12 Tips to Succeed at WBENC National From a Long-Time Attendee

Are you ready for the WBENC National Conference? It’s almost here! As the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of InfoMart, a WBENC-certified business, I’ve attended my fair share of conferences. The WBENC National Conference is a great opportunity to connect with people, build your business, and boldly present yourself. However, it can be a little daunting. Whether this is your first conference ever or your twenty-fifth, it’s useful to go in prepared, especially since conferences were off for a couple years during the pandemic. You’ve put time and money into this experience; don’t let it go to waste by feeling underprepared when you get there. Here’s my advice on how to make the most of your conference experience.

1.?????Come prepared

Take time to prepare. There are very few opportunities to have this many potential customers gathered and easy to access. Have your homework done by the time you get to the conference.?Remember past connections and conversations, prioritize your list of must-sees, and have updated notes in your head. This one event can match your efforts all year.

2.?????Have an agenda

Create an agenda ahead of time, know the events you have RSVP’d to, get there early enough to network at breakfast, and take advantage of sessions.

3.?????Visit your clients

Make your clients a priority. Make sure you talk to your client reps to check in on the relationship and to chat. Chat with accounting to see if there are any receivable issues. Research your clients to learn any news that you can congratulate them on, acquisitions you should know about, or new projects that you are a great fit for. Is there an opportunity to get more business?

4.?????Be familiar with the portal

If they have a supplier portal, you’ll want to already be listed in it with your most up-to-date information. If you’re having problems with the portal, have your questions prepared to get firsthand instructions. Additionally, it is nice to let a corporate member know you are registered in their portal.

5.?????Update your capability statement???

Our organizations have changed since the pandemic started, so your capability statement may need to be updated. Print it so you have copies ready for the people that like paper collateral. You should also offer to email it with a list handy to collect emails. Take a few in thumb drives, as well.

6.?????Be ready to follow up

Have your follow-up email prepared. You may revise it later, but don’t start from scratch at the end of the event. Have the email content ready to customize and send out. Follow-up is important; memorable conversations drive the most meaningful corporate connections. Remember: corporate members are meeting hundreds of people, so try to make it as easy as possible for them to recall your conversation.

7.?????Build relationships

The WBENC National Conference is a marathon, not a sprint. You want to get to know people and build relationships. Meeting other WBEs can be just as valuable as meeting corporates. A WBE can introduce you to a corporate with whom they have already developed a relationship and trust. You can benefit from the right people making introductions. I would love to meet you. Stop by booth #1912 to say hello!

8.?????Have an elevator pitch prepared

Have your elevator pitch down. Make sure that it sounds natural rather than robotic, and speak deliberately to avoid rambling like you’ve said the speech one hundred times already. Customize your pitch to the customer as needed. Every word counts, so get your point across as concisely and clearly as possible!

9.?????Know your capabilities

Prepare a top list of your capabilities and shortlist of differentiators, and know when to use them based on the industry. Have you identified pain points that you’re capable of solving? Don't use cliched terms like "best in customer service." Share stats and case study information. Ensure that you are addressing your capabilities and using the facts to support how you stand out in your industry.

10.?Be organized

Have your tote or purse organized so you can quickly access your card or notepad, and don’t have your hands too full. A corporate might not notice you fumbling through your bag nor remember you had your card in hand ready to exchange. However, there is an overall impression you will leave by being professional and organized.

11.?Wear comfortable, professional attire

Although many conferences allow for casual attire, dress professionally at WBENC because you’re representing your business at every turn. You’ll be walking often, so wear comfortable yet professional shoes, and bring an extra pair just in case. Whatever you do, don’t resort to going barefoot.

12.?Enjoy yourself

When you get there, relax and have fun! All the work is done. Now you’re free to meet people and enjoy yourself. Be your bold, authentic self.

Hopefully, this advice prepares you for a fun and fruitful WBENC National Conference – though the advice applies to almost any professional event. Remember to be authentic and have fun.

I hope to see you at WBENC! Join InfoMart at the opening reception, where we will be hosting a competition between WBES and Corporates to benefit LiveSafe Resources . It’ll be a fun way to build relationships and give back to the community. After that, visit booth #1912 to meet me and InfoMart’s background screening experts. Plus, you’ll get the chance to spin our prize wheel!

I look forward to seeing you. I hope your conference is truly unforgettable.