Events can be fun and uplifting -or- they can be dull and a drag. This week I am attending a multi-day national conference. To fully enjoy the event and achieve great ROI I need to do some planning and identify ways to keep my energy high.
A special thanks to Kelly Schaefer for inspiring me to look at tasks differently and to Cena Block for tips on organizing stuff and for making me laugh!
Below are the 10 tips I use to insure I have fun, connect and reconnect. Each fine tuned via an event connection that has impacted my results and blessed my life.
1. Organize yourself
Pack your name tag, business cards and a specific note pad or portfolio that you only use for conferences, workshops, or seminars. Be sure to have plenty of business cards on hand.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
Care for your physical needs and be comfortable. Coordinating with the weather is key for long events.
3. Connect with someone within the first 15 minutes
Smile and say, “Hi!” A friendly exchange sets the tone for the rest of the event. Connect early and introduce those you meet to others.
4. Set a tone of trust and anticipation
For example, I might set the following intention: “What happens today at [name of event] will allow me to meet new contacts and learn what I need for my continued success.”
5. Connect with the theme of the event
If the event has a theme, connect your story or goals with the event when appropriate. For example, if the event theme is “Stepping Forward” determine how you will connect with that forward movement. The story or goals you create will help you retain both the information you learned and the names of the connections you forged at the event.
6. Have a easy method to capture information and data
Writing down what you hear will help you retain key facts. Note action items you want to act on as a result of the event.
7. Step away for fresh air and breaks
Drinking water and taking breaks lift you up. Hydration helps you think clearly and look good. Scope out restrooms off the beaten path and you will have a few extra steps of exercise and less standing in line at the conference.
8. Before you arrive, write down at least 2 things you want to learn from the event
This helps you focus on what you are really hoping to take away from the event. I also have a third item — an intention of “something better than I expected.” This intention helps me be open to new content and people that I may never have imagined being present.
9. Know your limits and take a break as needed
All events have a schedule, but it may not be the best schedule for you. Event planners usually set up schedules that fit the masses. If you find you need a break, take it. Doing so allows you to be alert and able to get what you need and want from the event. Some of the best connections made at conferences have been outside the conference center standing in the sunshine during a “me break.”
10. Listen, contribute and interact
The presenters will no doubt be knowledgeable, however some of the best takeaways come for those seated in the audience. Share your thoughts, questions and unique point of view, as well. What you have to offer may be exactly what someone needs in that moment.
Then, within 5 days of the event, take action on at least one item you wrote down and share at least two new things you learned with someone else. Doing so helps you create ROI on the time and energy you invested at the event.
Do you have a strategy to create event and career success?
What would be different in your life in a year if you did?
Who will you connect with that will impact your results?
Let me know in the comments below.
Cindy, these are great tips, and you’ve made them all feel very do-able.
For me, #8 and #9 are the most important. If I don’t know what I intend to get from a conference (or even from a one-hour “lunch and learn” presentation), I’m more likely to get *nothing* useful. And I’ve learned that, no matter how energized I am by the interactions during the day, I *must* have a private hotel room for multi-day events if I want to fully re-charge and be able to engage.
Excellent advice, not just for networking events, but for any events that you might be attending. I especially like #5. 🙂
Kathleen, they are do-able! So glad you know what is most important for you and how you need to re-charge. Re-charge to engage will help you have an amazing event every time.
Deb, #5 – Connect with the theme of the event can be fun. Thanks for your insights.
Cindy these are fabulous tips. I am so glad you mentioned connecting with the theme right off the starting line. This really helps get your brain ready for information doesn’t it?
Still the most important one for me is where you talked about taking a break if you need it. This is really hard for a whole lot of people for so many different reasons. Myself included in that list. I don’t want to miss anything or be rude. It’s wonderful for someone to just say it and give that permission! The schedule may not be what’s best for you and it’s perfectly okay to recharge to get the best out of the day and for your own health and well being.
Love your insights and enjoy your conference!
Love the “me break”! Thanks Cindy, sharing this with my peeps! Olga
These are great tips! I recharge privately and large events or conferences tend to to drain me. I never though about scoping out lone restrooms to get the extra physical activity, but it would also give me that private moment I need. Thanks!
These are great ideas Cindy! My favorite is setting an intention for the conference with trust and positive expectation and taking mini brakes. When I am at conferences I end up sitting much longer than I would normally so doing some yoga and stretches through out the day is really helpful. Thank you so much!
Thanks Cindy, typically I find conferences can be quite tiring, but they are such great oppertunities to connect with new people! This is a handy list.
Cindy ~ you are so right about #9 Take a break & know your limits. I used to push through conferences thinking I had to catch every moment but now when I take a break I catch more in the moments I am there 🙂
Love #8 too~~ will try that next week when I am off to an event 🙂 Thanks!
Laura, Let me know how #8 works for you. Glad you are using #9 to stay focused and do what is best for you. Doing that allows you to share your uniqueness and amazing value with the world in the best possible manner.
Thanks Cindy for a very detailed checklist. I personally am favoring #8. And it is because I don’t often set the intention of what I want to take away. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised but others not so much. So if I come with the intention of learning something, there is a very good chance the universe will respond in kind.
My favorite was tip #3 – it’s one I haven’t heard before (at least not stated so specifically.) And looking back on various events, I agree that the best ones started off with an immediate conversation and connection. It sets the tone for the entire conference.
Lori, hope tip #3 helps you accelerate your future events to a new level of success, just as those past ones with immediate conversation and connection. As you know the ROI on connections are the relationships you have long after the event or conference.
This WHOLE list is important – For me – #s #6 & #7 are the keys to success. At a recent conference in Arizona, I was able to connect with people in the gym, spa, bar, and pool – that I would never have met! They are turning out to be amazing connections – ALL because I paced myself and treated myself to some R&R! thanks Cindy!