As I am preparing for my attendance to CoachVille's Third Annual Coaching Conference I have been considering how I can make most of my conference attendance. These ten tips will support you in leveraging those conference you will attend in future and for creating an unforgettable experience!1. Connect, connect, connect!
Some of most valuable time spent at a conference can be time you spend in conversation with others outside of speaker presentations/breakout sessions. Make a commitment to schedule one breakfast and one lunch meeting each day with someone you want to get to know, and make a plan to connect with these men and women following closing of conference.
2. Volunteer!
One of best ways to get to know others both inside and outside of your industry is to volunteer 1 hour each day for conference production team. This time can create a sense of connection and a feeling of self confidence and accomplishment for both you and conference team.
3. Host an Open House.
At end of day, most conference goers are ready for a little rest and relaxtion. Rent a small room inside conference center, or if conference is being hosted inside a hotel, open your hotel room for a small late afternoon tea or early evening cocktail party. Invite everyone you see, and have a blast!
4. Ask Great Questions!
Make your conference experience engaging and memorable by making most of this opportunity to learn. Spend time talking to speakers, book authors, vendors, and those you are meeting, and ask, ask, ask. Request recommendations for books, resources, or contact names which will support growth of your business. Talk to others about new directions developing in your field and find out about emerging leaders who you may want to partner with in future. By becoming an active participant, you will be surprised at all that you learn and how your life will be enhanced.
5. Scout for Talent.
Are you looking for a new business partner, employee, product developer, or author for your business? If so, spend time talking to folks to find out as much as possible about their talents, gifts, and strengths. Keep a little black book or palm pilot with you in order to capture important details about people you may want to contact in future for a special project or event.
6. Attend Conference on Behalf of Your Clients.
For clients who are too busy to attend a conference, you can offer to attend a conference in their place. You will want to have company pick up cost for attending conference, and it is a great time to market for your client and to market your services at same time. Keep detailed notes during conference, and collect product information which you feel will benefit lives of your clients. This is a wonderful way to add value for your clients/customers.