How can you maximize the benefits of attending an IT outsourcing conference?

Maximize the benefits of attending an IT outsourcing conference by actively participating in sessions, networking with industry professionals, exchanging contact information, staying updated on industry trends, and applying gained insights to enhance your outsourcing strategies. Additionally, leverage post-conference resources, such as presentation materials and recorded sessions, to reinforce and share knowledge within your organization.

In my experience, there are many benefits to attending an IT outsourcing conference. To maximize them all, it's important to set clear goals beforehand. Whether your goal is to gain new skills, stay on top of trends, or network, knowing your objectives will guide decisions about sessions, speakers, and activities. This strategic approach ensures that your conference experience aligns with your professional goals and that you maximize this valuable networking and learning opportunity.

I've always found that the bigger the event, the most value comes from planning up front. I like to keep a balance between 'essential' topics which are directly relevant to what I'm doing now, 'short term' topics relating to new technologies or changes that are likely to have an impact soon and 'future' items which need to be watched fro the longer term.

At IT conferences, I make sure everything I do – from attending sessions and workshops to networking events – is directly related to my professional goals. I review the program and speakers in advance, balance learning with networking, and avoid overbooking for a more valuable experience. I advise you to plan the time beforehand and choose to spend your time and energy on quality and not quantity.

Before the conference practice your elevator pitch, you will use it quite a lot while talking with people whom you see for the 1st time. An initial impression is quite important for your further communication.

Some unusual but effective tricks you might never think about. 1. Snap a Photo Together: Always grab a quick picture with new acquaintances and leads you meet. Why? They're likely meeting a sea of faces at events like conferences, and a photo is a fantastic way to help them remember you when you reach out later. 2. Badge Visibility in Photos: When you take that photo, make sure your name badges are in clear view. This isn’t just for identification; it also enhances their recall of you and strengthens your connection in future follow-ups. 3. Make a Value-Packed Promise: During your conversation, commit to doing something beneficial for them. This gives you a solid reason to follow up and contributes real value to your ongoing interaction.

1. Use your mutual photo while making the first touch. This isn’t just for identification; it also enhances their recall of you and strengthens your connection in future follow-ups. 2. Highlight some interesting facts from your offline conversation, while following up. That is how you can show your true interest. 3. Do not sell but try to help. Bring some value (suggestions, useful materials, experience), share your achievements and experiences. It is very important to build relationship first of all. 4. Follow-up periodically. Networking is a phenomenon, and sales opportunities is an epiphenomenon (a result of the primary phenomenon - your relationships with the person). 5. Give more than you get. 6. Approach win-win strategy.

You will gain knowledge, establish contacts, and become more visible in the IT outsourcing world if you actively participate. You should interact with the presenters, the organizers, and other attendees during the conference. You can participate in discussions, trade contacts, offer your knowledge, and ask questions. Utilizing apps, hashtags, and social media is another way to keep up with and add to the conference buzz.

?? Attending the conference is a certain project with its life cycle, from initialization to closing, so it should be managed as one. When a project ends - we have a retrospective. ?? It's crucial not only to participate in the conference but also to assess its outcomes thoroughly. By documenting both achievements ? and areas for improvement?, during the planning and execution phases, we are making life for our future selves easier and the results of the following endeavors higher. Rest assured - it'll bear fruit! ??

?? Someone will say that the result of networking cannot be realistically predicted - this is true. ? However, there are certain things that you can monitor: 1. Number of new contacts 2. The quality of the new audience relative to your goals and portraits on their base. 3. The number of people involved and the potential of your cooperation. ?? These things will help you understand whether you are attending the right conferences / meetings and reaching the right people to achieve your goal.

Today, in era of AI-generated aggressive digital marketing, conferences became more important and useful because of offline networking value growth. But even being there try to spend your time wisely and with right people

Consider the nature of the event, especially for smaller venues often with only one or two key sponsors. Do the theme and context align with your needs, goals or business? If they don't, then it's unlikely to be productive for you or for any of the people you engage with. Remember to factor in not just the time at the event, but also travel time and the additional time needed to catch up on things that happened while you were away. Your time is precious, so invest it wisely. The right event can be a great way to expand your network among others with similar interests, or to make connections with potential suppliers and/or customers. The wrong event might be interesting, but consider carefully if it's really a good use of your time.

Be Curious! Far too many people go to conferences with a Machiavellian master plan of world domination and it can be seen from a mile away. Yes, it is important to have a good sense of the people that will be there, if there are key folks you are looking to meet, and what content is of interest to you, but I have found that being a genuine person, having true curiosity and excitement about the subject matter will lead you to lasting relationships and memorable experiences.

? From my experience I have some more tips: ? Art of asking questions. Questions will always benefit you as person in negotiations. ?? Using AI as your assistant to create meeting resume, noting especially small details about the person (birthday, intentions, favorite hobbies) that your brain will definitely forget, get some more insights on what contacts to follow-up to increase the chance to reach your goal. ?? Empathy works especially in business as well. I'm always teaching my team and environment that empathy is a tool, and everybody can develop it to be more effective in communicating.