Maximizing Your Time at a Multi-Day Conference: My Personal Strategy ??♀? ??♂?

??♂? ??♀? Attending a multi-day conference can feel like a whirlwind of sessions, meetings, and networking events. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but with a little planning, you can manage your time effectively and get the most out of the experience. Here's my personal strategy:

1. Define Your Goals ?

Start by asking yourself what you want to achieve. These goals could be personal or work-related. Break them down into the top three categories. For example, my top three are:

• ? Meeting Industry Thought Leaders and Potential Tech Partners
• ? Connecting with Clients
• ? Learning About New Industry Trends through Sessions

2. Allocate Your Time ?

Once you’ve figured out your goals, decide how much time to spend on each. Here’s my typical breakdown:

• ? 35% on networking with thought leaders and potential partners
• ? 35% on attending sessions to learn about new industry trends
• ? 20% on connecting with clients
• ? 5% on leveraging social media
• ? 5% on taking breaks to recharge

3. Plan Ahead ??

Take a good look at the conference schedule. Pick out the sessions and networking events that align with your goals and block them out on your calendar. This helps me stay focused and ensures I’m making the most of my time.

4. Pre-Schedule Meetings ??

Reach out to your contacts before the conference and set up meetings. This way, you’re not scrambling to make plans while you’re there. Plus, it gives you a chance to have more meaningful and focused discussions.

5. Stay Flexible and Relaxed ????

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to meet everyone and do everything, but remember, quality over quantity. It’s better to have a few meaningful interactions than to stress about meeting everyone. Focus on forming strong connections rather than collecting a ton of business cards.

6. Stay Organized ??

Keep a list of key sessions and meetings. I like to use a conference app or just jot things down in a notebook. Keeping track of your schedule and any follow-ups helps you stay on top of things and ensures you don’t miss anything important.

7. Take Breaks ??

Conferences can be exhausting. Make sure to schedule some short breaks to recharge. Staying refreshed helps you stay focused and engaged throughout the event.

8. Leverage Social Media??

Social media can be a powerful tool at conferences. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• ?? Engage with the Conference Hashtag: Follow and use the official conference hashtag to join the conversation and connect with other attendees.
• ?? Live Tweet Key Sessions: Share insights and takeaways from sessions you attend. This not only helps you process what you’re learning but also positions you as an active participant.
• ?? Connect with Speakers and Attendees: After meeting someone or attending a great session, connect with the speaker or attendee on LinkedIn. Send a personalized note to remind them of your conversation.
• ?? Share Your Experience: Post updates and photos from the conference on your social media channels. This helps build your personal brand and keeps your network engaged.

Simple Plan

Here's a simple plan table to help you organize your time:

Conclusion

?? With a bit of planning and a relaxed mindset, you can make the most out of any conference. Focus on what matters to you, stay organized, and don’t stress about trying to do it all. Enjoy the experience and the opportunities it brings.

?? All the Best! If you are going to ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership Annual Meet 2024, ping me at [email protected] or text me at +1 (719)493-5570.

Have a Wonderful Time! ??????

Best,

Owens Gollamandala, Director of Client Services, Empowered Margins, Inc.

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