​How to Get the Most Out of the Conferences You Attend

I recently wrote about the value of attending conferences, and I listed a few of the best conferences our industry produces. Now I want to expand on that topic, because simply attending these events isn’t going to benefit you. You have to utilize and implement the knowledge you gain for these conferences to really pay off, and to do that, there are certain actions you need to take. This will ensure you’re getting the most out of each conference you go to. Here’s what I mean:

Do Some Homework on the Event

Before attending the event, take some time to read up on it. Visit their website and check out the conference agenda, which should provide details about keynote speakers and other sessions. With this, you can prioritize which segments to attend so you’re focusing on what you’re most interested in. There may also be a list of attendees, which can help you decide in advance who to connect with.

Practice What You’re Going to Say

Since conferences are largely about networking, it’s a given that you’re going to spend a lot of time talking to other people. In many of these instances, you may be trying to sell yourself in some way, so it’s helpful to practice in advance what you want to say. Basically, you need to ask yourself what makes you so special, and why should people want to work with you in any capacity. Think about what you have to offer, and condense it into a short, sweet and convincing message that you can pitch to others at the conference.

Take Notes

In addition to networking, the other primary purpose of going to a conference is to learn. There’s no way you’re going to remember everything you pick up while you’re there, so take a notepad and jot down notes from the various sessions you attend. You can also write down the names of people you meet and other tidbits of information that you can revisit after the conference is over.

Bring Plenty of Business Cards

Make sure you bring plenty of business cards, because I guarantee you’ll be handing them out at an unprecedented rate. Cards may seem a tad old-fashioned in this age of technology, but they’re a great physical reminder for people. You’ll also be collecting plenty of other people’s cards and contact info. Hang onto them; having some of these contacts in your back pocket may pay off in the future. Pro tip: use the backs of people’s cards to write notes or reminders that you can use when you follow up later on.

Follow Up

The post-conference follow up is one of the most important, if not THE most important, things you can do. What good is it to meet all these different people if you’re not going to attempt to forge a relationship afterward? Break out those business cards and contact the people who you’d like to possibly work with. Take the time to personalize your message, too. It may be tempting to bcc everyone on a mass email, but this can come off as canned or sales-y. Use your notes to help you customize a message to each person. It will take a bit more time, but you’re more likely to get a response, and people will respect you more knowing you took the time and effort to connect more genuinely.