Over 250 million people attend conferences annually in the U.S. alone, according to the Global Conference Alliance. The impact of these industry events is undeniable: conferences are always an opportunity to build new relationships, learn from industry experts, and elevate your professional presence.
Even if you’re a seasoned conference attendee, this three-step guide will help you show up with intention, connect with confidence, and follow up with purpose. Let’s get you ready for conference season!
1) PREPARE – Get ahead before you arrive
A strong start begins before you arrive. Being intentional in the days, even weeks, leading up to the event can be the difference between navigating on autopilot and a true career-enhancing experience. How can you prepare?
Set goals
Ask yourself, “What do I want to walk away with?” Is it a handful of new industry contacts? Potential sales leads? Innovative ideas to bring back to your team? Spend some time writing down a few goals. This will help you shape your experience and be intentional about how you spend your time.
Do your research
Use the conference resources to your advantage. Research the speakers, sessions; even the attendee list—if available. Identify the people or companies you know you want to connect with. Take this a step further by following them on LinkedIn before the conference. A conversation starter like “I’ve been following your work and…” can set you apart in a crowded room.
Don’t overlook the preparation. Jumpstart your connections and organize your schedule by doing research before the event.
Polish your introduction
Your introduction doesn’t have to be scripted but it should be succinct and delivered with confidence. Harvard Business Review reported that your elevator pitch should be around 30 seconds long. During this time, you should be able to clearly articulate who you are and what you do. With any extra time, get creative with what else you decide to include. If you need some ideas, here are a few to consider:
- What excites you about the work that you do?
- Your goal or focus for the event
- A current priority in your role
Also, make sure that your LinkedIn profile, and any other professional platforms you may share, are up to date and reflect your current role and interests.
2) ENGAGE – Show up with purpose and be present
When the conference starts, you’ll be surrounded by activity and information. The goal isn’t just to stay busy, it’s to stay intentional. Keep the goals that you set top of mind.
Schedule intentionally
Don’t overload your schedule trying to be everywhere at once. Prioritize sessions that align with your goals, and leave room for unscheduled conversations. Some of the most valuable moments happen in the hallways, at lunch, or between sessions. Don’t risk missing out on invaluable networking opportunities by overcrowding your schedule.
Start conversations with impact
Lead with curiosity. While it’s important to have your “What do you do?” answer ready to go, it’s not always the most engaging conversation starter. Instead, try asking:
- “What’s been the highlight of your work lately?”
- “Which session are you looking forward to the most?”
- “How did you get into this line of work?”
Thoughtful questions spark better conversations than a resume rundown.
Write it down
Many conferences will have handouts and speaker notes available following the event but don’t underestimate the value of taking your own notes. You won’t realistically be able to go through every presentation deck and speaker note so, get in the habit of keeping a log of your own highlights throughout the event. Capture takeaways, ideas you want to bring back to your team, names of important people that you met with conversation highlights, the list goes on (literally). Not only does taking notes deepen your engagement, it will also make your life easier when it’s time to follow up!
3) FOLLOW UP – Turn conversations into connections
The conference may end, but your impact doesn’t have to. Post-conference is where the seeds you planted begin to grow. The way you follow up is what can turn a quick exchange into a relationship worth building.
Reach out in a timely manner
You’ll meet a lot of people, and so will everyone else. Aim to follow up within 48 to 72 hours while the conversations are still fresh. A short, personalized message goes a long way. Remind them who you are, reference your conversation, and suggest how you’d like to stay connected.
Add something of value
As you follow up with contacts, take an extra step by sending an article, book, or event recommendation related to a conversation you may have had (this is where your notes will come in handy). Small gestures like this show that you were actively listening and that you’re someone worth connecting with.
Personal reflection
Don’t let your conference experience get buried under emails when you return to work. Take some time to reflect:
- What did you learn?
- Who or what stood out?
- What will you do differently next time?
Capture your thoughts while everything is fresh. This reflection will help you retain the value of this conference and show up even better for the next one!
Showing up is just the start. Maximize the opportunity.
Conferences are what you make them. With the right mindset and a little intention, you can walk away with more than a name tag and swag bag—you’ll leave with valuable takeaways and meaningful connections!
For additional preparation before your next event, check out our curated learning path designed to get you conference-ready.