How to Maximize Your Conference Attendance Experience (In-Person and Virtual)

For those of us in the legal and mediation fields, we are in full conference season!? In fact, I just looked at my schedule for the next two weeks and in 14 days I have 8 separate programs that I am presenting - phew!? It’s a busy time and conferences are a great way to learn new things, network with people, and find new business opportunities. But even with all the benefits, they also represent a cost in our time and money, so it makes sense to maximize our conference attendance.? I thought I would share a few of my tips as you head out the door or settle in at your desk for your next event!

Here are a few tips for both in-person and virtual conferences:

In-Person Conferences

• Plan your schedule ahead of time. Review the conference agenda and identify the sessions you most want to attend. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid conflicts.
• Arrive early to network. Networking is one of the most important benefits of attending conferences. Arrive early to sessions and events to give yourself plenty of time to meet new people.? This is also the time to put yourself out there.? You will find that most people are friendly and looking to meet new folks as well so take a deep breath, go up to someone you would like to meet and introduce yourself.? It could be the start of a great new friendship.
• Bring business cards or be ready to share your contact info digitally. You'll be glad you are prepared when you meet new people and want to stay in touch.? My favorite tip here is to have your @linkedin QR code ready to go so you can connect with your new friends and colleagues in an instant!
• Be active in discussions. Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your own insights during sessions. This is a great way to network with other attendees and learn new things.? On the flip side, don’t monopolize the conversation.? You will learn a lot from your fellow attendees as well.??
• Take breaks. It's important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.
• Follow up with new connections. After the conference, reach out to the people you met and connect with them on LinkedIn or send a follow-up email. This will help you maintain the relationships you built and stay in touch.

Virtual Conferences

• Create a dedicated workspace and conference time. Find a quiet place where you can focus on the conference without distractions.? Set aside the time on your calendar as if you were attending an in person event and don’t multitask throughout.? One of the biggest downsides to virtual conferences is that people only attend sporadically throughout the event rather than attending most or all of the programs as they would at an in-person event.? It is easy to be distracted but you miss out on the full conference experience when you do.
• Use a high-quality webcam and microphone. This will help you look and sound your best during video calls and sessions.? If possible, keep your camera on during the program and ATTEND!? The program presenters will notice that you are there and engaged as will other attendees and this makes an impression.
• Be active in the chat. Don't be afraid to participate in the chat during sessions and ask questions. This is a great way to network with other attendees and learn new things.? You can also connect personally with other attendees by reaching out via the personal chat or the virtual platform.? Familiarize yourself with all the aspects of the platform - you will often find that there are communication channels and directories of attendees and presenters to help you connect!
• Attend the “Social and Networking” events even if virtual. If there is one thing we have learned after the massive shift to virtual events as a result of the pandemic, it is that we can connect and establish relationships in the virtual world.? Don’t miss out on the opportunity to expand your network - you never know where someone interesting will be beaming in from!

Here are some additional tips for maximizing your conference attendance experience:

• Set goals for yourself. What do you want to achieve by attending the conference? Do you want to learn new things, network with people, or find new business opportunities? Once you know what your goals are, you can focus your time and energy on achieving them.
• Be open to new experiences. Conferences are a great opportunity to learn about new things and meet new people. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
• Share your conference experience.? Take pictures, post about the event on social media, tag your new friends and acquaintances.? If you are a presenter or sponsor, be sure to amplify your participation in your marketing.
• Have fun! Conferences should be enjoyable experiences. Make sure to take some time to relax and enjoy yourself.

By following these tips, you can maximize your conference attendance experience and get the most out of your conference experience!

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