By Koketso Mamabolo
So you’re at the conference, now what? You hear what the speakers are saying, you’re networking, you’re learning. But what do you do with all that? How do you make attending a conference a more enriching experience?
After all, conferences represent a unique opportunity: They bring together your peers, industry leaders, experts, entrepreneurs, academics, government officials, and more. It can be overwhelming and intimidating, and the costs may be hard to justify.
However, they are simple ways to make it more fulfilling, in tangible ways:
- Planning ahead
- Finding other ways to get involved
- Chasing discomfort
- Using the power of social media
- Following through
- Taking notes
- Researching
- Applying knowledge
1. Planning ahead
The first thing is to know everything you need to know about the conference and come in with a strategic mindset. You want to squeeze everything you can out of it and that requires taking some time to plan. What do you hope to gain? Connections? Talent? Partnerships? Brand awareness? Knowledge?
What does the conference have to offer? What’s on the agenda? Who is speaking? Who else is attending?
By answering all these questions you’ll be able to be intentional about how you go about attending. Maybe there is someone you want to meet, an organisation you want to learn more about, or a potential partner you’d like to meet. By planning ahead you can have a clear roadmap and an easy way to measure what you’ve gained.
2. Finding other ways to get involved
There’s more to a conference than just attending. Find out how you can get involved in other ways. Are there opportunities to be a speaker? What sponsorship packages are there? How do you go about becoming an exhibitor? Conferences have a range of ways for you to get involved and getting more information is often as simple as browsing a website, dropping an email or making a call.
3. Chasing discomfort
One of the most important things to take with you to a conference is an open mind. Be prepared to shift your perspective, abandon old practices, and embrace change. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and ask questions when you have the chance. Engage with panellists and exhibitors. Share your story with the people you meet, have that elevator pitch ready and be confident in what you’re bringing to the table.
4. Using the power of social media
Even before you attend the conference it’s important to let your social media network know that you’re attending. By doing this you’re not only bringing more attention to the conference for others who might be interested but you’re also creating an opportunity for those who are already attending to make formal or informal plans to meet you at the conference itself or on the sidelines.
During the conference you can share insights on social media. That could be quotes, comments, ideas and things you learn. This generates engagement, sparking discussions, and bringing attendees and non-attendees into the conversation in a digital forum.
5. Following through
Don’t wait to follow up with the people you meet. Exchanging contact details is essential to networking at conferences. As soon as the conference is over you should start nurturing those new connections via email, message or connecting on LinkedIn. Even simple notes of appreciation or enquiries for further meetings will go a long way. As the saying goes, you need to strike while the iron is still hot.
6. Taking notes
Whether it’s in a notebook or on a digital device, notes are a powerful tool at conferences. While you won’t catch everything it is important to have something to refer back to after the conference. The notes will be useful for sharing feedback in your organisation, or reflecting on the experience on social media, and informing further research and reading. Maybe the keynote speaker made an interesting point about a challenge similar to the one you’re facing. Or perhaps it’s a reminder to set-up a meeting with someone you met, nothing will go to waste.
7. Researching
There’s always more to learn and it’s important to dig deeper into the topics covered at the conferences you attend. That could be in the form of reading up on strategies, case studies, or getting a better understanding of the fundamentals of new ideas and tricks of the trade. Through continuous learning, the lessons you pick up are reinforced and you become better equipped to tackle challenges and drive growth.
8. Applying knowledge
Conferences are magnets for problem-solvers and experts. These are people and organisations who have faced their industry’s challenges head-on and implemented innovative solutions. They are willing to share their experiences, techniques and perspectives. When you attend a conference you get access to all that knowledge. You get in touch with the trends and get introduced to opportunities and tools which can take your organisation where you want it to be.
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Sources: Alden Investment Group | Cancer Nursing Today | GCEC | JD Supra
