7 Ways To Make The Most of a Conference

7 Ways To Make The Most of a Conference
Get your moneys worth

1. Just say “Hi!” and smile. It’s a “Hi” that flashes a message in neon lights: “I feel great about meeting you, and I’d like to talk with you.” It’s inviting and energizing and relaxing at the same time.

2. Give yourself a job. You don’t have to wait to be elected to the board. Just look around and be helpful. Greet newcomers. Doing something will make you comfortable and give you a reason for starting conversations.

3. Check in with acquaintances. Meeting new people may actually be easier than beginning a conversation with a person you see only rarely and know only slightly. It’s easy to put your foot in your mouth inadvertently when you begin a conversation with someone you haven’t talked with recently. Assume that the person’s life has changed. It probably has. To avoid a slip-up ask general questions rather than specific ones.

4. Say what you see. Another way to begin is to look around and be interested and inventive as you react to your surroundings.

5. Introduce yourself to the leaders. You can spot the leaders; they’re the ones rushing around. Don’t be intimidated; walk right up and say “Hi!” If you’re considering joining, make an appointment to talk with a leader after the meeting.

6. Talk and sit with people you don’t know. Nearly 75% of people who attend networking events end up sitting next to the people they came with. Your job at a networking meeting is to make contact with people you don’t know or don’t know well.

7. Come with a purpose. More than 85% of people who attend networking events have no specific purpose in mind, nothing they want to find or connect with, or learn, no one they particularly want to meet. Know what you want and ask for it. Before you arrive, set goals for yourself and know what you want out of the conference.

Conference Confidence
Just remember, no one can see your knees shaking or your pits sweating. It is a long-standing tradition to never eat newbies alive. They may go on to serve on the board.