How to spot experts at a conference

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Many moons ago, before we had powerpoint, I used to have a slide that defined how to tell, when you were at a conference, who the experts were:

An expert is a person from out of town with a box of slides.​

You know who I mean, they walked around a confernce with a box of slides under their arm!

Now we have to redefine this as an expert being the person with a laptop and powerpoint presentation!

Are there any other ways to spot the experts?

How about those that go to a trade exhibit and pick up a cushioning material and pretend they know what they are doing when they compress it between their fingers - what does that actually tell them? (I recently tried to compress a Pedar insole between my fingers to see how much force I could generate; the force I could generate was about 50% of the forces that those with diabetes get under the foot, so how can I tell anything by compressing a material between my fingers).

How about those who pick up a running shoe from a trade exhibit and try to flex the forefoot? What does that actually tell you, apart from you look as though you might be pretending you actually know what you are doing?

Anyone know any other ways to spot the experts?

 

It's when I do this and it "breaks" at the midfoot I get concerned as I'd rather have more dorsiflexion stiffness at my midfoot than at my MTPJ's. Sorry for being serious in the break room.

wibble... wang, wang, great huge wobbly, dangly things. Wibble, wang, wibble.- hope that helps.

 

I agree with Simon that a shoe must bend where your foot bends so the shoe bending test could still be an expert technique.

The experts are the ones with glasses from too much reading.

The expert when asked will at least have an opinion on any subject.

We can all be experts in our own minds.

 

Definition of Expert: (As told to me by a cooleague)

An X is something that was and a Spurt is a drip under pressure.

 

"How about those who pick up a running shoe from a trade exhibit and try to flex the forefoot? What does that actually tell you, apart from you look as though you might be pretending you actually know what you are doing?"

Craig, I'd appreciate reading further why you feel this is a contrary act. As someone who has been in the footwear industry (in some ways, means, or manners) for 20 years, it's common to forecast certain mechanical behaviors of a shoe through hands-on manipulation. This can possibly be further validated through the work that Roy Lidtke's group is doing with shoe midfoot mechanics.

 

Thanks anthead - very droll!

 

I was trying to be somewhat facetious with the comment ... I was trying to characterize that "expert" who walks up to a running shoe trade display and manipulates a running shoe in their hands and you can see they clearly have no idea why they are doing it and what for. They then proceed to think to know more about running shoes that the technical rep ... you know the sort of "expert" I am trying to characterize? You can usually spot them a mile away.

I do agree that manipulatig a running shoe in your hands is useful .... only if you know what you are doing it for.

 

Craig, on that you and I can completely agree. I do have to admit that most of my reps leave me alone to play at the trade shows. They know that if I have a specific question, I'll pause for when they have time away from another client. It certainly helps my time at the shows for efficient.

 

I actually REALLY like squashing materials and bending shoes just because I can, part of the reason why I became a podiatrist! I'll also press all the buttons on a chair or a drill, and take a gentle wiff of all those freeby "wonder" chemical products they give out. Am I alone here?

From my limited conference experience (1 so far) I'd say the experts are the people who are remarkably well dressed for their upcoming presentations, and/or have a crowd of students and recent graduates following them around like a bad smell and laughing uproariously at their quips, all for the expert tidbits and the ever elusive job offer.

Matt.

 

Craig

I am convinced that most 'experts' (self proclaimed) do more telling than asking. After all they are the expert!!!
Visible signs include small ears, large jaw muscles, extra long pointing finger (for making points with) and big/mad hair (not sure why this is the case)

Phil

 

Sounds like most of us!igs:

 

Graham

Too true. Must admit that no one can get a word in edge ways when I 'discuss' the correct way to cook proper Yorkshire puddings!!!

Phil

 

Don't forget the geek stick (also known as the memory stick) around their neck or attached to their lanyard.

Or, just the ones in the corner having a laugh with Craig and cohorts

 

Dear All,

As someone who spends far too much on HiFi and attending hifi shows over the years i agree that one of the prerequisites for proving ones expertise is to wear:

Flamboyant clothing from a suitable DESIGNER LABEL with the badges on the outside.

Also to have consulted a Suitable Tonsorial Expert and have them provide a suitably obscure HAIRDO / Pony Tail using what little hair you have left.

There are two gentlemen i could name who conform to this stereotype but i cant afford to defend myself in a court of Law so will not divulge.

Also a BRAZEN TIE or even BOW TIE is also De Riguer.

So i will slob along in my no name jeans and shirt and comfortable sensible shoes
and disagree with everything a so called expert says. Nothing gets a more uproarious response from such soles as a strong.

I am sorry but i have to disagree with what you have said.:deadhorse:

Boy do you get an audience quickly.:boxing:

So looking forward to my trip to QLD in may.:drinks

regards david

 

Here's a picture of myself and Dr. Coffey, whom I've never met before!
He came up to me at the ACFAS booth during the Midwest Conference in Chicago and recognized my name from the Podiatry Arena! What a small world.

Dr. Coffey, I hope you don't mind my posting this picture. It was sent to me by one of the attendants at the ACFAS booth. I had a nice time talking with you.

Steve

(BTW: We're both experts!)