As we move into the fall, we know that conferences can be exhilarating, overwhelming, and exhausting all at once. But with a little planning, you can maximize both your personal and professional gains and have your best conference season yet. Here’s a few tips:
Prioritize Self-Care
Traveling for work can be taxing. To ensure you're sharp and engaged, prioritize self-care.
- Move your body: Even a short walk or a quick yoga or meditation session in your hotel room can do wonders. If your hotel has a gym, take advantage of it.
- Recharge: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to unplug and recharge. Step outside, grab a coffee, or simply sit quietly for a few minutes.
- Stay hydrated: It's easy to forget to drink enough water when you're on the go. Keep a reusable water bottle with you and refill it regularly.
Plan Your Connections
Conferences are fantastic networking opportunities, but with so many people in one place, navigating the crowd can feel like a big task.
- Clarify your primary business goal: Several weeks in advance, define your primary business goal for the event. Whether you're there to find new vendors, build your talent pipeline or for professional education, a singular focus will help you prioritize your time at the conference more easily.
- Know your audience: Identify potential connections if the guest list is available beforehand or through following conference hashtags on social media. A brief introduction before the conference can make a lasting impression and allow you to set up valuable in-person conversations at the event.
- Support women leaders: Seek out sessions led by women and make a point to connect with them.
- Be yourself: Authenticity is key. People are drawn to genuine individuals. Embracing your true self will make networking more enjoyable and effective.
Capture and Reflect
Conferences are information overload. To make the most of your experience:
- Take notes: Jot down key points, ideas, and contact information.
- Journaling: Reflect on your day, your learnings, and any insights you gained.
- Schedule post-event follow-up time: Set aside an hour or two after the conference dedicated to sending personal messages to those you met at the conference.
- Share a recap: Share the key insights, resources, business opportunities, and key actions from the conference with your team.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your next conference is productive and enjoyable. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for both personal and professional success.
