Guest post by Lisa Pietrangeli, ThirtySix Software
So, your company just told you they’re sending you to a conference in San Diego, California (okay, maybe it’s not in San Diego … but a girl can dream, right?) You know that means you have some homework to do. But, where exactly do you start?
First, don’t be afraid to start a conversation with your boss. The most important piece of the puzzle is to determine how to get the most out of a conference by understanding why you’re going, the expectations of you, and the opportunities that will come from being there. Step one is to ask questions that will help clarify expectations. So, why exactly is your company attending this conference? How will attending this conference benefit the company and what will you personally get out of attending it? How will the information offered at the conference benefit you specifically in your role at the company?
The answers can vary greatly, but in general conferences are important for attendee companies to keep up-to-date with one’s industry as a whole. Other benefits can include becoming aware of new products and services that can make doing your job easier, while saving your company time and resources. The list goes on and on, but once you understand the reasons your company has chosen you to represent them at the conference, you can determine how to make the most out of your experience.
Attending conferences is so much more than just networking with like-minded professionals. Although networking is incredibly important for your company and for your professional career, you should arrive with specific goals that define a successful conference experience. Some examples of goals you could set at your next conference:
- Check out the conference website in detail before you attend. Understand the conference scope, including the conference schedule and theme. Conference organizers have a vision for what attendees will experience so tap into it and approach everything with that in mind.
- Get on social media. Make use of the conference hashtag (e.g., #stc14) to see who’s talking about going even before the conference starts. Use the conference app or community board or whatever is available to stay up-to-date on all things related to the conference. It’s your one-stop-shop for conference updates!
- Review the educational sessions offered at the conference. Determine which sessions you are going to attend in advance. Choose sessions wisely; strategically select those that will help you learn about the industry and/or the technology that is relevant to you. A combination of topics that will enhance your experience in your current environment and introduce new ideas that could drive your company forward is best.
- Do your homework. Take a look at the exhibitors attending the conference, and choose your top five to stop by the booths and visit. Once there, make sure you initiate conversations and ask questions. Gather sell sheets and contact information, but keep detailed notes on the vendors and specifically the benefits of the product/service. Take advantage of their time. These vendors create tools to support your industry and they know them better than anyone. They are there to share their knowledge and satisfy your goals.
- Consider every person you meet a potential connection that could enhance your career. You never know who you will meet or what making a new contact could lead to for your company professionally. Keep detailed information about the people you meet, and specifics that will help you connect with them later and help them remember you.
- Lastly, determine how to share your experience with your company and colleagues when you get back. You’ll want to be able to talk about more than just the sunshine (dreaming here!). So keep notes, and come back and plan to gather those notes to present them to your company. Show your expertise and help lead your company toward new ideas.
For those of you who are attending STC’s Summit, I hope you’ll stop by the ThirtySix Software booth. We’ll be giving away free licenses for SmartDocs and free mobile chargers, too! We’re at Booth #214. We’ll also be hosting a vendor showcase featuring “What’s New in SmartDocs 2014.1” on Tuesday, 20 May, at the conference from 9:45-10:30 AM. See you at the Summit!
For more information on ThirtySix Software and to Experience the Power of SmartDocs, please visit thirtysix.net. Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn. Sign up for ThirtySix Software’s email communications to find out about upcoming webinars, special offers such as promotions, contests, and discounts, as well as industry news.