How can you make the most of attending industry conferences for internal communications professionals?

1 Choose your events wisely

Not all conferences are created equal. Some may be more relevant to your specific interests, goals, and challenges than others. Before you register for any event, do some research on the speakers, agenda, and audience. Look for events that offer a balance of practical sessions, inspiring keynotes, and interactive workshops. Also, consider the size, format, and location of the event. Do you prefer a large or small gathering? A virtual or in-person setting? A local or global perspective? These factors can affect your learning outcomes and networking opportunities.

4 Apply your learnings and feedback

Attending a conference is not enough to improve your IC skills and knowledge. You also need to apply what you have learned and share it with others. After each session, take some time to reflect on your main takeaways and action points. Write down what you liked, what you learned, and what you will do differently. Then, implement your action points as soon as possible and measure the results. You can also share your learnings and feedback with your colleagues, managers, and clients. This will help you demonstrate your value and commitment as an IC professional.

5 Follow up and stay in touch

The conference may be over, but your networking is not. To build lasting relationships with the people you met, you need to follow up and stay in touch. Send a personalized email or message to each person you connected with and thank them for their time and insights. Mention something specific that you discussed or learned from them and express your interest in continuing the conversation. You can also invite them to connect on LinkedIn or other platforms and share relevant resources and opportunities. By following up and staying in touch, you can expand your IC network and create new possibilities for collaboration and growth.