Who Goes to Conferences Anymore?

This guy does…and so should you.

Over the past 5 years I have been to more conferences then I care to admit. Sometimes as a speaker, sometimes as a vendor, sometimes as an attendee. Now I have been to some events that I will never go back to again, you better believe it.

This week I was at the Workplace Benefits Renaissance in Atlantic City. This event is an Employee Benefit Advisor conference. I have a few takeaways from different perspectives.

We were an exhibitor for this event. Sometimes I dread being an exhibitor at events because the only people that come over to your booth are other vendors trying to push their services on you. For me, I never go to an event to market to other vendors. This particular event was a broker-facing event and they had quite a turnout. We met so many new brokers which may or may not lead to new business but nevertheless have connections we did not have prior to the event.

It’s not just about getting new clients all the time. For me I like to talk to brokers, learn what’s going on with them, what their markets are seeing…and then find out how we can help. It’s an education for me. This should be the same thing for a broker attending an event.

Not only do these type of events bring in some amazing thought leaders from around the nation, they create an environment which allows you to network with your peers and see what’s working and not working. You also get to see all these new technologies and solutions out there. This world is constantly changing. The only way you are going to keep up is by reading the top publications constantly and attending events where like-minded professionals get together and exchange ideas.

As a vendor I go to learn and attract new business. Also educate on why we do what we do and how we are changing the way brokers deliver benefits technology. It’s refreshing to hear brokers say “Where have you been? I have been looking for a solution exactly like this!”. We hear that all the time…and guess where they found us? At a conference.

So who goes to conferences anymore? YOU SHOULD.

Stay up to date on the latest trends and get educated. It’s a small investment in time and money for you to catch a show once in a while. Just make sure the agenda fits you. Benefits Selling is coming next month. I’ll be speaking and we will be exhibiting. I’ll be sure to write about the experience…but I hope to see you there!