Conferences and events are attended to gain knowledge, get updates and meet people. To get the best of such conferences or events, - Proactively network, exchanging insights with others - Watch, hear absorb knowledge-sharing events, or speakers - Make connections, be curious to meet, talk to others - Stay curious, and partake in discussions

Everyone has their own motivation for attending conferences. Understanding what these are and how to achieve these before attending is key. There's no right or wrong on what these motivations are but pre-planning before the event is key to ensure you know what you're doing when you get there.

At a large or busy conference that has multiple events happening at the same time, it is easy to look back at the end of the day and realise you missed something you really wanted to do - this could be listening to a talk, catching up with someone you know was there or getting information you were after. Putting a schedule together with where these different activities are happening is critical. Get it into your calendar or write out the list of activities with the times and locations for each.

1. Research each attendee in particular order of interest, look at connections in common and anything that stands out and relatable. 2. Reach out to each before the event. It creates a warmer intro when you meet 3. Remember because an attendee may not be relevant to you directly you never know who they may know and referrals are gold dust. In a world where people rarely connect face to face. This time is so valuable. 4. Don’t go straight into business. 5 Follow up by latest the next day! 6. Use the LinkedIn QR code to connect with people quickly. So handy! 7 Set a personal target of meeting x amount of people. Push yourself out of comfort zone and arrange follow up meetings there and then. 8. Introduce others add value to others

Set yourself a target list of who you're wanting to meet/ catch up with. If these are people are contactable beforehand then get in touch and arrange it. If not, work out how you're going to cross paths with the people you want to meet. Whatever happens, and most importantly of all, do NOT sell at people. Be natural, ask about what they have going on in their lives (do not make it about you) and be interesting.

1)First study the program thoroughly. 2) Match your interests, what do you want to learn with the program. 3)Select session A and session B (if there are multiple consecutive sessions); if A does not please you, go to B. 4) Take every opportunity to network with people, from the bus to the airport to the Starbucks to the breaks, to the lunches, to the sessions and the gala. 5) Focus on sharing your expertise and helping others. 6) Go with an open-minded attitude and curiosity at the forefront. 7) Do not underestimate any interaction, don't get impressed by titles rather by quality of interactions. 8) Make sure you come back home with 50 different contacts. 9) Make the effort to sit with diverse people with diverse interests.

I always sit at the table with the most diverse people. The dialogue and diverse perspectives are always stimulating! I can also expand my network and contribute to other's learning.

Organize the seminars that you wish to attend and have a Plan B ready. Be mentally present. Write notes on the handouts. Determine what is the next action based on the information you learned. Form insightful questions. Meet the presenter and exchange business cards. Identify key individuals (intentional networking) that you wish to connect with. Follow up after the conference either with a LI connection, further discussions, and/or any referrals of information. Take pictures and selfies to post for sharing.

The conference will end but your learning should continue! Review your notes and then find articles, books and websites that provide more information on the topics that interest you. Create a schedule to dig deeper into those subjects and then use what you learn to continue the conversations you began with the contacts you made networking at the conference. Having a plan will ensure strengthening your connections and deepening your knowledge doesn't get set aside after the event.

To maximize your conference experience, actively engage in sessions by asking questions and participating in discussions. Network with fellow attendees, exchange contact information, and explore collaborative opportunities. Prioritize sessions aligning with your goals, but also venture into unfamiliar topics for a well-rounded perspective. Utilize breaks to connect with speakers, sponsors, and attendees. Take concise notes for later reflection, and share insights on social media platforms. Finally, embrace the chance to learn, share, and build lasting connections, ensuring a fruitful and enriching conference experience.

"Networking Always Beats Not Working" ~ Kevin D. Turner, Managing Partner of TNT Brand Strategist. Go Grand, Never Bland, Brand to Land & #KeepRockingLinkedIn! Kevin On a Mission to Eliminate Organizational & Personal Blandingâ„¢