No matter your career field, chances are that you will have the opportunity to head to a business conference. A business conference can be a great way to improve your career prospects (if you are working for “the man”), or boost your own business if you are self-employed.
A business conference can be a lot of fine. I’m at the Financial Blogger Conference, and I am having a great deal of fun. However, it’s important to remember that you need to work on developmental items as well. If you want to make the most of a business conference, here are a few tips:
Attend Informative Sessions
It’s true that, at some conferences, there’s a lot going on in the hallways. It can be tempting to skip informative sessions. However, remember that part of the profit in a business conference is the learning. You are paying to be there (or your company is) and you want to get something out of it.
Look over the sessions and figure out which are most likely to provide you with some benefit, whether it’s learning something new, improving a skill, or helping you in some other way. Remember that there is plenty to learn from others, and you could become more marketable in your career path, or streamline your own business, with the things you learn from others.
Network
Networking is one of the best reasons to attend a conference. You can meet influential people in your field, and make connections with people who can help you down the road.
You can meet people in your industry who can help you find a better job, or, if you are a business owner, you find new talent and identify potential business partners.
Don’t forget that you can be a resource, too. Make sure that you are helpful and that you offer your own connection to others. Be clear about how you can benefit someone else, as well as look for those who can benefit you. Networking at a conference can be a great way to meet people to include in a mastermind group, or those who can help you take the next step.
Share Ideas
A business conference is a great place to share ideas. I know at FinCon, I will be in at least two story meetings with editors. You can also share ideas about joint ventures, the latest trends, and your own experiences. Learn from the experiences of others, and share your own experiences. Everyone will be enriched by the exchange of ideas. There’s a place for informative sessions, and there is also a place for smaller, interactions where you can really share ideas and get to know others.
Visit the Expo Tables
You can also visit the expo tables. But it’s not about the swag. While it’s fun to get the free stuff, you also want to make sure you are talking to people. This can be a chance to find new vendors, learn about useful tools for your business, and meeting more people who can help you along your way.
What do you think is the most beneficial part of attending a business conference? How do you make the most of a conference?
