To get the most out of a conference, set a clear set of goals: do you want to acquire new knowledge, network with key players, or promote your work? With these goals in mind, explore the conference agenda and speaker list to find sessions that align best. While setting goals is crucial, don't underestimate the power of the hallway track. This is often the biggest value gain for me. These informal interactions between sessions are where valuable knowledge can be exchanged. By striking up conversations with fellow attendees, you can gain new perspectives and potentially discover unexpected collaborations.

Before attending a professional conference, clarify your goals. Whether networking, gaining industry insights, or learning new skills, having clear objectives will help you make the most of the experience. Review the agenda to identify relevant sessions that align with your objectives, ensuring a focused and productive experience.

To maximize your conference experience: clarify your objectives - seek knowledge, connections, and visibility at the least. 1. Prioritize key sessions and people who match these goals. 2. Schedule meet-up or network during the break with the identified individuals. 3. Follow up post-conference to cement new connections and integrate new insights into your work.

Check the conference agenda to see which sessions appeal, and always select a backup session (or 2) in case the session is full. Give yourself a bit of breathing room to have a nice chat with people. Keep an eye on social media to see if people you'd love to meet are also attending (and reach out!).

Uma estratégia interessante é anotar o que percebe que consegue aplicar na semana seguinte! Claro, provavelmente será necessário lapidar, mas realize e se conecte com as pessoas sejam elas participantes ou palestrantes, elas podem contribuir muito com sua execução.

One should choose the professional conference which aligns to their goals and intention. A good conference will have blend of work related learnings and networking with people from same industry.

Approach the professional conference strategically by prioritizing key sessions and networking opportunities. Stay flexible to adapt your schedule based on unexpected insights and connections, maximizing the overall value of your attendance.

Conferences are just like the grocery store. There are shelves of merchandise that you need and then there are those items that are not on your list, however. the ingredients make it sound divine. So, don’t be afraid to take a chance on something new. Attend that seminar that intrigues you. You never know what tidbits you’ll gather to make someone else’s day/experience brighter. At the end of that session, practice what you’ve learned and share your new found knowledge.

Don’t be afraid to move on to another session that might be more rewarding. Don’t be afraid to take a 30min nap if needed. Don’t be afraid to stand in the hall near the super interesting packed session and window watch! That may be the most valuable place to be in that moment! Conference aren’t school marms checking attendance and reporting negs on you. They provide you with a chance to explore and find new interests and connections that you might have missed sticking to your work set goals for the conference. Conferences are like a box of chocolates!

Try to pick the key sessions that align with your goals, but also select some "relaxing" sessions that still align in case you feel some cognitive overload or as a break spot to meet up with other attendees.

Before you attend the conference, put a two-hour block on your calendar the day you get back to the office, and use that time to send followup emails and connection requests to folks you met at the event. By being intentional about this time, you avoid the trap of letting that important next step slip until it feels awkward!

Make a new lock screen for your phone that includes a QR code to your LinkedIn profile or website to make it easy to connect in a longer-lasting way when you’ve had great conversations with new folks.

This is by far one of the most valuable aspects from attending conferences. Iron sharpens iron and networking with your peers around shared ideas, challenges and solutions is pivotal. While classes and vendor offers are also beneficial, nothing adds more value than connecting with your peers and expanding your network. Accordingly be sure to engage with others, extend outside your comfort zone, and be open to new connections and conversations to truly get the most out of any conference you may attend.

When you go to a conference, you have an opportunity to meet people from all over the world & in diverse industries. Make meaningful connections, get to know them & offer help. Once you get back home, follow up & continue to nuture that relationship. You can ask them questions, send them an article of something they are interested in or share something new you've learned.

Actively engage with fellow attendees, speakers, and exhibitors to build meaningful connections. Initiate conversations, ask questions, and share your insights. Networking is a crucial aspect of conferences, so be approachable and open to collaboration.

I've attended a handful of conferences & each experience has been unique! I always follow these steps to get the most return out of this investment: 1. Set Goals 🎯 2. Plan Your Schedule 📅 3. Engage Actively 🙋♂️ 4. Network Strategically 🤝 5. Follow Up Afterwards ✉️ Get ready to level up your professional game!

Jot down what interested you, both for short-term use cases, and things to keep an eye on for the long term. Experiment with things. And why not give a small internal demo to your colleagues?

I have contacted attendees whom I wish to interact even before the conference so that I could maximize my reach and impact even before I meet them in conference

I personally research about the conference even before attending. There might be complete misalignment with what you are seeking and what the conference offers. Sometimes it might be wiser not to go!

In my experience some of the best outcomes from a conference are those that are not planned. It could be the random person you meet whilst queuing for a coffee; the random talk you squeezed in because the one you originally planned to see was full; the opportunity to explore the city you've ended up in rather than being wedded to the schedule. Be flexible and you'll be amazed at what you get out of a conference

It goes without saying that conferences are some of the best ways build your network and gain perspectives outside your usual connections. This can bring opportunities to talk to like minded people as well as foster new alliances. Focus on finding individuals that inspire a further conversation rather than engage in small-talk. Be intentional.

The conference website is invaluable. Find the agenda and plan out each day but go into it knowing your plan my change. If you have access to the attendee list, pull that and reach out to attendees on the list that you would like to connect with and meet for a quick coffee or at a session. Make sure you sign up early to get into the sessions you want to be a part of, get a room at the conference site- helps make meet-ups easier-and start reaching out to attendees before their schedules fill up.