APU Careers Careers & Learning

How to Prepare for a Conference

how-to-prepare-for-conferenceBy Madeline Roberts
Online Career Tips Contributor

Conferences are a one-stop-shop for networking, learning, and kick starting new ideas. They’re educational, entertaining, and can even serve as a mini-vacation. The preparation doesn’t end with registering and booking your travel. There’s more you can do in the weeks leading up to attending a professional conference.

Practice Your Elevator Pitch

You’re going to meet a lot of people in a short period of time so being able to introduce yourself in 30 seconds or less is going to make the process easier. It keeps your interaction with each person short, giving you the opportunity to mingle with as many people as possible. Write down the most important points you want to get across and practice them out loud until it becomes second nature.

Update Your Social Profiles

Expect to receive a number of connection requests when you log back into your social networks after, or even during, the conference. Before you head off to your event, ensure that your social profiles have the most updated information from skills to publications, especially if you’re looking for a new job opportunity. Upload a recent picture to all of your accounts, or at least the ones you share with other conference attendees, so they know they’re clicking on the right profile.

Network in Advance

Most conferences have a hashtag for attendees and speakers to use when talking about the event online. Use it to announce that you have registered for the event and to see what others are already talking about. Jump in on conversations on Twitter and make connections before the conference even gets started. The event may also be listed on Facebook – mark that you’re attending and starting chatting with others. You can discuss the session topics, things to do in the city, and make plans to meet up in person.

Stock Up on Business Cards

Whether you use the ones your company provides or create personalized cards of your own, make sure you have a stack of business cards ready to go. Take more than you think you’ll need because in addition to handing them out to people you meet and speak to, you can leave a handful behind on a table. If you have any changes to your name, title, or contact information, give yourself at least two weeks to order new cards.

Pack Your Power Source & Pens

In an ideal conference world, there is ample table space and multiple outlets in every room. Since this isn’t usually the case, you need to be prepared for any type of room setup. For those who prefer taking notes on a laptop or tablet, start the day with a fully charged battery and don’t forget to carry your charger with you. If you favor the paper and pen approach, remember that you may not always have a table to lean on and should pack something with a hard surface as a backup.

Plan Your Wardrobe

This may seem a bit superficial but it’s important. Whether we want to admit it or not, what you wear speaks volumes about you professionally. Business casual is generally your best option but don’t be afraid to wear something that will grab your fellow attendees’ attention and make them remember you. For women, this could be a piece of statement jewelry or bold top and for men, a unique pair of shoes or bright colored tie. Speaking of shoes, make sure they’re comfortable because you’ll be walking around the venue between sessions and standing during networking opportunities. Conference venues are usually cold so even if your event takes place in the middle of summer, take a blazer or sweater to be safe.

With these conference preparation tasks taken care of, you should be set for a successful and productive business trip.

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