Having just returned home from ASTA’s Global Conference, I was reminded how easy it is to squander the opportunities that conferences provide. Here are five reminders to help ensure that your next decision to attend a conference pays measurable dividends.
Reminder #1: Arrive early. This allows ample time to become familiar with your new home for the next few days and will prevent wasting time once the starting bell is sounded and you try to find out where your meeting rooms are located. It also allows you to formalize your game plan for the next couple of days.
Reminder #2: Research the speakers. In most instances organizations hire professionals to share their experiences with attendees. Google their websites and if genuinely interested, send an email to the speaker telling him or her how excited you are that they will be contributing. Then at the workshop or seminar, make it a point to introduce yourself to the speaker. Applaud as warranted and follow up after the event. This is called professional networking.
Reminder #3: Learn who is attending. A hidden-value of many conferences involves the attendees themselves. In just a few days you will be walking, sitting, and meeting with a handful of intelligent, experienced and creative individuals. All you have to do is meet them. And since you have a built-in “hook” in the conference itself, at no other time will this be easier to do.
Reminder #4: Sit up front. This simple gambit can often pay huge dividends as your chances of making eye-contact with the speaker are enhanced. Offering to “play” with the speaker if called upon will also grease the skids for future dialogue if the opportunity presents itself. Speakers are people, too. They appreciate signs of friendship in a room full of strangers.
Reminder #5: Network outside the event. I alluded to the fact that the people attending the event are potential gold mines for future collaboration and long-distance business relationships. Most will be strangers on day one. It is up to you to initiate the next step. Leave your inhibitions at the registration table. You have no time for shyness. This is a business opportunity and you must capitalize on it. Be the first to introduce yourself for the next four days.
Since five reminders is the title of this column, I will call the next two Bonus Tips:
1. Don’t forget to bring plenty (loads) of business cards. Hand them out freely “after” asking for the card of the person you are speaking with.
2. Always, always, always remember why you entered the travel industry. Don’t ever forget to have fun while attending industry conferences.
Please rate this tip and let us know how we’re doing!
Mike Marchev, CTC, has been having fun in the travel industry since 1984. He plans to have some more fun on his January 2014 Kick-Off Cruise departing from Tampa on The Brilliance of the Seas for 5-nights. Details can be found at www.mikemarchev.com/cruise
