By Greg Ashton, founder @ GROW, a media company and conference series specializing in online retail.
Attending a business conference can be an exhilarating experience that provides an opportunity to gain new insights, connect with industry peers and open up new avenues for personal and professional growth. However, to truly maximize the value of attending a conference, you need a strategic approach. Here are some key ways to make the most out of attending a business conference.
Preparation
The first step is effective preparation. Begin by researching the conference thoroughly. Understand the theme, the speakers, the agenda and the businesses attending. This information will help you set your personal objectives for attending the conference. What do you hope to gain? Who do you wish to meet? What knowledge do you want to acquire? Having clear objectives will give your attendance purpose and direction.
Look at the schedule and identify the sessions that align with your interests and professional goals. Plan your itinerary, and make sure to leave some time open for networking, exploring the exhibition hall and ad-hoc meetings.
Networking
Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of a business conference. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, potential business partners or even mentors. Prior to the conference, try to find out who else is attending. LinkedIn, the conference’s website or networking apps associated with the event are useful tools. Identify people you’d like to connect with and reach out to them ahead of time to suggest a meeting during the conference.
At the event, be approachable, open-minded and genuine. Have your business cards handy, but focus on forging real connections rather than simply distributing as many cards as possible. Follow up with your new contacts after the conference to thank them for their time and explore opportunities for further interaction.
Active Participation
Engage fully in the sessions you attend. Listen attentively, take notes and don’t shy away from asking questions or contributing to discussions. This active participation not only facilitates better learning but also makes you more visible to other attendees and can stimulate interesting post-session conversations.
Also, try to take part in social events associated with the conference. These less formal settings can be excellent networking opportunities and allow for more relaxed, personal interactions.
Utilizing Social Media
Social media can enhance your conference experience. Many conferences have hashtags you can follow and contribute to. By sharing your insights and experiences on social platforms, you can engage in broader discussions, gain additional perspectives and increase your visibility.
Leveraging Technology
Advancements in technology have greatly improved how we navigate business conferences. Most conferences now have dedicated apps that provide real-time updates, venue maps, speaker profiles, session schedules and more. Download and use these apps to stay organized, informed and connected throughout the conference.
Further, connect with the conference and its attendees on social media. Use the conference’s official hashtag and engage in the online conversation. Live-tweeting or blogging sessions can help you share your insights with those who can’t attend in person, positioning you as an active participant and thought leader. But remember that balance is key; don’t let your digital engagement detract from the live experience and interpersonal connections.
Expanding Your Horizons
While it’s important to attend sessions that are directly related to your field, don’t be afraid to explore topics outside your area of expertise. Diverse sessions can provide fresh perspectives, stimulate creative thinking and offer unexpected insights that you can apply in innovative ways. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is where growth often happens.
Mindful Listening And Observation
Conferences can be overwhelming due to the amount of information being presented. The key to absorbing as much as possible is to practice mindful listening. Be present in each session, take detailed notes and avoid distractions. Observe not just the speakers but also the reactions and interactions of the attendees. This can provide valuable insight into industry trends and the views of your peers.
Reflecting And Applying
After the conference, take the time to reflect on what you’ve learned. Review your notes, think about how you can apply your new knowledge and insights to your work and create an action plan.
In addition, evaluate your networking efforts. Did you connect with the people you intended to? Follow up on these new relationships to reinforce the connections you made. Send a personalized message or email reminding the person of your conversation and proposing a next step, like a phone call, a meeting or just a promise to stay in touch.
Final Thoughts
Remember, a business conference is more than just a learning event—it’s an opportunity to build your network, raise your profile and find new opportunities. The key is to be well-prepared, be active, make meaningful connections and follow up effectively after the conference. Done right, attending a business conference can provide a significant boost to your career or business. To maximize your return on investment, it’s important to approach it with intent, focus and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Remember, every person you meet, session you attend or insight you gain is a potential seed for growth. Capture these seeds, cultivate them and watch as they contribute to your professional development and success.
