After attending world-class meetings, I always feel a sense of rejuvenation and exhaustion at the same. Travel can be expensive and hectic. Meeting schedules can be daunting, especially for those of you who serve on committees or who meet with multiple collaborators while at the convention. However, in the end, I think that the stress is worth the investment. I usually come away from meetings with new inspiration, ideas, and viewpoints that recharge my batteries and push me to accomplish tasks that I have been avoiding. How did you feel after the meeting?
This inspiration usually stems from the opportunities and insight that I cannot experience at home. For example, my laboratory has been trying to decide on a new animal model for myopia. I ended up deciding to utilize the guinea pig, yet I was still unsure of my decision. While mingling at an after party, I met a young investigator who was also using the guinea pig to study myopia. We discussed several of her accomplishments and some of the pitfalls that she has encountered, and I now feel at peace with my decision. I was also feeling a little discouraged about a cell culture experiment that I was implementing, but after speaking with a senior researcher about it over lunch, I know feel like I will be able to work through my troubles in only a few short weeks. Finally, I was able to catch up with my old advisor. We reminisced about old times. Came up with new ideas, and we prepared a game plan to accomplish them.
What was your most inspiring/favorite moment at an ARVO meeting? Did a paper captivate you? Did you catch up with an old friend? Were you struck with your next great idea? I look forward to making my next ARVO memories with you in Orlando!