Maximize ROI at Conferences: Strategic Tips for Success
Attending a conference can be a significant investment—both financially and in terms of your time. With the costs of tickets, transportation, accommodations, and the opportunity cost of being away from your daily work, it's essential to ensure that you get the best possible return on that investment. This post will walk you through maximizing the value you get from attending a conference, from pre-event preparation to post-event follow-up.
The Real Cost of Attending Conferences
When you think about the cost of attending a conference, it's easy to focus on the apparent expenses like tickets and travel. But there's much more to consider. The actual cost includes not just the financial outlay but also the opportunity cost—being away from your daily responsibilities can impact your work, potentially leading to missed opportunities or delayed projects. Whether you or your employer cover the costs, attending a conference is a substantial investment in your career progression. You must drive maximum value from the money and time spent to justify that investment.
Financial and Opportunity Costs
The direct financial costs of attending a conference are usually prominent: the ticket price, airfare, accommodations, meals, and other incidental expenses. These costs can quickly add up, especially for international conferences or multi-day events.
However, the opportunity costs might be even higher. Time away from your regular work means projects might slow down, deadlines could be pushed back, and you may miss out on day-to-day developments in your job. This downtime needs to be accounted for, as it can affect your overall productivity and the progress of your current responsibilities.
Measuring the Value: Beyond Just Costs
While the costs are significant, the value you can gain from a conference can far outweigh them—if you approach the event strategically. Value can be measured in several ways:
Career Advancement: Conferences are prime networking opportunities. You might meet someone who can offer you a new job, a freelance gig, or a collaboration that could take your career to the next level. For example, your connections could lead to speaking engagements, consultancy offers, or partnerships that could be financially rewarding.
Business Opportunities: If you're attending as a company representative, the ROI could come from new business leads, partnerships, or clients. A single strong lead or a new partnership could justify the entire cost of attending.
Content and Collaboration: In my experience, I attend conferences to learn and find great stories for my podcast. The value here is in content creation—meeting people with interesting experiences and insights that I can share with my audience. This enriches my content and enhances my credibility and reach as a thought leader in the Power Platform and Dynamics 365 space.
Knowledge and Skills: The sessions and workshops you attend are investments in your professional development. The knowledge and skills you gain can be applied directly to your work, making you more efficient and effective. For example, learning about a new tool or technique that saves time or improves the quality of your work has a tangible impact on your productivity and, ultimately, your career.
The Long-Term ROI
It's essential to think of conference attendance as a long-term investment. The relationships you build, the knowledge you acquire, and the opportunities you uncover often pay dividends well after the event. This is why it's crucial to approach conferences with a strategic mindset—planning, networking, and following up effectively ensures you maximize your investment return.
While the upfront costs of attending a conference might be high, the potential for a high return—whether in terms of career advancement, business opportunities, content creation, or skill development—makes it a worthwhile investment. The key is proactively seeking out these opportunities and having a clear plan for capturing and capitalizing on them.
My First Conference Experience
Years ago, when I first started my IT career, I attended a conference in Anaheim, USA, from New Zealand. I remember standing amid the bustling crowd, asking myself, "How do I maximize this experience?" This question led me to think deeply about maximizing an event. It's not just about attending sessions; it's also about the people you meet, the connections you make, and the opportunities those connections might bring—future career opportunities, joint ventures, or even recommendations. That first experience shaped how I approach every conference I attend today.
Pre-Conference Strategy: Setting the Stage for Success
The foundation of maximizing ROI at a conference is laid long before you arrive at the venue. Preparation ensures that every moment spent at the event contributes to your overall goals.
Define Success Metrics
Before you book your ticket, it's crucial to define success. What do you want to achieve? Is it building your network, gaining insights on specific topics, or earning a certification? Setting clear, measurable goals will help you assess the value you've gained from the event. These metrics serve as personal benchmarks to evaluate whether the conference was worth your time and investment.
Success can take many forms depending on your professional goals:
Networking Goals: If your primary aim is to expand your professional network, set specific targets such as connecting with at least five industry leaders, engaging with peers in your field, or even meeting people from the Microsoft product team. Consider how you can add value to these connections—sharing your insights, offering to collaborate on future projects, or simply building a genuine relationship. For example, think about how you can contribute to a product team's feedback process or provide user stories that could influence future developments.
Knowledge Acquisition: Perhaps you're attending the conference to deepen your understanding of specific technologies or methodologies. Set clear goals, such as learning three new tools or techniques to streamline your work processes. Additionally, you might aim to do five deep dives with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that have the tech you're interested in. These sessions leave you with actionable insights you can bring to your organization.
Demonstration and Feedback: Conferences are excellent opportunities to showcase your work. You might aim to demo a solution for at least five potential clients or collaborators. Use these interactions to gather feedback, validate ideas, and explore possible improvements. This helps refine your work and increases your visibility and credibility in the industry.
Professional Development: Another potential success metric is earning certifications or attending workshops that contribute to your professional development. For example, you could aim to complete a specific certification course at the conference or attend a series of workshops to enhance your skill set. This is a direct way to measure the educational value of the conference.
Strategic Collaboration: Sometimes, the goal might be to find collaborators for future projects. Set a target to identify and engage with at least two to three potential partners who can help you execute a specific business idea or project. This could involve scheduling follow-up meetings post-conference to discuss how you can work together.
By defining these success metrics in advance, you ensure that your time at the conference is focused and productive. You're not just passively attending sessions or wandering the expo floor; you're actively working toward goals that align with your broader career or business objectives. This approach maximizes your ROI and ensures the conference experience translates into tangible outcomes.
Prioritize Learning and Networking
With your goals in mind, prioritize the sessions and workshops that align with those objectives. A strategic approach is essential, particularly regarding pre- and post-conference seminars. These workshops are often where the most valuable learning opportunities lie. Unlike regular sessions, the content covered in these workshops is frequently unique and not readily available elsewhere. They offer a deep dive into specific topics, providing hands-on experience you can't get from a standard session.
The Value of Pre- and Post-Conference Workshops
Pre- and post-conference workshops are typically led by the best and brightest minds in the industry, including key figures from Microsoft and other industry leaders. These experts bring cutting-edge knowledge and insider perspectives that are hard to come by in different settings. Participating in these workshops gives you direct access to thought leaders who can offer insights into the latest developments and best practices in the Power Platform and Dynamics 365.
For example, a pre-conference workshop might offer an in-depth tutorial on using a new Power Platform feature taught by engineers who developed it. This kind of hands-on learning boosts your technical skills and allows you to ask detailed questions and get immediate feedback. Post-conference workshops, on the other hand, often focus on applying what you've learned during the leading conference. These sessions help you solidify your understanding and start thinking about implementing new strategies or tools.
Networking with Industry Leaders
Beyond the learning aspect, these workshops are prime networking opportunities. Because they attract a smaller, more focused group of attendees, you have a better chance to engage in meaningful conversations with industry leaders and peers. The intimate setting allows for more interactive discussions, allowing you to connect with speakers and fellow participants on a deeper level. This is where you can form valuable relationships that might not be possible during the busier main conference sessions.
Strategic Workshop Selection
To maximize your ROI, carefully select which workshops to attend. Look for those directly aligned with your goals—gaining new technical skills, understanding emerging trends, or expanding your professional network. Don't feel pressured to attend every workshop. Instead, choose the ones that offer the most significant potential return on your time and investment.
While the main conference sessions are valuable, deep learning and networking often happens in pre-and post-conference workshops. These sessions provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the industry's top minds, gain unique insights, and establish connections that can propel your career forward.
Targeted Networking Preparation
Networking can be one of the most valuable aspects of a conference, but only if you approach it strategically. Effective networking begins well before the event itself. Planning ahead is essential to make the most of your time and ensure you connect with the right individuals.
Pre-Event Outreach
Start by researching the attendees and speakers in advance. Identify key individuals you want to meet, whether they are industry leaders, potential collaborators, or mentors. About four days before the event, send a brief, two-line email to these individuals. Keep the message simple and direct—there's no need for a hard sell. You aim to make an initial connection and express interest in meeting them during the conference.
For example, your email might say, "Hi [Name], I see you're attending [Conference Name] next week. I'm very interested in your work on [specific topic]. I would love to grab a coffee or chat for a few minutes at the event. Safe travels!" This approach shows that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in their work, which increases the likelihood of a positive response.
Strategic Meeting Locations
In your email or message, suggest a specific place to meet, such as a lounge area, the expo hall, or a particular booth. Review the conference venue map in advance to identify convenient locations to connect. If possible, choose a less crowded spot where you can have a focused conversation without the distractions of the main conference flow.
Using LinkedIn for Networking
LinkedIn is your next best option if you don't have their email. Send a connection request with a personalized message referencing the conference and explaining why you'd like to connect. Personalizing your invitation increases the chances of your request being accepted, showing that you've thought about why you want to connect.
Here's an example of a LinkedIn message: "Hi [Name], I noticed you'll be speaking at [Conference Name]. I'm particularly interested in [specific session or topic]. I'd love to connect and discuss [idea]."
Leveraging the Speaker Pages and Conference App
Take advantage of the speaker pages on the conference website, which often provide detailed bios and information about the speakers. This can give you valuable insights into their background, interests, and expertise, allowing you to tailor your outreach effectively.
Additionally, the conference app can be a powerful tool for networking. Many apps show the attendees list, allowing you to identify and reach out to potential connections. Some apps even enable you to send direct messages to other attendees. However, please don't rely solely on the app to make connections, as many people use it primarily for logistical purposes, like finding their following session location.
The Power of a Proactive Approach
These steps ensure you connect with the right people and stand out in their memory. A proactive networking strategy helps you make valuable connections and maximizes the value you derive from the conference. By planning and being intentional in your outreach, you turn what could be a series of chance encounters into purposeful, meaningful engagements.
Leverage Tech: A New Era of Networking
In a world where business cards are relics of a bygone era, the rules of networking have evolved, and if you want to connect, you need to play by the new rules. I've traded in the traditional for something more…revolutionary. This is how I use tech to transform fleeting conference encounters into lasting professional relationships.
Picture this: You're at a conference, the buzz of conversations swirling around you like a heady mix of energy and ambition. Everyone's got something to prove, something to gain. But you, you're not just another face in the crowd. You're ready. You've got your LinkedIn profile polished to a shine, reflecting what you do and who you are. Every line and achievement is carefully crafted to catch the eye of those who matter.
But here's the twist. You're not handing out business cards like a desperate salesman at a networking mixer. No, you've got something better—a QR code. Not just any QR code, but one that's front and centre on your phone's screensaver (Hot tip from Nati). When you meet someone, there's no fumbling for a card or scribbling down details. A simple scan, and they're on your LinkedIn page, where the real connection happens. It's fast, it's efficient, and it's memorable.
Why limit yourself to a cramped piece of cardstock when you can offer a direct line to your professional life? Linktree and third-party QR codes might seem cool, offering endless choices, but here's the thing—choices are distractions. You want them on LinkedIn, where your career story unfolds, your achievements are showcased, and your connections grow. This isn't just networking; it's a digital handshake, a gateway to future collaborations.
But let's not stop there. You've got your calling card (Hot tip from Howdang)—yes, a physical one, but it's not just another business card. On one side, your Name and that magical QR code. On the other, something that sparks curiosity—for me, a glimpse of my podcast cover art and a nod to my 90 Day Mentoring Challenge. It's not just a card; it's a conversation starter, a piece of you that stays with them long after the event.
Then there's the shirt. Not just any shirt, but one that speaks for you. It could be a quote from your latest podcast episode or a clever nod to the industry trends you're passionate about. It's not about being flashy; it's about being memorable. It's about starting a conversation before you even say a word.
And those computer stickers? Yeah, I've tried them. They're fun, sure, but they're not me. They might work as a giveaway if you're the one on stage, but they could have done better in the hustle of the conference floor. My connections are made through my words, the stories I share, and the tech I leverage.
This isn't just about networking; it's about creating a lasting impact in a digital age. It's about using every tool to turn a simple meeting into a meaningful connection. It's about playing the game on your terms and winning.
Optimize Travel and Accommodation
While not the most glamorous part of conference planning, logistics can significantly impact your overall experience. Booking your travel and accommodation early is crucial to securing the best rates and ensuring that your conference experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. The closer you are to the action, the more you can maximize every opportunity the event offers.
The Strategic Choice: Stay at the Conference Hotel
Whenever possible, I always opt to stay at the conference hotel. There's a convenience factor that takes a lot of work to beat. Imagine this: You're in the middle of a bustling conference, and you've collected a bag of brochures, gadgets, and notes. Instead of lugging them around all day, you can simply pop up to your room, drop everything off, and head back into the fray unburdened.
Staying close means you're always close to the action. You may have planned to do a few demos during the day but don't want to carry your laptop around the entire time. Having your room nearby lets you easily access your equipment when needed, keeping you light and mobile throughout the event.
The Unseen Networking Opportunities
But it's not just about convenience. The conference hotel is where the magic often happens outside of scheduled sessions. Many speakers and key industry players will be staying there, too, which means the hotel gym, breakfast area, and even the elevators can become informal networking venues. You might be running into a Microsoft product team member or an industry leader, leading to a spontaneous conversation that could become a valuable connection.
These chance encounters can be just as important as the official conference events, providing a relaxed setting where genuine relationships are built. Of course, it should go without saying, you need to read the room and avoid badgering people when they’re off the clock. Be polite, be brief, then be gone.
Skip the Uber, Stay Close to the Action
By staying at the conference hotel, you also eliminate the need to Uber or find transportation to and from the venue daily. This saves time and money and reduces the stress of navigating an unfamiliar city. Being on-site means quickly dropping into a session that catches your interest or meeting up with a new connection immediately.
In short, staying at the conference hotel keeps you in the centre of the action, maximizes your networking opportunities, and makes your entire conference experience more efficient and enjoyable. When you're there, you're fully immersed, and that's where the real value comes from.
During the Conference: Making Every Moment Count
Once the conference begins, your focus should shift to making the most of your time on-site. This involves engaging in sessions, networking purposefully, and watching for new technologies and ideas. But beyond just intellectual preparation, it's essential to take care of your physical well-being and approach every moment—including meal times—as an opportunity to advance your goals.
Stay Energized and Healthy
Conferences can be physically demanding, with long days of sessions, networking, and navigating large venues. To keep yourself in top form, ensure you have the essentials to stay energized and healthy. For me, it's all about "Berocca Energy." This vitamin supplement helps me stay alert and focused throughout the day, ensuring that I don't hit a mid-afternoon slump right when I need to be sharp. Don’t forget to pack your favourite energy booster.
Headaches can also be a common issue, especially when spending extended periods under artificial lighting or dealing with the sensory overload that often accompanies large events. Carrying something for headaches, like ibuprofen or paracetamol, ensures that a sudden headache doesn't sideline you during a crucial session or networking opportunity.
Freshen Up on the Go
Being in close quarters with many people all day means personal hygiene is more important than ever. I always carry a small can of antipersperant and a mouth freshener with me. These small items can make a big difference in how you feel—and how others perceive you. When you're shaking hands, leaning in for conversations, and standing shoulder to shoulder with other attendees, smelling fresh isn't just a courtesy; it's part of presenting yourself at your best.
Meals: Networking Over Nutrition
Regarding conference meals, it's important to remember that it's not really about the food. Sure, you might have opinions about the quality of the catering, but that's not why you're there. Meals are another prime opportunity to network, build connections, and engage in conversations that can lead to meaningful relationships.
Remember that spilling something on yourself can derail your networking efforts—so choose your food wisely. Opt for something easy to eat without making a mess, and focus on the people around you, not what's on your plate. The goal is to make the meal an extension of your networking efforts, not a distraction from them.
Prepare for Anything
The unpredictable nature of conferences means that you might be running from one session to another, grabbing lunch on the go, or heading straight from a workshop to a networking event. Being prepared with these essentials ensures that you can handle whatever the day throws your way, staying comfortable and confident from morning to night.
Ultimately, taking care of your physical well-being and treating every meal as a networking opportunity is just as crucial as preparing mentally for the conference. When you feel good and focus on your goals, you're more likely to engage fully, make meaningful connections, and absorb the information presented.
Engage with Intent
Attending sessions is more than just sitting in a room and listening. It's about being an active participant in the knowledge exchange. Engage with the content—ask questions, participate in discussions, and don't fear sharing your insights. This approach enhances your learning and increases your visibility among peers and industry leaders. Remember, conferences are as much about sharing knowledge as they are about gaining it.
Capture Actionable Insights
During sessions, focus on capturing actionable insights. Take notes to implement these ideas when you return to work, whether it's a new strategy, a tool, or a perspective. I often take photos of impactful slides to refer back to later, especially when access to the entire presentation might only be available after the event. Ensure you have a single, organized way to capture action items and key takeaways. For me, the iOS app Drafts is my go-to tool—it's set up on the front screen of my phone, so I can quickly jot down thoughts, ideas, and follow-up actions.
Structured Networking
Networking should be approached with a clear plan. Know who you want to meet and what value you can offer them. Balance quantity with quality—while meeting many people is excellent, deeper connections with a few key individuals can yield better long-term results. Consider hosting or attending after-hours events where conversations can be more relaxed and personal. This is where relationships truly deepen, far beyond the typical conference interactions.
Explore Technologies
One of the most exciting aspects of conferences is seeing new technologies and innovations firsthand. Spend time at vendor booths, and technology showcases to get hands-on experience with the latest tools. Make it a priority to understand the products offered by Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and vendors. Even if you don't need their technology now, you never know when your next project will require their solutions. Establishing a point of contact during the conference can be invaluable for future collaborations.
Observe and Learn from the Speakers
One of the most valuable aspects of attending conferences is observing speakers who excel in communicating their ideas. Paying close attention to how these speakers present their material can provide invaluable insights into effective communication, which you can apply in your presentations.
What Makes a Great Speaker?
While listening to speakers, take note of specific elements that contribute to their effectiveness:
Engaging Slides: Was there a particular slide that stood out and clearly explained a complex concept? Effective slides often use visual aids, concise text, and a logical flow to enhance understanding. Pay attention to how speakers use their slides to complement their speeches rather than simply reading from them.
Question Handling: How do the speakers handle questions from the audience? A great speaker listens carefully, answers thoughtfully, and engages the questioner in a way that makes them feel heard. This demonstrates their expertise and ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.
Presentation Style: Observe the speaker's style—how do they use their voice, gestures, and eye contact? A dynamic presentation style can captivate an audience, making the content more memorable. Note how the speaker maintains energy throughout the session and how they use pauses and emphasis to highlight key points.
Storytelling: Many influential speakers use stories to illustrate their points. Consider how they weave anecdotes into their presentation to make the content more relatable and engaging. Stories can bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications, making the material more accessible.
Learning from What Didn't Work
Only some presentations you attend will be perfect, and that's okay. Observing what didn't work can be as valuable as noting what did. Here's what to watch out for:
Overloaded Slides: Did the speaker use slides that were too text-heavy or cluttered with information? This can overwhelm the audience and distract from the main message. Make a mental note to keep your slides clean and focused, using visuals to support, rather than overshadow, your spoken words.
Monotone Delivery: Was the speaker's delivery flat or monotonous? A lack of vocal variety can cause the audience to lose interest. Ensure that your presentations incorporate pitch, pace, and volume changes to maintain engagement.
Unclear Explanations: Did you find any of the presentations that needed to be clarified or clarified? This could indicate that the speaker needed to simplify complex ideas or skip essential background information. When preparing your presentations, break down complex concepts and provide context.
Poor Audience Engagement: Did the speaker need to engage the audience or handle questions poorly? Effective communication is a two-way street, so ensure you're not just talking at your audience but involving them in the discussion. Practice active listening and be prepared to adapt your presentation based on audience feedback.
Applying What You've Learned
After observing these elements, reflect on your presentation style. Are there areas where you could improve? You can incorporate more engaging visuals, refine your storytelling approach, or practice your delivery to add more energy and enthusiasm.
You can continually refine your presentation skills by critically analyzing both the strengths and weaknesses of the speakers you observe. This will make you a more effective communicator and enhance your reputation as a thought leader who can clearly and compellingly share ideas with others.
Real-Time Social Media Engagement
Social media is a powerful tool during conferences. Live-tweeting insights or sharing key takeaways on platforms like LinkedIn helps you engage with the content and enhances your online presence. Be sure to know the conference hashtag and use it consistently in your posts. This lets you connect with other attendees and extend your networking beyond the physical event.
Take lots of photos—of the event, the sessions, the slides, and especially of you with other people. This isn't just about creating a digital scrapbook; it's intentional. Think of Oskar Schindler from Schindler's List—he networked with influential people and later sent them photos of their meetings, a reminder of how they were connected. Similarly, sharing these photos post-conference can reinforce the connections you've made and keep you at the top of their mind.
By engaging with intent, you're not just a passive attendee—you're an active participant, a connector, and a knowledge seeker. This proactive approach ensures that every interaction, every session, and every opportunity at the conference adds value to your professional journey.
Post-Conference Strategy: Turning Knowledge into Action
The work continues when the conference ends. The post-conference period is critical for cementing the value you've gained and ensuring it translates into tangible results.
Nurture Connections
The connections you make at a conference can open doors to new opportunities, but only if you nurture them. The real value of networking lies beyond the initial meeting and how you follow up and maintain those relationships afterwards. Here's how to ensure your connections turn into lasting, meaningful relationships.
The Importance of Immediate Follow-Up
Timing is critical when it comes to follow-up. Message the new contacts you made within a few days of the conference ending. Reference your conversation to jog their memory—mention specific points you discussed, mutual interests, or any next steps you discussed. This shows that you were paying attention and are genuinely interested in maintaining the connection.
For example, you might send a message like, "Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at [Conference Name] last week. I enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic], and I'd love to continue the conversation. Would you be open to a follow-up chat sometime next week?"
This approach reinforces the initial connection and sets the stage for continued dialogue. Be specific about how you'd like to continue the relationship—whether through a follow-up meeting, a collaborative project, or simply staying in touch for future opportunities.
Leveraging LinkedIn for Long-Term Engagement
LinkedIn is an excellent platform for maintaining professional connections over time. After you've made initial contact, connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn with a personalized message. Reference your meeting and express your enthusiasm for staying in touch.
Here's an example: "Hi [Name], I enjoyed our conversation at [Conference Name]. I'd love to connect on LinkedIn and keep the dialogue going. I'm looking forward to seeing how we might collaborate."
Once connected, don't let the relationship go cold. Engage with their posts, share relevant content, and occasionally send a message to check in or share something of value. This keeps you on their radar and helps build a relationship beyond the initial meeting.
Creating Value in the Follow-Up
The key to nurturing connections is to provide value consistently. This could be by sharing a relevant article, introducing them to someone in your network, or offering to help with a project they're working on. The more value you can offer, the more likely they will see you as a valuable contact.
For instance, if you discussed a specific challenge they're facing, follow up by sending a resource or article that addresses that challenge. If they mentioned an upcoming project, offer your insights or assistance. The goal is to become someone they can turn to for networking, advice, collaboration, and support.
Building Long-Term Relationships
Nurturing a connection doesn't end with a single follow-up. Building long-term relationships requires ongoing effort. Contact your connections to chat, share updates, or simply catch up. This could be through LinkedIn messages, emails, or even a quick phone call.
Set a reminder to check in with critical contacts every few months, ensuring the relationship remains active. Over time, these touchpoints can lead to deeper collaborations, referrals, and opportunities you might not have been aware of during your initial meeting.
Remember, the connections you make at conferences are like seeds—you need to water them regularly for them to grow into something fruitful. By nurturing these relationships, you're expanding your network and building a community of professionals who can support each other's growth and success.
Document and Share Learnings
One of the most effective ways to reinforce what you've learned at a conference is by sharing it with others. Not only does this help solidify your understanding, but it also positions you as a thought leader within your organization and industry. Here's how to ensure your insights have maximum impact.
Prepare and Present a Summary
After the conference, take the time to prepare a detailed summary of your key takeaways. This could include insights from sessions, new strategies you've learned, technologies that caught your attention, and any significant conversations you had. Organize this information into a coherent narrative to present to your team or colleagues who couldn't attend the event.
Record and Share Your Presentation
For those who can't attend your live presentation, recording it is a great way to ensure your insights reach a broader audience. Use screen recording software to capture your slide deck and narration, and then share the video through internal communication channels, your company's intranet, or even on your LinkedIn profile.
Recording your presentation also allows you to refine your delivery and create a resource others can refer to later. This adds long-term value to your efforts and ensures that the knowledge you gained benefits others over time.
Blog About Your Experience
To extend the impact of your learning beyond your immediate network, consider blogging about your conference experience. Write detailed posts covering everything that captured your attention—stories of interesting people you met, groundbreaking technologies you encountered, or sessions that left a lasting impression.
Blogging allows you to share the facts and your personal reflections and interpretations. It's an opportunity to craft a narrative around your experience, highlighting what made the conference valuable to you and how it might be relevant to others. These posts can serve as evergreen content that continues to attract and engage readers long after the event.
In your blog, don't shy away from sharing specific anecdotes or insights from speakers, as these add authenticity and depth to your content. You can also include photos you took during the event to bring your stories to life and create a more engaging read.
Leverage Social Media for Broader Reach
Once your blog posts are live, share them with a broader audience on social media. Platforms like LinkedIn, X, and Substack can amplify your voice and reach others interested in the same topics. Use the conference hashtag to connect with other attendees and invite them to read and comment on your posts.
By documenting and sharing your learnings, you reinforce your understanding and contribute to the collective knowledge of your professional community. This proactive approach to learning and sharing establishes you as a valuable resource who is always looking to grow and help others do the same.
Apply New Knowledge
Don't let the excitement of new knowledge fade away once you're back at work. Develop a strategy for implementing the ideas and tools you discovered at the conference. Set specific goals and timelines for applying this knowledge, and share your progress with your team to create accountability.
Debrief and Reflect
After every conference, take some time to reflect on your experience. What worked well? What didn't? What could you do differently next time to maximize your ROI even further? This reflection will help you refine your approach for future events.
Continuous Engagement
Finally, you can keep the momentum by staying engaged with the conference community. Join post-conference groups or online forums to continue the conversations started at the event. This continuous engagement will help you stay connected with industry trends and maintain the relationships you've built.
Your Conference Strategy
These are some of my strategies for maximizing ROI at conferences. What's your approach? How do you create the connections that ensure your investment is worthwhile pre-event, during the event, and post-event? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or contact me on LinkedIn. Let's continue the conversation!
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