As a Northern California executive search firm, Pacific Staffing knows conferences can either be hugely valuable or a waste of time. Oftentimes, it depends on the approach you take when attending. To maximize your time at the next conference you decide to attend, follow these tips:
Have a Plan
Showing up with no plan will result in time wasted and opportunities lost. Before you get on the road, make sure you have a strategy in place for how you want the conference to go.
For example, what sessions do you want to attend, what do you want to gain from the experience that will be most beneficial to you and your team, and whom do you want to connect with? Some shows offer lists of attendees you can purchase ahead of time. Others have websites and social media pages where you can connect with the speakers and other attendees.
Network All You Can
Meeting new people is one of the primary reasons for attending a conference. That means going beyond the daily speaker sessions and getting social during down time, as well. Attend all the breakfasts, lunches, happy hours and dinners you can. If there aren’t ones on the roster, keep your schedule open in case of any spontaneous events or plan to meet up with others from the conference.
Dust Off the Business Cards
It may have been a while since you handed out a business card, but make sure you bring them to your next conference. You don’t need to hand them out to every person you come in contact with, but you do want to make sure you’re prepared when there’s someone you want to make a real connection with.
Take Notes
Take notes during each session you attend so you can remember any important details, facts, or names. After you make a new connection, jot down a few notes about who they are, what they do, and what you talked about with them on the back of their business cards, as well as any personal details you learned about them (e.g. they’re a big baseball fan). If and when you follow up with them, you’ll be able to use that information as an ice-breaker.
Be Practical & Professional
You’re going to be out and about for most of the day during a conference, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Also, when you are attending happy hours and dinners, monitor your alcohol intake. It’s fine to have a drink or two, but limit yourself to non-alcoholic beverages beyond that.
Follow Up With Contacts
Once you return to the office, follow up with those you met. Send them an email or invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn. For those you’re interested in doing business with, pick up the phone and schedule a time for lunch or coffee.
About Pacific Staffing
As a Northern California executive search firm, we’ve been helping people achieve professional success for more than 25 years. We can help you uncover opportunities no one else knows about and guide you toward achieving your career goals. Learn more now.