Events

Stiletto Media’s Top Six Tips For Making the Most of Attending Conferences

Before the conference:

1) Pack Smart, Dress the Part.
Check the conference dress code (business casual is usually a safe bet) and pack accordingly.  Plan on wearing business-appropriate attire that makes you feel confident and comfortable from day into night.  Bring accessories to help stretch your wardrobe.  Most importantly — steer away from trying out those new shoes; you’ll likely be doing laps from the conference venue to the hotel and around the town and back.   Save your feet!

2) Know Before You Go.
Review the attendee list carefully and research the people you would like to meet before you arrive on-site.  Start listening or engaging them online (create a list on Twitter and follow their Twitter handles before the conference, for example) before you arrive. That way, you’ve made an instant conference contact and perhaps a lunch partner.  And, all your pre-conference chats and research makes for a good ice-breaker, too!

3) Be Pitch Perfect.
Do you have a 1-2 minute “elevator” pitch that allows you to quickly tell a new business contact about you and your business? Have this polished and ready to use for when you meet THAT important contact.  Conferences are an ideal place to develop new contacts.  Having your pitch ready means your new contact can more easily figure out how best to connect you with future opportunities.

4) Bring Your Business Cards and Update Your Online Profiles.
It is expected that you will have business cards to exchange with your newfound contacts.  Many websites & templates exist that can help you create new business cards, if needed.  If your online profiles needs a refresh, this is the right time to make your presence consistent!

During the conference:

1) Be the Early Bird.   It’s a familiar saying, but its a tried-and-true piece of advice that you can easily use to maximize your time at conferences.  Showing up early to events usually gives you the chance to meet panelists and attendees that you’ve already identified as key people.

2) Make the Right First Impression.  Just as you would any similar business event, remember that a conference has an important purpose at heart: to help you grow your business and develop your network.  Making business connections believe that you are a credible professional can be challenging enough – and that is hard to do if you are making it YOUR business to be the life of the party.   Be composed and relaxed –  but enjoy yourself within good judgment.

After the conference:

1) Follow-up.
Another obvious, but often-forgotten piece of advice here.  Reach out and thank your new conference contacts for their time, knowledge, etc.  Did you promise that you would send over an article or other helpful info?  Follow-up after the conference – the sooner the better – and it will help reinforce the positive impression you made.  Begin to help your contact now, and they will be more likely to steer new business your way in the future.

2) Breathe Life Into Your Notes.
Yes, you took notes at that keynote address, right?  Conferences are usually overflowing with new ideas, tools and inspiration.  Taking notes is a lifesaver.  Revisiting your conference notes can also help spur a new blog post or business idea.  Reminding yourself about what you learned has the added bonus of helping you absorb all the messages that came your way during all your conference adventures!

What’s your secret for making the most out of conferences you attend? Share them with us in the comments!