Business communications events are great opportunities to learn new skills, network with peers, and gain insights from experts. However, they can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and stressful if you don't prepare well and follow some best practices. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your next business communications event.
Before you attend a business communications event, think about what you want to achieve from it. Do you want to learn new techniques, meet potential clients, find mentors, or explore new trends? Write down your specific and realistic goals and prioritize them. This will help you plan your agenda, choose the sessions and speakers that interest you, and allocate your time and energy wisely.
I always set clear objectives before I attend a business communications event to maximise my return on investment of time and resources. By identifying my goals, such as networking, learning, or scouting for opportunities, I create a focused strategy for the event. This approach allows me to target relevant sessions and individuals, ensuring that every conversation and activity aligns with my predetermined objectives and optimizing my event experience.
Once you have your goals, do some research on the event, the speakers, the attendees, and the topics. You can check the event website, social media, newsletters, and blogs for relevant information. You can also reach out to the organizers, sponsors, or speakers if you have any questions or suggestions. Doing your research will help you get familiar with the event format, content, and expectations, and also give you some ideas for conversation starters and questions.
Being prepared means having everything you need to attend the event smoothly and comfortably. This includes your registration confirmation, your business cards, your laptop or tablet, your charger, your notebook and pen, your water bottle, and your snacks. You should also dress appropriately for the event, according to the dress code, the weather, and the venue. You should also prepare your elevator pitch, which is a short and catchy introduction of yourself, your skills, and your goals.
The key to making the most of a business communications event is to engage actively with the speakers, the attendees, and the content. You can do this by asking relevant and thoughtful questions, sharing your insights and feedback, participating in polls and surveys, joining breakout sessions and workshops, and following up with the people you meet. You can also use social media to share your learnings, opinions, and experiences, and to connect with other participants.
Experienced Hospitality Professional with Knowledge in Big Box/Resort/Luxury Markets
Don't be afraid to say hello! Open up with a question that is NOT work related -- I always like to ask someone what what the best thing they ate the day before. Food has a way of bringing people together and I always find that it leads to various other conversations.
Also try to relax and enjoy being in the company of your peers. You can learn a lot from the people you meet, and their differing approaches to their work.
Business Communication as the name suggests "communication" is a key factor. Before the attending the event one must be clear about the purpose and the relevance of the topic. Engagements with the participants and speakers during the event and post the event is a crucial step towards building meaningful connects. Active WhatsApp groups and regular meet-ups are the best way to engage actively. To connect with business communication partners in today's busy world, sharing insightful articles and experiences via platforms like LinkedIn and sharing opinions as valid comments is also a good strategy.
Attending a business communications event can be mentally and physically draining, especially if it lasts for several hours or days. Therefore, it is important to take breaks regularly to recharge your energy, relax your mind, and avoid burnout. You can use your breaks to stretch, breathe, meditate, snack, or check your messages. You can also skip some sessions or activities that are not relevant or interesting to you, and use that time to do something else that makes you happy or productive.
After the event is over, don't just forget about it and move on. Instead, follow up with the people you met, the speakers you liked, and the organizers who hosted the event. You can send them a thank-you note, a feedback form, a request for a meeting, or a referral for someone else. You can also review your notes, summarize your key takeaways, and apply what you learned to your work or personal projects. Following up will help you build lasting relationships, demonstrate your professionalism, and maximize your learning outcomes.