How to Get the Most From Your Conference Experience

The pressure to net return on investment (ROI) on your conference can be daunting, with so many great speakers, sessions, people, and vendors. How can you get the most from your conference experience and ensure ROI for yourself, your team, and your boss?

Let’s explore how to create meaningful business connections before, during, and after a conference to help you reach your goals.

Before: Plan Ahead

Creating a conference strategy and networking plan well in advance of the event will save you time and net better results.

Set goals. Who do you wish to meet at this event? If you wish to meet speakers, name them. How many new people do you wish to meet? Choose a specific number of new people to meet each day you’re at the conference. Connect with colleagues from past conferences a few weeks ahead of the event, so you can coordinate a meetup if they’re also attending.

Conference networking is a chance to learn from peers and experts and solidify relationships that can propel your career. Planning ensures you connect and meet your networking goals.

Get social. Review your social media accounts ahead of the conference. Ensure your professional photo on your social channels is current and that your social media bios and contact information are up to date and on brand for your goals.

Follow the conference’s hashtag (#ATD24) and participate in conversations in real time. You can also connect with new people, as well as other colleagues, and set up a time to meet on-site.

I once planned a guest spot for my conference session using X, previously known as Twitter, direct message (DM) feature. It’s a terrific networking tool when you’re not in the same state or the same country.

Are you speaking at the conference? Provide valuable and helpful tips about your session topic on your social media channels and include the conference hashtag. Are you a conference-going pro, but not speaking? Share tips about the conference city, not-to-miss speakers, and conference-related events such as Networking Night.

Be selfie ready. The city will be filled with conference-goers and people you need to know, even when you’re grabbing breakfast or having a cocktail with friends after a day of training. Also, everyone has a camera on their phone. You want to look great in those photos whenever and wherever they’re taken.

During: Make Connections That Count

At the event, so many people, sessions, and activities can be overwhelming, whether you’re an experienced pro or a conference newbie. These tips will help you network effectively during the event and beyond.

Ask open-ended questions. “Is this your first conference?” is not an open-ended question because the person you ask will either say “yes” or “no.” Instead ask, “What was your favorite session thus far and why?” or “Whose session are you hoping to see most?” or “What’s one concept you learned and are bringing back to your employer?”

Asking open-ended questions will encourage more conversation and learning from other attendees beyond the sessions. At one conference, an attendee shared a great synopsis of a session he loved, including voice demonstrations. Not only was this recap fun, but I received key takeaways about a session I missed.

By asking open-ended questions and showing genuine interest in others, you can easily turn casual connections into new friendships.

Take a seat at the table with strangers. Whether you’re sitting in a session, having lunch, or waiting in line, you have an opportunity to meet a new person and network.

To ensure you have a successful interaction, have a sound bite ready. When people ask, “So, what do you do?” you’ll be prepared and stand out with a benefit-driven statement.

Connect with a business card or via LinkedIn. When you ask open-ended questions, you’ll uncover at least one unusual or interesting thing you learned about each person you meet. Jot it down on the back of their business card along with the date and session where you met.

No card? Connect on LinkedIn. This strategy will help you follow up with your new contacts after the show. By reviewing your notes, you’ll better recall each person, and you can use your memory jogger to refresh your new connection’s memory when you follow up.

Use social media during the conference. Join the conference conversation online. An easy start? The conference app tracks social media posts using the conference hashtag in real time.

Attend conference networking events. Many side gigs are happening during a conference run, including vendor-sponsored meetups, book signings, dinners, and social gatherings. There is always something to do at the end of the conference day. To find out the latest, check your social feeds for the conference hashtag as well as conference resources like the on-site information booth, registration swag bag, conference app, and expo vendors.

Choose one and bring a new friend or co-worker with you. You’ve got your sound bite and some open-ended questions—you’re ready to rock.

After: Follow Up

Follow up. While some conference-goers are no longer using business cards since the COVID-19 pandemic, many still are, and you’ll walk away with dozens of business cards when heading home. That’s where the memory jogger is useful. If you promised you’d send a person an article on the topic you discussed, do it!

Stay connected. I prefer connecting on LinkedIn at conferences because it’s easy to stay in touch (and top of mind). Plus, you can learn more about each person via their LinkedIn profile.

When you make a conference action plan, it allows you to be confident, comfortable, and ready to rock your conference experience. You’ve got this!

To help you plan for your next conference, get my free Conference Networking Action Plan. If you’re attending ATD24, attend my Career Center session, Network Like a Rock Star and Increase Your Conference ROI, on Monday, May 20. See you there!