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First Timer! Was it your first time to a major conference like New Media Expo or NABShow? I thought it would be interesting and very informative to get the perspective of a first time attendee to NMX and get her impressions of the event and share with us how to conference
In full disclosure my next guest is actually in the field of booking conferences for a city in so she has a very unique perspective which I think you'll enjoy.
Here are a few of the highlights:
- Why knowing the schedule ahead of time is vital to a positive conference experience
- If you should you try to attend every session.
- How social media can make networking easier and more enjoyable
- The number on after the conference thing you should do
Here's what Tanadia learned at NMX 2015
Fresh off of the plane in Las Vegas but I don't get too excited because I didn’t visit the glitz and glimmer city to party or gamble away my life savings, I went to Vegas for something a little more exciting, the work famous New Media Expo Event. As a first timer I picked up a few expert tips for you on how you can get the most out of a conference even if its your first time.
Do’s and Dont’s for you First Conference
Do - Check the schedule ahead of time. Most conferees will post the scheduled events weeks even months ahead of the event. Take this time to plan the sessions you want to attend so that you can navigate like a boss when you get the the event. For NMX the schedule was posted a little late as a few days before so what I did was check in at the event grab a copy of the schedule the night before I did a light plan of what I wanted to attend for the next day.
Don't- Feel like you MUST attend every session. NMX had a total of about 60+ sessions and thats about the average of most four day events. You don't have to go to EVERY single session. If you feel like you want to skip a session or two, thats ok. As long as you replace the session with something that is just as valuable like networking with attendees. ( I would add the best networking I've done is in the halls during or between sessions.)
Do Get Social: on of the best things about live events is the ability to actually meet people in person, If you are attending a conference with your peers, its amazing how much information you can gather from just one conversation with someone who is attending the same event. How do you do this if this is your first time? Simple. Before and during the event make sure to get on you social media platforms and let attendees know that you are a first timer. two things will happen. 1.People who have been to the event will want to meet you since you're a new face 2. First timers like yourself will want to meet you because they too are new the the event and would like to connect with people who are new like them. Before NMX I sent a tweet out that said. “Can’t wait to see what #NMX is all about. Where all my first timers at?” that tweet lead to me meeting so many people at NMX and I fit right in!
Don't- Feel forced network; If you are not in the mood to meet new people, thats ok. I encourage you to make sure that you put yourself in situations that will allow you to be your best self. If networking is not your thing, try setting up you own private meet up event. Find a nearby restaurant or lounge close to the event and invite only the people you feel comfortable around to meet up with you for a quick bite to eat. encourage them to bring at least one guest and BOOM there your go, your own privet meet up where you set the conditions all while meeting some really cool folks
Do - Follow up- So you reached the last day of the event and you have learned so much and met some cool peeps. Now this is where you get a return on your investment with the follow up. After getting home and getting back in to the swing of things. I recommend no longer that a few days, you want to do three things.
- Reread and organize all of your notes form the season.
- Make plan of attack on how you are going to apply all of the new information to your situation,
- FOLLOW UP with all of the people you met..
These three things are urgent because they are the things that will ultimately give you the best return on your investment. I attended an event last summer and followed up with the people I met, Almost one year later we are still in touch and exchanging great ideas and tips for business on a weekly bases. Follow up Follow up Follow Up its the best way to get your money back!
Don't- spam people: there is an art to the follow up and I could give one idea that is sure to turn off your new connections, that is spamming them with your content, links or product. The idea of continuing relationships is to build them. Don’t send all of your new contact your latest project or even worse automatically add them to your email list! Unless you wan to get blacklisted form the next event i recommend sending a quick email letting them know it was nice meeting them, sharing your favorite part of the event and then asking to set up a call or coffee meeting in the near future. Just like business Relationships are all about building piece by piece.
In Conclusion
Tanida had a great time at New Media Expo. She picked up some new concepts and connected with people who will be great friends and business connections.
Navigating through your first event can be tough But if you study the event, Find new people to connect with and follow up with a strong post conference plan, you will be a business conference professional in no time.
To Connect with Tanida:
Links Mentioned:
The Savvy Young Professional - TheSavvyYP.com
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