Tuesday 5 March 2013

Five tips for getting the most out of a conference


At Fizz Marketing, we are in the business of managing events. Some of the events we organise, include conferences. If you’re attending a conference in the near future, there are some things you should bear in mind. Here are five tips for getting the most out of a conference.

1. Remember that networking is just as important as the presentations
The presentations at conferences are always valuable to learn more about your industry and stay abreast on the current trends and news, but don’t abandon opportunities to mingle and network with your fellow attendees. You could form invaluable business relationships at conferences, so try to be open to opportunities to get to know other people at the event.

2. Attend any workshops available
If the conference has any workshops or other training events, make time to attend these for a more hands on and practical learning experience.

3. Make the most of the business card exchange
At the end of a presentation, or the event itself, there are many opportunities to exchange business cards with people you come into contact with at the conference. A good trick here is to immediately make notes on the business card as you receive it. There is nothing worse than meeting some amazing people and then having to scratch through a pile of cards to remember who that particularly interesting contact was.

4. Attend panel discussions
Panels are perfect for encouraging some out of the box thinking. Listening to important people within your industry discussing different points and offering fresh perspectives on a variety of topics will help you to open your mind and think a bit differently.

5. Take notes at every opportunity
It may seem obvious, but keeping notes at presentations and workshops is of utmost importance. Just make sure it’s not at the expense of absorbing what is being said. Jotting down notes even when simply walking around the conference or mingling is a good idea, because these environments will most likely get your mind ticking. Great ideas could sneak up at any moment, so take advantage by writing these down as they come to you.

A conference is a fantastic way to learn, grow and network within your industry. Find out more about event organisation with Fizz Marketing. Visit us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.