Many of us have attended conferences where we found ourselves excited by the energy in the room and the passion of our colleagues. We get home or back to work, set down our notes, handouts and free stuff, go back to the normal routine and not much changes. It's human nature to keep doing what you're familiar with, but how do we take all these new ideas that conferences bring and put them into action? How do we bring this back to our organization as young professionals when we may not be in a position of influence and aren't sure if our ideas are well received?

Perhaps reminding ourselves of the unique opportunity that the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network National Leaders Conference provides, will help. From my perspective this conference is unlike any other. My first experience was this year in Grand Rapids and it proved to be just that. What makes it unique? As Rosetta Thurman said in her post a gathering where young professionals are the majority and are leading thought provoking conversations within our industry, this is a prime source for innovation. It was amazing to see such great speakers among my own peer network who are doing big things to change, grow and sustain our communities. It doesn't come as a shock, but it's so refreshing to see, especially at a conference.

While at the event, taking part ignites a fire and inspires you to do something with it. What do you do once you leave and get back to the normal routine. Here are 5 tips, especially for your YNPN chapter:

1. Share- make time for  a post conference discussion amongst your chapter leaders, or even host a chapter event where those who attended can share their experience. At your job, ask if you can make a presentation to staff or discuss what you shared with your supervisor and team members.

2. Strategize- keep the dialogue going amongst those who attended from your community, by having a conversation about what aspects of the conference provided tools for bringing new ideas to the chapter. One example is a great workshop I attended on YNPN Twin Cities' blog.

3. Plan- come up with at least one new thing that you think you can implement this year, even if it's as simple as sending out a resource to your chapter that you got from the conference. Organizing a new event can be a one time thing to test the ground and see how well received it ends up being. You can always go big and do something that may take a lot of effort, but will pay off in the long run.

4. Implement- follow through with your new idea, program or resource and make sure to let people know that you got it from attending the conference. This helps others to see that it was a worthwhile investment for the Chapter and they might consider going next time.

5. Reach out- an opportunity to connect with Young Nonprofit leaders from around the country in person (and not just on a conference call or webinar) only comes a few times a year. Connect with your peers and let them know that you're taking their ideas and putting them to work. It's easier to do now more than ever, evidenced by the twitter dialogue that began day 1 and still continues today. Don't be afraid to ask for help either, they most likely have some perspective from implementing the very idea they shared with you.

This might seem simple, yet it can be a good reminder to do what you had been thinking about while adjusting to the normal rhythm of post conference activities. Take the time to reflect on what this experience did for you and come up with your own guide to keep the momentum going. Share what you've already done!