How have you enhanced conference participation and engagement?

1 Choose your sessions wisely

As an attendee, you want to get the most out of the conference agenda. But you can't attend every session, so you need to prioritize your interests and goals. Before the conference, review the program and identify the sessions that are most relevant, appealing, and beneficial to you. You can also check the speakers' profiles, the session formats, and the learning objectives. Plan your schedule accordingly, but be flexible to adjust if necessary. You can also use the conference app or website to bookmark your sessions and get reminders.

2 Prepare your questions and comments

As a speaker, you want to deliver a memorable and impactful presentation. But you also want to engage your audience and encourage dialogue. Before the conference, prepare some questions and comments that you can use to stimulate discussion and feedback. You can also anticipate some possible questions that your audience might ask you and prepare your answers. During the presentation, use interactive tools such as polls, quizzes, or surveys to involve your audience and collect their opinions. After the presentation, invite your audience to ask questions and share their comments, either verbally or through the chat function.

3 Connect with other participants

As an organizer, you want to create a conducive and inclusive environment for networking and collaboration. But you also want to facilitate meaningful and lasting connections among the participants. Before the conference, create opportunities for participants to introduce themselves and interact with each other, such as through social media, online forums, or pre-conference events. During the conference, provide spaces and platforms for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build relationships, such as through breakout rooms, roundtables, or speed networking. After the conference, follow up with participants and encourage them to stay in touch and continue the conversation.

4 Seek feedback and improvement

As a conference participant, you want to reflect on your learning and performance. But you also want to seek feedback and improvement from others. Before the conference, set some goals and expectations for yourself and how you want to participate and engage. During the conference, take notes and record your observations and insights. After the conference, evaluate your achievements and challenges and identify areas for improvement. You can also ask for feedback from other participants, speakers, or organizers and use it to enhance your skills and knowledge.

5 Explore new opportunities and resources

As a conference participant, you want to expand your horizons and discover new opportunities and resources. But you also want to make the most of the available information and support. Before the conference, research the conference theme, topics, and speakers and identify any gaps or needs that you have. During the conference, attend the keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops that can address your interests and challenges. After the conference, access the conference materials, recordings, and links that can enrich your learning and development.

6 Enjoy the experience and have fun

As a conference participant, you want to enjoy the experience and have fun. But you also want to balance your professional and personal needs. Before the conference, plan your travel, accommodation, and budget and make sure you have everything you need. During the conference, manage your time, energy, and attention and take breaks when necessary. After the conference, reward yourself for your participation and engagement and celebrate your achievements and connections.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?