[CHART Talk] The ROI of VolunTIERing with CHART

Watch Kim’s CHART Talk on YouTube here.

I was once chatting with a friend at a CHART conference about how things were going so far. She shared how much she was enjoying the sessions and the networking—but she also admitted to feeling a little lost in between sessions, unsure of who to talk to or where to plug in.

When it was my turn to share, I realized I was much more enthusiastic about my own experience because I was involved. I was volunteering on the Conference Team. The sense of belonging and connection changed everything for me.

Of course, CHART conferences deliver incredible ROI just by attending—you gain knowledge, ideas, and valuable industry connections. But when you volunteer, the return multiplies exponentially. Here’s what I’ve discovered through volunteering at different levels of involvement:

Tier One: Light Lift, Big Impact

The easiest way to get involved is by signing up for a community service event or a small volunteer role during the conference. These commitments are short, simple, and fun.

Service events, for example, often involve light work, but you’re doing it alongside fellow members—which makes it energizing. You not only give back but also experience that “helper’s high.” One of my favorite CHART connections and I first bonded while volunteering at the hospitality suite. That small act of service created a lasting friendship.

ROI: Fun, connection, and the joy of giving back.

Tier Two: Stepping Up

Roles like serving on the Conference Team or presenting a Breakout Session require a little more preparation and time.

When I first joined a Conference Team, I helped as a Hospitality Director. It was a behind-the-scenes role that gave me insight into conference planning while building leadership and collaboration skills. Best of all, you get to work alongside other passionate trainers—people who bring creativity, heart, and their “A-game.”

Presenting a Breakout Session takes preparation—developing and practicing your content—but CHART provides the most supportive audience you could ask for. It’s a safe and encouraging space to strengthen your public speaking skills while sharing your expertise.

ROI: Leadership growth, presentation skills, and deeper professional relationships.

Tier Three: Immersive Learning & Leading the Charge

Facilitating a CHART Competency Workshop is a bigger commitment—four hours of content, with significant preparation involved. But this experience is transformative.

When I facilitated Project Management, I quickly realized areas where I needed to grow. That process not only deepened my subject knowledge but also improved how my own organization collaborates on complex projects. And as a bonus, I gained a mentor and a lifelong friend.

ROI: Subject mastery, advanced facilitation skills, and powerful mentorship.

My highest level of involvement so far was serving as a Conference Director. This role requires significant time, organization, and communication—but it’s also the most rewarding.

As a Conference Director, you help lead an amazing team, each member bringing unique skills and creativity. It’s the closest I’ve ever felt to “cloning myself”—working with a group that shared my passion and commitment. The experience reminded me how much I love leading teams and gave me valuable insights I’ve taken back to my own organization.

ROI: Leadership, strategic planning skills, and unforgettable teamwork.

(Still to Come!) Tier Four: Setting Strategy & Going Out on a Limb

It was my honor to recently be elected to the CHART Board of Directors. I can’t wait to work with this seven-person group of rock stars in setting strategy to meet the needs of our members, including developing educational programming, strengthening strategic industry partnerships and networking opportunities, expanding the reach of our Hospitality Training Competencies Certificate Program, and providing forward-thinking professional and personal development experiences.

Beyond the Conference

I want to stress that volunteering isn’t limited to conferences. CHART offers many ways to get involved year-round: leading regional training forums, hosting webinars, contributing articles, or serving on panels. Every opportunity brings more than you give—whether it’s knowledge, skills, or relationships.

Because here’s the truth: the more you invest in CHART, the more CHART gives back to you. And that ROI? Priceless.