I still remember my first Tessitura Learning & Community Conference in Dallas back in 2014.

The learning, the networking, the inspiration and yes, the lazy river. I was fresh out of college, settling into my first full-time role as Assistant Ticket Services Manager at Carolina Performing Arts in Chapel Hill. I was already a fan of Tessitura, but TLCC was next level. Overwhelming in the best way, and my head was overflowing with ideas.

Twelve years and several TLCC's later, I've figured out that the hardest part isn't absorbing all of the information. It's acting on what you’ve learned.

Let’s be real: You get home. Your inbox calls. The season gets busy. Priorities pile up. And next thing you know, a month passes and your momentum quietly fizzles out.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for turning post-conference inspiration into action. Here are five that work for me.

1. Organize all of your notes into one place

The best place to start is by getting everything in one place. Collect your notes from sessions, hallway conversations and community discussions. Translate your takeaways into possible action items. Don't stop to judge what's realistic while you're writing it down. That's how good ideas get cut before anyone else sees them. 

Once everything is in front of you, make three piles: “Now,” “Next” and “Later.” This simple practice will make everything much more manageable. 

2. Mine the resources in the TLCC app while you can

Don’t forget: Your access to the TLCC app ends on Dec. 31, so download what you want to keep.

Many sessions were recorded, so now is the time to watch them back. I recommend setting aside time in the calendar, even just an hour a week, to watch anything you missed during the conference week.

Plus, every presentation has a slide PDF, including the ones you couldn't attend. Check the attachments for templates or extra links that never made it onto the screen. Start with the topics that connect to your priority list first; hoarding all of the session files is an easy way to get overwhelmed.

3. Present key takeaways to your team

Sometimes you're the only team member who attended TLCC, so it’s on you to bring new insights back to your organization. 

A great way to share knowledge with your organization is to put together a TLCC takeaways presentation or host a session watch party. Choose the most relevant sessions, not just the ones you happened to love. You’ll be amazed at the conversations that follow. (Pro tip: Invite whoever approved your attendance. Showing them the value of your registration is how you get sent again.)

And be sure to check the events calendar. Many of our regional and topical Tessitura Community Groups host meetups dedicated to TLCC recaps, and all are welcome! 

4. Start small

Now that your ideas are organized, your resources are downloaded and your team is on the same page, the easiest way forward is to start small. Pick an idea from step one’s “Now” pile and go from there.

Make a strategy for your concept and get organizational buy-in. Figure out whose approval you need (keeping in mind it might be you), and think about their priorities. Are they worried about cost? Staff time? Risk? Patron experience? Lead with the problem you're solving and ask for a decision deadline.

If your project is greenlit, make sure to carve out the space in your calendar. A yes won’t get you far if there’s no time to see it through. Invite collaborators to 30, 60 and 90-day check-ins. That's what keeps you accountable once the initial excitement wears off.

5. Remember you are not alone

Being a Tessitura member means that you have a personal cheerleader every step of the way. Your dedicated Member Success Manager is your advocate, your champion and your strategic partner. They know your organization's history and what your membership already includes, so they can help you translate your pile of TLCC ideas into practical outcomes. Not sure who your MSM is? Reach out and we’ll connect you. They’d love to chat!

Plus, the Tessitura community is full of peers who want to help. Join a regional, topical or affinity group. Ask for advice in the discussion forums. Register for ongoing learning opportunities to hone your skills along the way. Plenty of resources can help you get to the finish line.

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One idea at a time

The goal isn't to tackle every idea you brought home from TLCC. If one session changes a process, sparks a new initiative or helps you build a stronger connection with your audience, that's a win. Those small steps add up, and they're what turn a great conference into lasting growth.

And it’s never too early to start thinking about who should attend next time. Somewhere in your organization is a version of me in 2014 who'll walk into their first conference and leave with a notebook full of ideas. Getting them there is important. Over a decade later and I'm still learning from TLCC. That's the kind of impact I hope every member organization can unlock for their team.