, fear of legal consequences, and misconceptions about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) safety and effectiveness during pregnancy. Addressing these barriers and reducing stigma is crucial for ensuring pregnant women with opioid dependency receive proper care and support.

Suboxone Treatment for Pregnant Women

Confidant Health, a virtual Suboxone treatment clinic, offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) containing buprenorphine and naloxone, which helps individuals with opioid dependence by reducing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and risk of misuse. Suboxone is particularly valuable for pregnant women requiring additional support during their journey to recovery.

Benefits and Effectiveness for Pregnant Women

Suboxone offers several benefits for pregnant women seeking opioid dependence treatment:

Reduced withdrawal symptoms

Alleviates discomfort, allowing focus on recovery and health.

Lower risk of relapse

Manages cravings and withdrawal symptoms, maintaining recovery.

Improved prenatal care

Encourages regular prenatal care for maternal and fetal health.

Reduced risk of complications

Lowers risks of preterm birth and low birth weight compared to untreated opioid dependence.

Safety Considerations and Monitoring

Despite its benefits, it is essential to consider potential risks and closely monitor both mother and baby during treatment:

Medication dosage

Healthcare professionals should determine the appropriate dosage, ensuring maternal and fetal safety.

Potential side effects

Pregnant women should discuss risks with healthcare providers and report adverse effects immediately.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)

Healthcare providers should monitor the baby for NAS and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

Ongoing care and support

Pregnant women should engage in prenatal care and counseling to address emotional or psychological challenges during recovery.

Collaborative Care with Obstetricians

A multidisciplinary approach, including collaboration with obstetricians, is crucial for the comprehensive care of pregnant women with opioid dependence. This integrated approach addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs, improving outcomes for both mother and baby.

Integration of Suboxone Treatment Clinics with Prenatal Care

Effective integration requires strong partnerships between Suboxone treatment clinics and obstetricians through:

Coordinated care plans

Shared care plans outlining provider responsibilities and addressing patient needs during pregnancy and postpartum.

Regular communication

Maintaining open lines of communication between the Suboxone clinic and the obstetrician to discuss the patient’s progress, any concerns, and any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Referral networks

Networks between clinics and obstetricians for seamless transitions and access to resources.

Communication and Coordination between Providers

Successful treatment relies on effective communication and coordination between providers, achieved through:

Shared electronic medical records (EMRs)

EMRs keep providers updated on patient history, progress, and concerns.

Regular meetings or case conferences

Meetings facilitate information sharing, updates, and care plan recommendations.

Designated care coordinators

A primary point of contact streamlines communication and ensures provider involvement in patient care.

Continuing education and training

Ongoing education fosters collaboration and knowledge of best practices in care.

Postpartum Support and Recovery

Ongoing support and resources are essential for new mothers managing opioid dependence during pregnancy, including:

Continued Suboxone treatment

Supporting ongoing recovery as needed.

Mental health support

Access to therapy or support groups for emotional challenges.

Parenting education and resources

Building confidence and preparedness in parenting.

Addressing Relapse Prevention and Continued Care

Postpartum care should focus on relapse prevention and continued recovery through:

Monitoring and adjusting Suboxone treatment

Assessing progress and adjusting treatment plans.

Developing a relapse prevention plan

Personalized strategies for managing triggers and accessing support.

Encouraging ongoing therapy or counseling

Addressing emotional or psychological challenges during postpartum.

Supportive Services for Maternal and Infant Well-being

Promoting maternal and infant well-being requires providing supportive services such as:

Postpartum medical care

Ensuring mother and infant receive appropriate care, check-ups, and monitoring.

Home visiting programs

Offering additional support, education, and resources for a healthy home environment.

Community resources and support groups

Building a network of support and accessing resources.

Childcare and early intervention services

Supporting healthy infant development and assisting new mothers in parenthood and recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Suboxone treatment clinics play a crucial role in supporting pregnant women in their journey to overcome opioid dependence, helping them to maintain their progress and minimize potential risks to both themselves and their unborn children.

By addressing challenges such as stigma, barriers to treatment, and providing a comprehensive, collaborative approach to care, these specialized facilities offer a safe and effective treatment option for pregnant women in need. It is imperative that we continue to work towards improving access and support for these individuals, fostering a healthier future for both mother and baby.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of our partner who shared this article with us.