8 Best Conference Practices

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Attending conferences is one of my favorite things to do. Think that sounds lame? It isn’t! I love being surrounded by people who are just as passionate about their field and their work as me. Here are my tips on how to prepare for a conference, the best practices while you are at a conference and what to do after a conference.

1. Network before the conference

Get to know some people who are going to the same conference. We all know there is a Twitter hashtag for every conference out there. #SocialFresh, #PRSSANC, #140conf and more! Get to know people through these hashtags because they will be great resources and connections for you. Build those relationships!

2. Bring your business cards

Every single person will have them. It’s so much easier to connect with someone and give them your business card rather than pulling out your phone or writing all the information down.  Tip: write something about the person to help you remember them after the conference.

3. Know where you are going, research!

Make sure you look up the weather, types of restaurants, things to do around the area and more before you go. You will want to be prepared when someone asks the crowd “what’s good around here?” or “does anyone know of a good place to eat?”

4. Get to know other people, not your friends

When you go to conferences, you go to learn and meet people. Most people want to just hang out with their friends, but that’s not what you go to do. Branch out and meet other people! Go to different sessions than ones your friends will go to and get to know other people. Make connections and build relationships!

5. Take advantage of your time there

Attending conferences, usually, means you are traveling somewhere. Don’t forget to tour the city and see a different place! Does this mean you should skip sessions? No, but you will have free time to go out and have fun!

6. Attend different types of sessions

I absolutely love public relations, social media, marketing and branding. Do I get tired of hearing about the same practices over and over? Sometimes. Don’t be afraid to attend a different type of session not necessarily in your interest range [like sports PR for me!] because you never know what you will learn!

7. Follow up!

Remember those business cards and all the great people you met? You collected those biz cards and met them for a reason. Don’t forget to follow up with them by email, social media or another way so you don’t lose contact and can continue to keep in contact and mutually benefit each other.

8. Put what you learned into practice

If you’ve been to a conference, you know that you are on a high after conference and you are pumped about what you learned and experienced. Share that knowledge! Take it with you and put what you learned into practice, don’t just forget it. Share your notes and refer to your notes!

What are some other things to do before, at or after a conference?