Can you remember the last conference you attended? Was it out of town? How much was the registration fee (Not to mention the travel expenses)? Do you remember how you decided whether or not you would attend? In most cases, we compare the costs and benefits of investing in the educational opportunity and if the benefits outweigh the costs then we usually spring for the registration. However, what would our decision process look like if most of the costs were removed?

This is what Microlinks.org has done for conferences focused on microenterprise and microfinance. Unfortunately, it is not within the scope of this blog to share all the great work that Microlinks and USAID are doing for the microfinance community. Suffice it to say that Microlinks “is a knowledge sharing family of applications and tools designed to improve the impact of USAID microenterprise programs and activities.” As a result, you can decide to participate in the conference based on your interest rather than your budget or schedule!

The highlight of this blog is the Speakers Corner starting tomorrow, October 5, 2010, entitled, “Why Integrate Microfinance Health Services?” Each Speakers Corner virtual conference brings together professionals and interested participants from around the world to share their experiences. The virtual conference starting tomorrow will include discussion topics surrounding the benefits and challenges of integrating microfinance and health protection services. Thus, if you’re interested check out http://microlinks.org/mfhealth to learn more and participate! Until next time, take care!

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD Student