Attending a conference can be a wonderful experience, providing opportunities to learn, build relationships, and expand your professional network. We suggest setting personal goals and a plan to follow through post-conference to make the most of your time and mitigate “what do I do?” anxiety.
Goal: Learn and Be Inspired
- Take session notes: Document key insights, ideas, and strategies. This will help reinforce learning and provide a valuable resource for future reference.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Engaging with presenters can deepen your understanding and spark new ideas. Your questions might also resonate with others in the audience.
- Introduce yourself to the presenter: A brief conversation can leave a lasting impression and open doors for future communication.
Goal: Build Relationships
- Make new connections: Approach people during breaks, at exhibitor tables, and at meal times. A simple introduction can lead to valuable relationships.
- Reconnect with colleagues: Strengthen existing relationships by catching up with colleagues and discussing current projects.
- Sit with strangers at lunch and elsewhere: This simple action can lead to unexpected and meaningful connections.
- Exchange business cards (contact information): to ensure you can stay in touch with new contacts after the conference.
Goal: Follow Up with New Connections
- Reach out on LinkedIn: Connect with new acquaintances on LinkedIn to maintain and grow your professional network.
- Send a personal ‘nice to meet you’ email: A short, friendly email can reinforce your connection and keep the conversation going.
- Set up a time to meet in person again: If possible, arrange a follow-up meeting to continue discussions and explore potential collaborations.
By setting these goals and following through with your plan, you can maximize the benefits of attending a conference, turning a few days of sessions and networking into long-term professional growth and fruitful relationships.
