Attending IETM in Brussels introduced me not only to a range of contacts held by those I work with and admire but to a set of lessons that any practitioner can apply to developing relationships in an international context.
The key is being informal.
Native English speakers should remember to breathe.
We are stronger together.
Everyone is equal. Whether you work for a national organisation or are a freelancer or a funder - here you are equal.
Advice: don’t run after the time. You’ll end up feeling like you got a bit of everything but not deep with anything.
IETM could also mean invest energy time and money.
Don’t give your DVDs to everyone. IETM is not a market. It is about people and relationships.
Don’t set a target.
Don’t try and go to all the working groups, stay and meet people.
Do go with the flow.
Be generous to each other. If people are struggling to communicate be available to help each other.
