Most conferences employ security teams to protect the physical safety & welfare of attendees. More recently, in the wake of COVID-19 insurgence, corporations & non-profit companies have placed high priority on supporting the mental health of employees. Thus, many professional conferences have followed suit by adding a mental health support specialist on staff to attend the conference and support attendees with a range of mental health challenges. Addressing mental health in addition to physical safety concerns says worlds about a conference’s mission, values, and integrity. And companies return to conferences that fully support their employees’ professional needs.

As a clinical & organizational psychologist, we offer in-the-moment skills support to attendees at professional conferences across sectors (e.g. tech, engineering, finance) & niches (e.g., for LGBTQ+ professionals, accessibility).

Attendees are made aware of this resource during orientation, via email & with a contact card provided alongside “swag.” I am present for all components of the conference (networking, happy hours, presentations), and attendees are welcome to contact me however they feel most comfortable (e.g. walk up to me, text, call etc.) Skills support is discreet, confidential, goal-focused & brief (e.g. 5-10min). Typically, 15-30 attendees contact me during mid-large conferences. Often issues that arise look very different between individuals based on cultural identity (e.g., sexual orientation, disability status), learning style, personality, job & sector.

 Examples of Issues Discussed During Emotional Support Meetings

·      Feeling lonely & disconnected from co-workers

·      How to manage chronic pain during remote work

·      Exhaustion & social anxiety from being unaccustomed to social interactions

·      Managing anger, frustration & irritability at work

·      How to address microaggressions when there is fear of retaliation

·      Perfectionism & feelings of inadequacy at work

·      Being a woman in tech & feeling sexualized & ostracized

·      Transitioning from being active military to civilian life – social challenges

·      How to come out as neurodivergent at work

·      Coping with stigma about mental health in workplace

·      How to be more assertive without being unlikeable

·      Mindfulness & self-soothing skills for reducing anxiety

·      Assertiveness skills

·      Self-care & boundary-setting with colleagues

·      Self-compassion & self-validation skills

·      Tools for stopping worry & rumination

·      Tools for challenging negative thoughts

·      Websites to look for therapists & support groups

Varies based on size of conference & for-profit vs non-profit - we are committed to equity & inclusion.