Why Showing Up Matters: The Indispensable Value of Industry Engagement

As leaders, we're constantly juggling competing priorities. The daily grind of running a business, managing teams, and navigating uncertain economic waters can easily lead us to believe that time spent "outside" the immediate operational sphere is a luxury. But what if I told you that some of the most impactful work you can do for your organisation, your people, and yourself happens when you step away from the desk and into the heart of your industry?

Nina Mapson Bone with Lyndal Macpherson of AACA

This May, I had a powerful reminder of just how crucial industry networking and celebration are. As a board director, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Australian Architecture Conference, an event impeccably organised by the Australian Institute of Architects, held at Sydney’s iconic Opera House. Shortly after, I found myself at Talent X, orchestrated by RCSA, which was immediately followed by the REC Gala Australia awards night. My involvement as an Award Judge and Immediate Past President & Chair for RCSA made these engagements particularly meaningful.

On both occasions, the benefits were immediate and tangible. I reconnected with old friends, met a host of new and intriguing people, and even uncovered several promising business opportunities. Beyond the transactional, I gained significant insights and knowledge. I was also able to appreciate the outstanding work of others. These experiences truly cemented my belief in the profound importance of deeply engaging with our industries, not just for business development, but for personal and organisational growth.

The Unseen ROI of Connection and Recognition

It’s easy to dismiss these events as mere social gatherings or, worse, an unnecessary expense. But for leaders, the return on investment extends far beyond a simple transaction.

Here’s what I’ve consistently found:

• Reigniting Your Passion: In the demanding world of leadership, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day challenges. Attending industry events reminds you why you fell in love with your industry in the first place, injecting a much-needed dose of passion and purpose back into your work.
  

• Sparking Innovation: Stepping outside your immediate environment exposes you to new perspectives and approaches. You’ll find inspiration for novel ways of working and discover innovative strategies that can significantly improve your own organisation. Hearing how others have tackled similar challenges or seeing groundbreaking projects come to fruition can be a catalyst for significant internal change.
  

• Building Your Enduring Network: The relationships you forge at these events are invaluable. They become a rich resource you can draw upon over time, for advice, partnerships, or even simply for a supportive ear when you need it most. These connections are the bedrock of long-term business success. Think of the collaborative spirit often seen between even competing firms in Sydney or Melbourne, where shared industry challenges often lead to shared solutions, or even the subtle exchange of market intelligence that helps everyone navigate the landscape more effectively.
  

• Elevating the Entire Industry: These gatherings are melting pots for ideas. They enable the free-flowing exchange of concepts that can improve the industry as a whole. This, in turn, benefits your own organisation, your teams, and even you as a leader by creating a more robust and dynamic ecosystem in which to operate. Consider the way Australian industries have often collaboratively developed new standards or best practices, demonstrating a commitment to collective advancement.
  

• Amplifying Your Brand and Value Proposition: If you or your team are recognised as an award winner, finalist, or even a speaker at these events, the impact on your employee value proposition is immense. It significantly enhances your brand reputation within the industry and strengthens your standing with clients and stakeholders. It’s a powerful validation of your expertise and commitment. Just look at the prestige associated with winning an Australian Business Award or being featured as a keynote speaker at a major national conference – it elevates your profile and signals leadership.

  Overcoming the Hurdles: Why We Hesitate (and Why We Shouldn't)
  

  So, if the benefits are so clear, why aren’t we all out there networking and celebrating as much as we should be? From my experience, there are a few common stumbling blocks:

• The "Busy" Trap: The most frequent excuse I hear (and confess to using myself sometimes) is being too "busy." We mistakenly believe that working "in" the business is always more productive than working "on" the business. However, as leaders, dedicating time to strategic engagement is one of the most effective uses of our time. It's about prioritising long-term growth over immediate tasks.
  

• The Expense Factor: Especially in today's uncertain economic climate, the cost of attending conferences, award nights, and networking events can feel prohibitive. We question whether it’s a good use of precious dollars and resources. But when you weigh the potential for new business, enhanced relationships, and invaluable learning, the investment often pales in comparison to the potential returns. Think of it not as an expense, but as an investment in your future.
  

• The Fear Factor: Let's be honest, putting ourselves out there can be daunting. We might have to network with new people, encounter others we’ve had difficult historical interactions with, or even face suppliers after challenging conversations. This discomfort is real, but growth rarely happens within our comfort zones. Pushing past these anxieties can lead to unexpected and highly rewarding outcomes.
  

  
  

My Personal Takeaway: It’s Always Worth It

As someone who is a believer in the benefits of being deeply involved in industry networking and celebration, I can tell you unequivocally that these recent experiences reinforced my conviction. If you’ve been sitting on the fence, questioning whether the commitment of time, energy, and resources is truly worth it, May reminded me that it absolutely is – every single time.

So, my advice to fellow leaders is simple: get out there. Get involved. Connect. Celebrate. Your industry, your organisation, and you will be all the better for it.

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Author of ‘Meaningful Work: Unlock Your Unique Path to Career Fulfilment’, Nina Mapson Bone is a people strategist, consultant, chair and keynote speaker. She consults with boards, CEOs, founders and executives on bridging the disconnect between strategy and the needs, motivations and capabilities of their people. Nina’s executive career has spanned three continents and diverse sectors. She was previously the Managing Director of Beaumont People, where she led a period of significant growth for the organisation, during which it was recognised with multiple awards. For more information visit www.nmbpeoplestrategy.com.au