Conferences are an excellent opportunity for individuals to establish connections, acquire knowledge, and develop professionally. So It’s crucial to know how to maximise the benefits of attending one.

Attending a conference without a plan of action or any idea of what to expect can be overwhelming or unproductive, and I have been guilty of that in the past. In this article, I will share conference tips and tricks on how to get the most out of a conference. With these strategies, you can establish valuable connections and gain a wealth of knowledge that you can apply to your profession.

Why should you attend a conference? 

Conferences are for more than just showing face and eating free food. They’re invaluable platforms that allow you to stay updated with the latest professional trends, gain insider knowledge from industry experts, and network with like-minded individuals. Here are some other benefits of attending a conference:

Exposure to new ideas and perspectives
‍Conferences are a hub of innovation and creativity. By attending, you can gain exposure to new ideas, emerging trends, and different perspectives. This can broaden your thinking, spark creativity, and inspire you to approach your work from new angles.

Professional growth and advancement
‍By attending a conference, you can showcase your knowledge and expertise through presentations or participating in discussions. This can enhance your professional reputation, increase visibility in your industry, and potentially lead to career advancements or new opportunities.

Renewed motivation and inspiration
‍Conferences are energising and motivating events. Connecting with like-minded professionals, learning from experts, and gaining new ideas should reignite your passion for your work and provide a fresh perspective. This renewed motivation can have a positive impact on your productivity. 

How to get the most out of a conference

Conferences are usually busy and big, with multiple rooms and different speakers. For some, this can be overwhelming. Don’t worry; our conference tips below will help even the shyest of people tackle them confidently and efficiently. 

1. Prepare for the conference

“By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail” - Thomas Edison

This rings true for most things in life, including conferences. By not preparing yourself beforehand, you most certainly won’t get a lot out of it. 

Establish your objective
‍Define what you want to achieve from attending the conference. Determine the specific knowledge, skills, or connections you hope to gain. Write down and answer these questions:

• What do I want to learn?
• Who do I want to meet? 
• What workshops do I want to attend? 
• What products or services do I want to see? 
• I’ll be happy to walk out at the end of the day once I? 

Be specific and clear when answering your questions, as this will better prepare you for the day.

Organise your schedule
‍Review the conference agenda in advance and create a personalised schedule that includes sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities that align with your objectives.

Research speakers and topics
‍Familiarise yourself with the speakers and their expertise. Prioritise attending sessions led by experts in your field or on topics of particular interest to you. Write down questions you want to ask the speakers. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

• How do you see this field/industry evolving in the future?
• Are there any specific resources, tools, or methodologies you would recommend for someone interested in this area?
• Are there any upcoming trends or innovations you think we should be aware of?
• What are some key insights you have gained from your experience in this area?

Remember to listen actively and engage in a conversation with the speaker or presenter. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions based on their responses to delve deeper into the topic.

Prepare for networking
‍If you’re a shy person, the thought of networking may frighten you. However, networking is one of the most important things you can do as a professional. Whether you’re there to represent your company or yourself, prepare yourself beforehand so you can network like a pro. Here are some quick tips:

• Know how to make a clear and concise introduction. First impressions really do count!  
• Plan conversation topics ahead of time. By doing this, it should avoid awkward silences and off-topic discussions. 
• Hype yourself up before the event. This one may sound silly, but positive self-talk has a huge impact on self-confidence. Before heading out, look in the mirror and tell yourself how confident you are. The more you repeat it, the more confident you’ll feel.   

Download any apps, maps or schedules
‍It's common for conferences to offer an app or downloadable schedule that you can access before attending. Make sure to download it in advance so you can plan your day in a more efficient way and become familiarised with the program, which is especially useful when attending a conference in another country where there may not be any Wi-Fi available.  Additionally, some apps allow you to book your seating beforehand. 

Pack and plan for the day
‍Pack a small backpack or handbag with a pen and notepad or your tablet so you can take notes. Battery pack for your phone and a charger for your laptop or tablet. Depending on the style of the conference, you might also want to take a bottle of water and some snacks. And if you’re planning on networking, breath mints or sprays can go a long way, as coffee breath can linger for hours!  

Plan your outfits 
It’s important to dress appropriately for the conference you’re attending. You want to be comfortable but also professional. Remember, you’ll potentially be rubbing shoulders and shaking hands with industry leaders and VIPs. So make a lasting impression by dressing for the occasion. Smart casual attire with layers and comfortable shoes is always a safe and appropriate choice. 

Research the venue beforehand
‍Will you be driving there, catching an Uber, or staying at a nearby hotel? Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to arrive on time, especially if you are from out of town. The last thing you want is to show up feeling flustered and stressed because you didn't anticipate the traffic.

By researching where the venue is, you’ll also be able to see what’s available in the area. It’ll give you an insight into where attendees may gather afterwards. Additionally, you will have several options to suggest if someone wants to prolong a conversation over drinks or a meal.

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2. Arrive early 

We would recommend that you arrive as early as possible, especially on the first day, as this is where attendees typically receive their badges and passes. The lines for this can be unbearably long, so show up early to avoid long wait times.   

3. Explore the venue 

Arriving early at the venue will give you the opportunity to explore the surroundings. This will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Additionally, it will enable you to locate the restrooms, refreshment areas, various workshop rooms, and exhibitions easily. Visit the exhibition booths to learn about new products, services, or technologies relevant to your industry. Engage with exhibitors to gain insights and explore potential collaborations.

If you’ve downloaded the map or app, pull out your phone and start exploring. Who knows what you’ll find?  

4. Engage with others

You prepared a short introduction earlier, and now it’s time to use it. Make sure to also be proactive in introducing yourself to others. Don't wait for people to come up to you - take the initiative to reach out to them.

5. Attend Q&A sessions and workshops

You’ve done all your research, so by now, you should know exactly what talks to attend and at what time to attend them. Take out your notepad or tablet, ask your questions and take notes. Actively listen during sessions and take detailed notes. If you’re not good at manual dictation, take out your phone and start recording a voice note - check beforehand if this is allowed.  

Don't hesitate to approach speakers afterwards for further discussions. You’ll find that many important conversations happen after the workshop or session has ended. These ad hoc meetings are generally known as "hallway track".

6. Attend social events

Conference organisers may arrange social events like cocktail receptions or networking dinners for after the conference. These events provide attendees with a chance to establish relationships and have meaningful conversations with one another.

However, it is crucial to avoid getting drunk during these gatherings. You do not want to be remembered as the inappropriate one.

7. Be proactive after the conference

Now that you’ve attended the conference made some new connections and gained more knowledge, it’s time to reflect and reconnect. 

Utilise social media
‍Follow the conference hashtag and engage in discussions on Twitter or LinkedIn. This can help you connect with other attendees and extend the learning beyond the conference.

Reflect and review
‍Reflect on what you've learned and identify any actions you want to take based on the insights gained. Review your notes and organise the information for future reference. If your memory isn’t the greatest, we suggest reflecting after each day so that it’s still fresh in your mind. 

Follow up
‍Make sure to follow up with the people you met, connect with them on LinkedIn, and continue the conversations. This will help maintain the connections you made and potentially lead to future opportunities.

Discuss your findings and new-found knowledge with your company
‍It's important to hold a meeting or have a catch-up over coffee with your team or manager to discuss the key points and takeaways. The knowledge you've gained in those few days can have a significant impact on your business for years to come.

How to find out about industry conferences

If you want to find out about industry events, there are several ways to do so:

• Industry-specific websites and forums: Numerous industries have dedicated websites or platforms that provide details about upcoming events, such as conferences, trade shows, workshops, and other industry-related gatherings.
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• Social media: Follow relevant industry associations, organisations, and influencers on social media platforms. They often share information about upcoming events and conferences.
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• Industry newsletters and magazines: Subscribe to newsletters or magazines specific to your industry. These publications often include event calendars or highlight important industry gatherings.
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• Event listing websites: Websites like Eventbrite, Meetup, and Eventful provide event listings across various industries.
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• Local business organisations: Check with local business organisations, chambers of commerce, or trade associations in your area. They frequently organise or promote industry events and can provide information about upcoming gatherings.