Home from the CVC

Well I am back to Michigan which somehow seems much less appealing to me after spending a week at the CVC in beautiful San Diego. As usual I learned a lot and was re-energized or left with a "conference woody" as Shawn McVey put it. I am still fascinated to see the attire at conferences. I sure would love to be comfortable in jeans and flip flops but I feel that I am representing my profession and as such should wear business attire. No, not a suit, but dress pants, heels and a blouse. A professional look. As I sat there and saw doctors in shorts and t-shirts I wondered if I put too much weight on attire. A DVM is an obvious professional. I was certain they didn't wear that outfit when they entered an exam room. I didn't think less of them for wearing it and I was certain they were more comfortable then I was in my heels and dress pants. Hmmmm....I guess this ties in to the post on tattoos and piercings. Appearance. We are judged by it..good or bad I suppose. So why would the DVM who wears shorts and a t-shirt to a conference judge or not hire a receptionist with a piercing? Ok maybe that is a stretch and certainly the receptionist comes in contact with clients and the DVM at a conference does not. So, next conference.....jeans and some flip flops for comfort while I sit for hours and hours or dress pants and heels so in case I meet someone that I might network with I look professional?