Conferences – and their close cousins, the Summit and the Masterclass – are one of the most useful events for both professional and personal development. That’s why Key Media organises so many of them – and puts 100% dedication behind each one.
Got an upcoming conference on the cards? Here are five great ways that you can make the most of your time there …
- LET EVERYONE KNOW YOU’RE GOING
You’ll instantly have an advantage networking-wise if you’ve reached out to people before the event even starts. Part of this is letting people know you’re going in the first place! Do everything you can to spread the word. Send out emails. Use your social media feed like it’s one long movie trailer for an upcoming premiere. The more you announce, the more you’ll get out of the event.
- SCHEDULE WISELY
Speaking of doing things in advance … you’ll be a million times more productive if you draw up a schedule in advance than if you meander from seminar to seminar. Take a few moments to sit down with the conference agenda. Figure out which presentations will benefit you the most. Create a custom line-up. It needn’t be totally inflexible – changes happen – but it’ll be a huge help to approach the event armed with great prep.
- NETWORK WITH SPEAKERS TOO
You’re already primed to network with your contemporaries and fellow attendees – they’re sat right next to you most of the time – but don’t forget that the conference speakers are people too! Want to chat about something you’ve just heard mentioned onstage? Sure you do – and who better than the person who mentioned it? Most speakers will be happy to chat once they’ve finished their sessions; they often even put aside time especially for it. Be sure to say hello!
- GET SOCIAL
Yes, yes, we know – you’ve been on your feet all day, you’re still trying to process all the things you’ve learned, and now you’re expected to head to one of the conference’s social events? Yep. While the temptation to just retire to your hotel room and crash out can be overwhelming, you’ll be missing out on some great opportunities to socialise, connect, and build new business relationships (while enjoying a drink or two). Fight the fatigue and hit the party. And make sure you’re not stood in the corner glued to your cellphone throughout.
- IT ISN’T OVER BECAUSE IT’S OVER!
So you think the conference has finished just because it’s ‘finished’? Think again! You’ve made all sorts of new connections and opened up all sorts of exciting opportunities – now is the time to chase them up. Don’t let the most useful parts of the event slip away with the event itself.