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10 Ways to Max Out Conference Attendance

Conferences provide numerous opportunities to grow professionally, from networking to product demonstrations to keynotes. The days and evenings are filled, so much so that conferences can be exhausting. There recognition breakfasts, working luncheons and awards dinners, not to mention the workshops, plenary sessions and impromptu hallway brainstorming sessions. How do you manage it? These 10 tips will help you get the most out of the experience for you and your organization.

ShannonRenee
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10 Ways to Max Out Conference Attendance

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  1. 10 Ways to Max Out Conference Attendance 10 Ways to Max Out Conference Attendance Shannon Mouton Gray Marketing and Communications Professional

  2. To Go Pros  Connect with current clients  Explore potential vendors  Identify new business prospects  Networking opportunities To Go Pros  Connect with current clients  Explore potential vendors  Identify new business prospects  Networking opportunities

  3. Not To Go Cons  Waste of resources, time and money  Lack of discernable return on investment  Little-to-no post-conference follow-up  Leads with lower than average conversion rates  Away from the office Not To Go Cons  Waste of resources, time and money  Lack of discernable return on investment  Little-to-no post-conference follow-up  Leads with lower than average conversion rates  Away from the office

  4. BEFORE the Conference

  5. 1) Be Strategic

  6. Clarify the why

  7. 2) Identify Objectives Ask yourself:  How does attending help me meet my short- and long-term goals?  What are the direct (T & E) and indirect costs of attending?  Are there other events that won’t cost as much and will yield similar benefits? 2) Identify Objectives Ask yourself:  How does attending help me meet my short- and long-term goals?  What are the direct (T & E) and indirect costs of attending?  Are there other events that won’t cost as much and will yield similar benefits?

  8. Find out what’s going on where

  9. 3) Make a Plan A little effort can go a long way:  Review the conference website for session topics and speaker bios  Pre-register for workshops and create a schedule to maximize your time  Download tickets to your device 3) Make a Plan A little effort can go a long way:  Review the conference website for session topics and speaker bios  Pre-register for workshops and create a schedule to maximize your time  Download tickets to your device

  10. . Function over Form

  11. . 4) Be professional and comfortable Dress for success and long days:  Pack business or business casual attire  Make sure shoes are made for walking, walking and more walking  Carry a jacket or sweater as convention halls are notoriously cold

  12. . DURING the Conference

  13. . 5) Be an Active Participant Be present in the workshops:  Sit up front for unobstructed views, best sound quality and fewest distractions  Photograph slides instead of trying to copy the information  Ask relevant and insightful questions

  14. . Networker’s Nirvana

  15. . 6) Attend the Social Events Network like it’s 1999:  Perfect your elevator pitch before the plane lands  Keep your business cards and pens easily accessible  Start conversations and politely jump into others

  16. . Talk to others for advice, input and counsel

  17. . 7) Test Ideas Conduct informal market research:  Seek out the industry pioneers, innovators and thought leaders for quick chats  Hang back after workshops to talk to the panelists, ask specific questions  Hold impromptu focus groups during lunch breaks

  18. . Imitation is the highest form of flattery

  19. . 8) Use CASE Studies Copy And Steal Everything:  Learn from other’s mistakes, what not to do and where the pitfalls lie  Capitalize on other’s successes, follow their breadcrumbs  Implement tried and true best practices, infuse them into your plans

  20. . Avoid the need for a post-conference vacation

  21. . 9) Pace Yourself There are only 24 hours in a day:  Schedule time to rest, exercise and eat healthy meals (more than reception food)  Have a quiet breakfast to review the day ahead and notes from the previous day

  22. . AFTER the Conference

  23. . 10) Follow-up Strike while the iron is hot:  Email, call or tweet everyone whose business cards you collected within 24-48 hours  Remind them who you are, where you met and how you may be able to work together

  24. . BONUS – Remember these essentials Supplemental packing list:  Phone, tablet and/or laptop AND chargers for phones, tablets and laptops  Plenty of business cards and pens  Books you’d like signed by speakers  Chapstick, breath mints or gum  OTC medications, such as antacids and pain relievers (aspirin or ibuprofen)

  25. . Bit.ly/letsgetyouhired “…an incredible and vital reference for any job- seeker.”

  26. . Shannon Mouton Gray shannonrmgray@gmail.com @ShannonRenee Linkedin.com/in/shannonmoutongray

  27. . Thank you for your attention.

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