Over the last four articles, we have explored the soul of Dalmatia through its literature, cuisine, culture, and practicalities. We have considered the history layered in every stone and the stories hidden in every meal. This fifth article is not about history or art; it is about you and how to make connections during the conference.

The most significant value of a gathering like this is rarely found on the official agenda. 

The presentations will provide you with knowledge, but the moments in between-the unplanned conversations, the shared meals, the quiet observations-are what will offer wisdom and connection. This is an invitation to engage fully, to step just slightly outside your comfort zone, both in the conference hall and in the winding streets of Cavtat.

Inside the Conference: The Courage of Connection

For many of us, especially at our first few conferences, the instinct is to retreat. The sessions end, and the pull of the quiet hotel room is strong. It feels safe to review notes, order room service, and decompress alone. It is a missed opportunity. I speak from personal experience when I say that the professional relationships that sustain a career are often sparked not in your hotel room, but in refreshment lines, taverns, and quests among the locals.

The knowledge you gain from the 50-plus sessions is a given. The connections you make are a choice. If you tend to be shy or reluctant to engage, consider these small, low-stakes acts of courage:

• The Minute Rule: After a session you found interesting, stay behind to speak to the presenter for just a minute or two. You don't need a profound question. Simply saying, "I appreciated your point about X, it gave me a new way to think about Y," is a powerful act of connection.
• The Single Question: Before a panel begins, think of one question you are curious about. The simple act of raising your hand and asking a question makes you an active participant, not just a passive observer.
• The Hallway Nod: As you walk the halls, make eye contact with the people you pass. Smile. A simple nod of acknowledgment can be the precursor to a conversation. It signals openness.  Remember, others like you may not find it easy to initiate a greeting, to reach out to bump or shake your hand, or to engage in a conversation.  If you initiate these interactions, you will be glad that you did.  
• The Dinner Invitation: Be the person who says, "A few of us are heading to that konoba from the guide, would you like to join us?" You are not imposing; you are offering an act of inclusion that others, especially those who are also shy, will deeply appreciate.

And for those of you who are leaders in our field, seasoned experts, or simply natural extroverts, you have a special and vital role to play. A conference can sometimes be a place where attendees retreat to their established circles, naturally gravitating to the comfort of familiar faces. Your leadership is what breaks down those invisible walls. 

Make it your mission to introduce yourself to a junior member or a first-time attendee. If you see someone standing alone during a coffee break, invite them into your conversation. When your group heads out for dinner, look around and ask one more person to join. This is the truest form of leadership: building a bigger, more inclusive table. It ensures the conference becomes not just a gathering of individuals, but a genuine, welcoming community.

We hope your time at the TAICEP conference in Croatia is exceptionally productive. We hope it leaves you with not just a notebook full of new ideas, but with a renewed sense of connection to your profession and your colleagues.

On behalf of TAICEP leadership and the Conference Committee,

Robert Prather, TAICEP Executive Director