Every organization has mandatory meetings or other functions you must attend.  If you have worked at your company long enough, you probably know exactly what torture you will be made to endure.  Perhaps some silly ice breakers? Maybe some group work with strangers?  Or even sharing a hotel room (or a 4-hour car ride) with the chattiest or most obnoxious employee?

But if you actually feel that these functions are torture, you may be missing the point.  Here are a few things to keep in mind while you are sulking.

1. Participate!  Do not just sit there and pout.  Join the discussion!  Voice your opinion!  Volunteer when someone needs one!  Make your presence memorable.  Even if your direct supervisor is not at this meeting, she will certainly hear from the facilitator how intelligent and participatory you were.  And it will be over before you know it if you get involved, versus dreading each next activity.
2. Look at the bright side.  You have to be there, so you may as well make the best of it.  You probably got free airfare, some free food, a couple of days in a nice hotel, and maybe you were able to visit a new city.  Before you complain that your yearly raise was minimal, enjoy the perks you receive just by attending this convention or conference. 
3. Now is your chance.  Do you regularly question company decisions or policies?  Do you have a great idea that you are dying to share with your organization’s executives?  Well, this could be your chance.  If you are fortunate enough to attend a seminar in which the VIPs are present, talk to them!  Most likely, there will be a question-and-answer session or a reception that allows field employees to speak with corporate employees.  They may not implement every idea you have, but they will be grateful for your contribution.
4. These things cost money!  Companies invest thousands (and in some cases millions) of dollars in these meetings.  They are investing this money in you, in the hope that you will be motivated to learn the information, pass it to your employees, and produce better results.  Show you support to your organization by helping them protect their investment.

You have a choice to be negative every moment you are at your obligatory meeting or you can make the best of it and be a positive part of the company.  Whether you sincerely hate your job or just dread these forced attendance functions, you still have to go.  Make the decision when you are notified that you must appear that you will be a positive addition to the conference.