You're looking to switch careers. How can you use a conference to make the most of your time?

Everyone needs a network. Conferences are target rich environments. The right conference can be a goldmine. Why? The folks attending the conference do what you want to do. But use conferences for their real value, i,e., research. DO NOT go around asking people for jobs! If possible, make appointments to meet with people who might help you during conference down times. Don't try to do business with activity going on around you. You want them to be able to focus on you and your questions. These people know much more than you, so are great information resources and potential network members. If you can identify relevant attendees, contact them if possible and ask to meet with them at the conference. The more meetings you can have, the better!

This should NOT be an overt sales pitch like, "I'm a (fill in the blank) professional. I can help your company by blah, blah, and blah." It's a research pitch like, "I'm investigating a career change to this field. I'm here to get information regarding the required qualifications, salary expectations, what I would and/or would not enjoy about working in the field, and how well the skills I've developed will transfer, so I can make an informed judgment about next steps." Don't bother with recruiters. They're looking for experience, and you don't have it. Much better to spend time with as many professionals in the field as possible.

Managers hire for one reason only: to solve a problem. So the second best use of your time is attending presentations that talk about problems needing to be solved. First is actually talking with professionals in the field you're considering, the higher up in the food chain the better. Remember to ask them about problems!

Networking is both science and art. Science: Find out what industry trends you should be aware of; what skills you have that transfer; what degrees/certifications might you need; what are positives and negatives about the work; what does a day in the life look like; what kinds of problems would you solve; what titles might you look for in a search; how much money can you make; who do they know who might also give you good information; etc. Art (easier said than done): Speak about your current career with confidence; talk about successes and ask how they might relate; why you are investigating this field; you are on a mission to find out all you can so you will know whether you want to invest in pursuit of the vision.

You may think the following is old school, but believe me, it works! As part of your conversation, find out what they enjoy outside of work; fishing, hunting, chess, etc. Then find a card with a picture of the activity on the front, and blank on the inside. Thank them for their time and the very useful information they gave you. If they referred you to someone else to get information, tell them results of your conversation with that person. Ask them to get in touch with you if they ever think you might be helpful to them. This will cement the relationship.

To optimize a career switch at a conference, focus on networking. Identify key speakers and attendees, engage in meaningful conversations, and exchange contact information. Attend relevant workshops and panels to gain insights into your target industry. Showcase your skills and enthusiasm when discussing your career change with others. Leverage social media platforms to connect post-conference. Maximize your time by researching the event beforehand and creating a personalized schedule. This proactive approach will help you forge valuable connections, gain industry knowledge, and enhance your chances of successfully transitioning to a new career.