4 Ways to Prepare for a Business Conference
By , blog.intuit.com, 20-02- 2014
Signing up for a professional conference can be exciting: New connections!
Fresh ideas! Sage advice from experts! However, in order to benefit
from all an event has to offer, you’ll want to do some prep work before
attending.
1. Think before you sign up.
“Don’t just attend a class because the speaker has a big name and will draw a crowd,” advises entrepreneur and photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan. The discussion may cover a topic you already know very well.
Instead, she recommends planning which seminars to attend by picking three goals for your business. By identifying the areas in which you want to see improvement, you’ll be able to target sessions that support your objectives.
2. Manage your schedule. “Try to plan lunches and dinners ahead of time,” Ryan suggests. Get in touch with vendors or other people you want to connect with, and set up meetings over meals. You’ll maximize your time at the conference, and you won’t end up eating alone.
Also consider your business operations during the time you’ll be away. You may need to put in extra hours ahead of time, delegate tasks, or take some work with you to the conference.
3. Pack smart and sensible attire. When picking out clothes, leave the casual garb at home and dress like you’re still at work. “Remember that people will reach the conclusions about us that we lead them to, and we have great control over our professional image,” Favilla says.
Consider a pair of shoes that’s comfortable for standing and walking. “At some conferences, you may have to walk 15 to 20 minutes indoors to get from your room to the conference area and trade shows, even when you are staying at the resort hosting the conference,” Ryan notes.
4. Bring the right promotional materials. >>>
Signing up for a professional conference can be exciting: New connections!
Fresh ideas! Sage advice from experts! However, in order to benefit
from all an event has to offer, you’ll want to do some prep work before
attending.
“Conferences can be powerful learning and
business-building events if you are prepared to take advantage of the
opportunities that will be presented,” notes Dennis Favilla, a sales
training and support specialist for the Sign & Graphics Division of Alliance Franchise Brands.
Follow these guidelines to make the most of your next conference.1. Think before you sign up.
“Don’t just attend a class because the speaker has a big name and will draw a crowd,” advises entrepreneur and photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan. The discussion may cover a topic you already know very well.
Instead, she recommends planning which seminars to attend by picking three goals for your business. By identifying the areas in which you want to see improvement, you’ll be able to target sessions that support your objectives.
2. Manage your schedule. “Try to plan lunches and dinners ahead of time,” Ryan suggests. Get in touch with vendors or other people you want to connect with, and set up meetings over meals. You’ll maximize your time at the conference, and you won’t end up eating alone.
Also consider your business operations during the time you’ll be away. You may need to put in extra hours ahead of time, delegate tasks, or take some work with you to the conference.
3. Pack smart and sensible attire. When picking out clothes, leave the casual garb at home and dress like you’re still at work. “Remember that people will reach the conclusions about us that we lead them to, and we have great control over our professional image,” Favilla says.
Consider a pair of shoes that’s comfortable for standing and walking. “At some conferences, you may have to walk 15 to 20 minutes indoors to get from your room to the conference area and trade shows, even when you are staying at the resort hosting the conference,” Ryan notes.
4. Bring the right promotional materials. >>>
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