Don’t Just attend. How to truly benefit from conferences
Going to a business or leadership conference can feel overwhelming. However, they are a great opportunity to discover new ideas and trends, meet like-minded people and grow your network. After attending my fair share of conferences, I’ve picked up a few recommendations to help make the most of the experience …
Go with a purpose: What do you want to get out of the event – networking, learning, visibility? Having an intention makes it easier to prioritise your time.
Review the agenda in advance and highlight the ‘must attend’ sessions and any speakers you would like to listen to and connect with.
Check attendee lists (if available) to identify key people you want to meet. If possible, schedule coffee chats or informal meetups.
Master the art of networking: Conferences are as much about the hallway conversations as they are about the keynote sessions. Have your introduction ready – a quick, engaging way to explain who you are and what you do. And follow up quickly with a short email or LinkedIn message which will help you stand out.
Take relevant notes: Rather than writing down everything, focus on key takeaways, quotes or statistics and any personal reflections on how you can apply what you learned to your work
Pace yourself: Conferences can be exhausting! Take breaks and get some fresh air. Sometimes the best insights come when you give yourself space to think.
Keep the momentum going: It’s tempting to put everything in a drawer when back at work! To get the most out of the time away go through your notes, connect with people you met, and maybe share your experience with your team or colleagues.
At the end of the day, conferences are what you make of them. Be curious, talk to people, give yourself room to breathe, and share what you learn. Who knows—you might walk away with new ideas, new friends, or even a new direction for your work.
Are you attending or have you attended any conferences? What works well for you?
What’s adding value …
Using AI for recommendations for my garden and suggestions for an autumn wardrobe update!
Listening to The Plodcast (a weekly escape to the British Countryside. It’s very soothing listening to the Sound Escapes) and Open Country featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles
Reading Archangel, a political thriller, by Robert Harris. “When historian Fluke Kelso learns of the existence of a secret notebook belonging to Josef Stalin he is determined to track it down, whatever the consequences.”
Do you have any recommendations? Let’s connect here
