You’re attending an industry event with other program managers. How can you make the most of your time there?

As I prepare for the industry event, I’m keen on maximizing my time there. First, I’ll strategically set my objectives, aligning them with my goals. Next, I’ll actively network, connecting with peers, prospects, and customers. An open mindset will guide me—seeking value while also contributing to the community. After the event, I’ll reflect on my experience and evaluate how it aligns with my expectations. Remember, it’s not just a meeting; it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow! ??

Selecting the right event is crucial, as not every event will match your professional needs and personal interests. It's essential to research the event's organizers, speakers, topics, and expected attendees to ensure it aligns with your career goals and current challenges as a program manager. Also, take into account the event's format (online or in-person), location, duration (a single day or spanning several days), and cost to assess its accessibility and value for you. Opting for an event that meets your criteria can enhance your learning experience, networking opportunities, and overall professional development.

Go with an open mindset of what you are seeking to gain from the meeting and just as important what you can provide to the community. It's just a big meeting after all, and we'd never hold a meeting without and agenda or objective...... would we?

Like everything in our world. Have a plan with clear objectives and success criteria. If you’re struggling to define them - perhaps it’s the wrong event.

After picking your event, clearly outline what you hope to gain from it. Is it learning, networking, or seeking new opportunities? Define your goals, making them specific and measurable. This way, you can zero in on what's truly important to you, ensuring a valuable and fulfilling event experience tailored to your personal and professional growth.

Before any event, I focus on personal branding. I update my business cards, resume, and portfolio to ensure they reflect my current achievements and aspirations. Crafting a unique elevator pitch is crucial for me; it distills my experience and value into a few compelling sentences. I practice this pitch to feel poised and ready, aiming to create significant impressions with potential collaborators or mentors. This approach is my strategy for transforming brief encounters into lasting, meaningful connections.

It’s great to meet new people and chat. However, that’s an added bonus. Keep to your plan - who do you need to connect with to achieve your goals. Once you’ve done that - feel free to chat!

Following through is absolutely essential to effectively develop and build your relationships. Take the time to plan what you want to say (and when ).

1. Set Clear Objectives - Identify Goals: Determine what you want to achieve by attending the event. Goals can include learning new trends, meeting specific people, or gaining insights on challenges you're facing. 2. Research the Event - Agenda Review: Familiarize yourself with the event agenda. Highlight sessions, workshops, and speakers of interest. - Participants and Companies: Look up who will be attending, including speakers, exhibitors, and other program managers. Identify individuals you’d like to connect with.