Take time to know the city you're visiting. Lookup highly recommended restaurants and other venues and have that info handy. If I meet up with a good group of people, we can hop in a cab and take off to a great restaurant for dinner with directions in hand. Secondly, when I have empty time slots between events , and i need to reenergize, I'll slip out to a famous landmark, tourist destination, or other less known venues that gives the city its vibe. It's nice to say you've been somewhere and seen more than the hotel and convention center.
zionaetzion
· 9 months ago
Thanks for your thoughts
Ari Herzog
· 9 months ago
I love #11 and #19 the best.
Thanks, Chris!
Jackie Perez
· 9 months ago
Great tips! I will be attending a conference at the end of the month & this definitely helped!
Rick Galan
· 9 months ago
Great post Chris! I would add only 3 things I think:
Sleep: Make sure you get a very good night's rest before you head out. Once you are there and in full "conference mode" it's hard to get decent rest. You don't want to start behind the curve. :)
Travel Arrangements: I always make sure to have the travel situation down cold. Flights are all confirmed and itineraries checked, local transportation has been thought through and properly planned, hotel has everything I need and is in proper proximity, etc.
Turn on Conference Mode: Some people have to go into "conference mode" where they have to flip a mental switch to get out of their shell and be more aware of networking and friend-making opportunities. I always make sure that as soon as I leave the house, I'm ready to go. I have missed and nearly missed great networking occasions because I was doing my own thing at the airport or on the plane, and didn't pay attention to local people who were also attending the event.
Fabulous Photo Gifts
· 9 months ago
Hi Chris - another timely and great post.
Although Fabulous Photo Gifts is an online 'retailer', on a much more local (geographically) level, we do tend to get involved with one or two events a year - mostly low key local charity / people events etc.
We take along a selection of our photo gifts so that people can actually touch and feel the gifts - online businesses I think have a real job getting over the quality of a gift item etc when the customer can't touch it.
I usually do these events because as Mandy says, i'm more confident in talking to complete strangers. Nothing complicated in my eyes, I'm passionate about the product and find it easy to talk about with complete conviction.
I do like to be prepared though so I always check through the week that I have all the samples packed and wrapped - in wrapping that I can reuse to bring stuff back home etc.
Pens, pads and of course enough literature to hand out to anyone I talk to. That it's up to date and if possible, relevant to the event i'm attending e.g if its a local pet show, the samples have pet pictures on them etc. How would 'your' picture look on our gifts?
After the event I go through all the names and (numbers) i collected. I keep a running total of how many people i talk to (just scores) and i follow up on any "i'll get that information to you" promises usually same night.
Then we monitor orders and watch for local addresses to the event - it's not rocket science but it does help give a bit of an indication of how well you did.
Lastly - I blog and social media about the event - before - (now during thanks to iphone and twitter) and afterwards.
People are often surprised when I say "We're not here selling anything tonight, our goal is just to give you an opportunity to 'touch the stuff' and make sure they leave with something with our web address on.
If it's a school thing, then anyone who mentions being part of a group or organisation gets a follow up fund raising pack that we offer, well anyone really.
"If you go well prepared into the jungle - the drunken elephant cannot fall on you".
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach
· 9 months ago
Wonderful points! Do not forget about the vendors' rooms as well, especially if you want to network with sales/marketing folk or want to hire within your industry. Conferences provide huge resources for increasing your database of passive candidates.
Priya Banati
· 9 months ago
This is a good list -- A lot applies to holding any event really, not just a conference -- > where individuals can start getting connected prior to, during and post the event in non-directed ways... Thank you Chris, Priya
Justin Parks
· 9 months ago
Some nice points Chris, and timely as well, as I prepare for the http://www.a4uexpo.com/europe/ in April in Amsterdam. Point 21 will definitely be addressed.
Chris Brogan
· 9 months ago
Glad it's resonating. You're all the reason why I write this.
Matthew Ray
· 9 months ago
Chris,
You've created a wonderful resource for anyone that will be new to attending conferences and seminars to those that have been attending them for years. These tips you've put together all make sense, and compile everything that we've been watching how you and others use social media today (and most of that watching is on Twitter).
You're taking it to the next level, and you're bringing everyone with you.
#2 is huge - we've seen this most recently with SWSX and having phone numbers float around through the twittersphere. What are your thoughts on giving out personal phone numbers on Twitter (not DM)?
#20 Using LinkedIn as your resource. Also - Start to ask a few questions about hot topics that will be covered. You may become the subject matter expert..or the subject matter expert will answer your questions
Still a lot to learn in this information overload world we live in these days - but this post is a great resource for just about everything that is out there today. Looking forward to seeing this list grow as the comments are added.
@MatthewRay
Jeff T
· 9 months ago
great stuff Chris. I'm going to pass this info our to our Business Development team and take care of a few of the list items myself.
i espcially like the promotion and prep sections, very useful!
Albert Maruggi
· 9 months ago
One add if you please from my experience. With all these things to do and the added responsibility of reporting from the conference, I sometimes have to remind myself to have fun. I go "damn relax, this is a blast!"
This usually happens when you have to make a decision between, should I stay in the room to do another 30 minutes of editing or go to the reception/bar wherever to actually be with the people you came to see. Is a video going to make that much more of a difference than a picture and audio file? Can I capture now, and post when I get back home? You have a limited amount of time on the ground and that's why you spent the money to be there, not be online.
Also find the $.99 Margarita place. If you can do that, you won't remember any of the rest :>)
This is terrific advice. Now, how do I find the conferences I want to go to? Is there a database? I always seem to come across them when its too late to book or when they are underway. Do you have any tips or resources?
This comprehensive checklist is the bees-knees. There are literally so many details to remember, and sometimes forgetting a small thing can turn into a big issue. Thanks to all the commenters who left additional tips, too. Gonna have to bookmark this one.
Cheers
George
Kim Wood
· 9 months ago
Ummmm, may I ? Make sure you find networking "meetups" or plan some for the after conference hours as well.... get to know people IRL .... sometimes I learn more during these times :)
Reggie Greene / The Logisticia
· 9 months ago
This is absolutely beautiful. For roughly 20 years, I was a partner in a professional services firm, and attended at least 10 conferences per year, trying to hustle up business. We taught our younger associates how to market themselves once they arrived at the conference. That was in the day just prior to the new social networking and New Media tools. Your post combines the traditional with the new. Thanks.
Andrea Goldman
· 9 months ago
Make sure the hotel has a good gym or find a place nearby to exercise! That's usually number one. My next rule is to figure out where the nearest Starbucks is. Then, on top of all your great suggestions, be the person to organize dinner at one of the local hot spots. Then you invite people and organize transportation, etc. That puts you at the center of the action (and makes sure you don't end up eating alone).
Kendall
· 9 months ago
#28 Load your contacts into Gist and get the gist on their latest happenings from the web.
Bill
· 9 months ago
#27> Remember the people that matter the most. End of story. Great stuff! This is the most important item - if not for them, most of us would have not reason to strive to make it happen. If not for my family, I would have no motivation to even get out of bed, let alone try to do something great each day.
#25 > Practice believing in yourself - that one is great, especially for shy, introverted people who have been told they will fail because they are stepping out and stepping up to try and do something great or different. Sometimes as a child we are conditioned that we will fail. Belief in yourself, that you can do this and find success is a really great thing to find. I imagine you could do an entire blog post, or even maybe a series of blog posts, on finding things within ourselves to help believe in ourselves.
Me? I interact well online, do ok on the phone, don't do video and have very limited conversation in person until I "really" know someone...and that takes several meetings if not more for me. Why? Afraid I will fail, afraid I will sound stupid, say something off-key or offensive or otherwise hit the ID10T button. That's why even if I had the money to attend the conferences as I would like to - I still probably wouldn't because there are people there that are so amazing, and I'm pretty average. That's me. That's how I think of me.
Why I shared that here, I don't know, but anyways.....
Jeff Korhan
· 9 months ago
Based upon the thoroughness of the list, I would say you probably had a nice long plane ride!
Celeste
· 9 months ago
I Think #6 under Research is the most key suggestion you've made. With all the technology that is a continuum, the face-to-face is still the most important tool. I have a friend in the Natural Foods Industry who does the same thing you've suggested here (she's just returned from a convention in LA). She prepares a sheet with pics/info of each connection she will make. She's convinced that this has built her companie's client list bigger than ANY information/services they provide. People still want to be people. Be in the know. Celeste
Michael Long
· 9 months ago
I want to start attending more conferences just to go through the prep list!
Regarding #25 (Practice believing in yourself)... when meeting new people it's always good to ask lots of questions about the exciting things that they are up to. However, it's also very important to clearly prepare to talk about some great things that you are up to... People like to do business with people who have positive things going on.
What's the greatest thing that has happened to you in the last month? Being able to articulate this well can be contagious!
Thanks for your post Chris! It's a great list.
Lisa Hickey
· 9 months ago
When someone was first telling me about social media, they said “the thing that’s so great is that you can find out what the people are talking about and join in the conversation.” So I love your thoughts, Chris, on preparing for the conversations that might be most important to you. Writing a specific blog post beforehand as a conversation starter is brilliant, and could also work for job interviews, client meetings, biz development meetings, etc.. And, of course, commenting on the blogs of those you might want to talk to beforehand probably seems obvious to us commenters but could also be a good approach.
The other thing I will say to those of you who are shy or uncomfortable with strangers – I read somewhere that people *rarely* say things that sound natural and brilliant off the top of their head. Insightful, witty or intelligent-sounding statements are usually things people have been thinking about for a while, but they find the appropriate time to bring them up. So to Chris’s points # 24, 25 – really think about these things and how you can get them to work. It makes such a difference.
carrie
· 9 months ago
These are great ideas, and I think would really make a difference in meeting people. I think when you know a few details about someone it really makes you standout from the crowd and shows that you took the time. I would also add that I have a few post-conference tips. I keep a plastic business card sleeve with all the cards I collected and I write on the back what I talked about with each person, so I will remember a few days later. I also look up their web sites and try and set up link exchanges on their blogs. There is also a new program I just read about called Cloud Contact that lets you see the contact's social network profiles automatically. I wonder if anyone has tried this yet?
Karol Hansen
· 9 months ago
Christ, I love how you let me be a student of your work and not just an admirer. Awesome tips. 1 Add: Be the conduit for others to network together by hosting a 'during conference refresher' sometimes facilities have sky boxes you can rent, invite others at a set time to refresh with cold beverages and hold-me-over snacks. The vantage point of skybox hosting allows everyone to look over the floor and discuss the action in a one off mode from the conference, but never having to leave the action.
Karol Hansen
· 9 months ago
Sorry, typo on Christ....meant Chris.
Dave Lutz
· 9 months ago
More and more conferences are embracing technology solutions that improve the engagement and preparation of the participants before the show. These include personal itinerary planners, personal expo planners, matchmaking solutions, blogs, linkedin and facebook groups. Make sure to check out what the show is offering and jump in with both feet.
Here's a link to an article I wrote a couple years ago about Conference Attendance ROI. It may be helpful for additional planning tips and/or gaining approval. http://www.velvetchainsaw.com/articles/Conferen...
Cece Salomon-Lee
· 9 months ago
Chris, these are great ideas. As Dave mentioned, check to see if there is a Facebook, LinkedIn or other community set up for the event. That would be a great place to start networking with people attending the event as well as discussing key topics.
For those who are awesome networkers, consider getting a business card scanner. I've been wanting one and just haven't done it yet. They're probably a time saver and can also scan your business receipts too.
With regard to online resources for events, I think another component is virtual events - some may be online only or attached an in-person one. If you're looking for a list of upcoming virtual events, my new company has a list at: http://www.inxpo.com/news/upcoming-events/index... (note, these are done on our platform).
And finally, for the brief time I was unemployed, I started contacting conferences to volunteer at the conference or be an "official blogger" of the event. One organizer did express interest. While I am now employed, volunteering would've gotten me into the show for free where I could connect with people in the industry, In return, the organizer could lower expenses while having fresh content written up on a daily basis to further promote the show. A win-win for everyone.
Christie
· 9 months ago
I am definitely bookmarking this for future use - what a fantastic resource!
Isatruc
· 9 months ago
Hum... Chris, I'm sorry but.... Isn't it a bit *too much*?!
Harrison Painter
· 9 months ago
Great stuff. Tweeting this out and bookmarking your website!
Chip Abernathy
· 9 months ago
Chris,
Great ideas. I will be passing this out to a few of my business partners, as we prepare for a big conference in May.
glen
· 9 months ago
Any consideration to the questions: What is the value of having this conference in a physical location when it could be held online? Especially if it is a conference about anything virtual or e-anything.
Could the $$$ spent on this conference be better spent supporting access for a much broader online population?
For example, if the conference is about elearning in public schools, and will be financed in part with public funds? The funds for one conference could easily set up a videoconference system for an entire school division, value that would persist after any one event.
Is the conference driven by the agenda of the conference organizers who's main preoccupation is to extract as many $$$ as possible from the conference hosts and participants?
Does the value match the huge carbon foot print of physical attendance?
Transporting all those conference attendees takes lot of petroleum products.
Is this a conference or a junket?
If it is a junket, enjoy but if you really looking for learning and connection there may be a better way.
Barry Moltz
· 9 months ago
Thanks Chris- great check list!
Jared O'Toole
· 9 months ago
One of the things I love about twitter is the ability to get involved in conversations before/during an event with people I don't know. Then having the ability to set something up to meet in person.
So easy to do with twitter search and makes for a better overall experience at the event.
Mary Pat Whaley
· 9 months ago
Very basic, but, never take/wear new shoes. My feet always get a workout at a conference, from standing more than usual, I suspect.
Excellent list and comments!
Mary Pat
Peter Pappas
· 9 months ago
I figured out a way, to network w/o even going to the conference - and it works. I've been on Twitter for about 3 months trying to become acculturated and aware of how to use the tools. This past weekend I felt ready to launch my first Twitter experience - "How to Stay Home and Use Twitter Tools to Network a Major Conference" I figured out how to network at the ASCD 09 conference remotely with Twitter tools and a live Word Cloud. See how it's working and how to here I've made great contacts and expanded my PLN.
Susan Holt
· 9 months ago
Hi Chris and readers,
I enjoyed this post. One tip I'd like to suggest before you get on the plane is to let your co-workers, customers and suppliers know of your plans to attend as well (in case don't follow you on Twitter or read your blog!). Sending a quick message out to a team of peers at your company to let them know you're attending a certain conference can generate some great results. There may be particular piece of information they'd like brought back, or a contact they'd like to gain. Then, when they're attending a great event that you can't make, you can always ask that they return the favour. Or perhaps they know someone who's going that's on your "to meet" list and can help with the intros.
On the flip side, whenever our company pays for employees to attend a conference, they ask that the attendee deliver a presentation back to the team to summarize what they learned. So as Chris points out - going into the conference with a plan of attack will help make the post-conference blog posts and presentations a bit easier to prepare.
Happy Conferencing! Susan
MIck Gibson
· 9 months ago
Hi Chris. Love Your Blog.
But yes you did miss one. How about this? Setting up an Adwords Campaign ready to go for just after the conference has ended. Bidding on keywords of relevance for that specific event/ topic. And which says something like "I was at the Conference. Here's a Whole load of info for You to ..." This ad then targets, say, a Squidoo page, with all your insights, resources, reading lists etc you've got out of the conference documented 'pro-actively' for others to enjoy and use. With a polite message from yourself saying .... "Enjoy - and here's my contact details"
I did this on a recent Tom Peters Workshop here in New Zealand, and have had great success with Networking with people after the event, because they find me on Google when they go looking for info related to the event. (See the Tom Peters Workshop lens I set-up for this purpose)
Thanks again Chris.
Literanista
· 9 months ago
Def. a great post! Another couple of my own:
- bring an extension cord so that when your batteries die you can keep your seat but plug into the wall for juice.
- RSVP on facebook, or other networks and see who will be going before you get there.
- Wear something (it can be anything - a bright accessory) to help you stand out in the crowd and help the tweeple in the room find you.
Heather in Beautiful BC
· 9 months ago
Thanks for all this wonderful advice.
I'd suggest using your own likeness on all your profiles, rather than a logo - especially on Twitter, then people will recognize you.
Someone suggested putting your picture on your business cards and I thought that was a great idea as it makes your card stand out a little more and may make people remember you and your conversation!
parisla
· 8 months ago
Thanks for the tips! I am headed up to NTC at the end of April and this list will definitely help me get ready. Will you be at NTC?
Stephanie Chandler
· 7 months ago
Great tips--thanks! I try to go to events with a set of intentions or goals (people I want to meet, connections I want to make, things I want to learn). Enjoyed this list a lot! Cheers, Stephanie Chandler http://StephanieChandler.com
Dorraine Darden
· 7 months ago
Great information, Chris! Thanks so much. This will prepare me for an upcoming retreat and conference.
Linda Johannesson
· 7 months ago
Awesome list - can always count on you for timely advice. I've done a lot of pre-planning, I have actually created a campaign around my updates, and am pre-promoting the conversation with the key audience. I've pre-selected a few other "roving reporters" and interviewees to provide content and done as you suggested...created a few post-dated blog posts on relevant content (based on topics outlined in the program). Here's hoping it all comes together - hey, what's the wifi like in the San Fran Marriott,, is it going to cause me any issues?
CJ - Business Plan Specialist
· 7 months ago
A wonderful list!! There is one old fashioned thing I still do: Make a list of what I really, really want to discover at this conference. It is just so easy to get lost in all the flurry that a real checklist somewhere helps keep me on track.
billhanifin
· 6 months ago
Chris, this is an awesome list and I was relieved to be able to check off a few of the items. Why don't we run a poll of the average exhibit booth dweller and see how many of these items they engage? I would say a low percentage. I would venture to say that the closer one is to an entreprenuer or sole proprietor, the more of these absolutely must be done. Well done post!
energyconferenceboy
· 4 months ago
There's quite a few things to do before visiting a conference and what you said was quite true! One place you forgot was Plazes and adding a direction there. What about setting your mobile up for mobile bluetooth business cards and making sure you've got a long life battery or change of one?
You mention blogging but how about geo location blogging and photo taking. Imagine you can blog, geo locate it and if lucky someone is doing the same or says hey, just red your blog. For high tech conferences this rawks!
All Comments
Thanks, Chris!
I will be attending a conference at the end of the month & this definitely helped!
Sleep: Make sure you get a very good night's rest before you head out. Once you are there and in full "conference mode" it's hard to get decent rest. You don't want to start behind the curve. :)
Travel Arrangements: I always make sure to have the travel situation down cold. Flights are all confirmed and itineraries checked, local transportation has been thought through and properly planned, hotel has everything I need and is in proper proximity, etc.
Turn on Conference Mode: Some people have to go into "conference mode" where they have to flip a mental switch to get out of their shell and be more aware of networking and friend-making opportunities. I always make sure that as soon as I leave the house, I'm ready to go. I have missed and nearly missed great networking occasions because I was doing my own thing at the airport or on the plane, and didn't pay attention to local people who were also attending the event.
Although Fabulous Photo Gifts is an online 'retailer', on a much more local (geographically) level, we do tend to get involved with one or two events a year - mostly low key local charity / people events etc.
We take along a selection of our photo gifts so that people can actually touch and feel the gifts - online businesses I think have a real job getting over the quality of a gift item etc when the customer can't touch it.
I usually do these events because as Mandy says, i'm more confident in talking to complete strangers. Nothing complicated in my eyes, I'm passionate about the product and find it easy to talk about with complete conviction.
I do like to be prepared though so I always check through the week that I have all the samples packed and wrapped - in wrapping that I can reuse to bring stuff back home etc.
Pens, pads and of course enough literature to hand out to anyone I talk to. That it's up to date and if possible, relevant to the event i'm attending e.g if its a local pet show, the samples have pet pictures on them etc. How would 'your' picture look on our gifts?
After the event I go through all the names and (numbers) i collected. I keep a running total of how many people i talk to (just scores) and i follow up on any "i'll get that information to you" promises usually same night.
Then we monitor orders and watch for local addresses to the event - it's not rocket science but it does help give a bit of an indication of how well you did.
Lastly - I blog and social media about the event - before - (now during thanks to iphone and twitter) and afterwards.
People are often surprised when I say "We're not here selling anything tonight, our goal is just to give you an opportunity to 'touch the stuff' and make sure they leave with something with our web address on.
If it's a school thing, then anyone who mentions being part of a group or organisation gets a follow up fund raising pack that we offer, well anyone really.
"If you go well prepared into the jungle - the drunken elephant cannot fall on you".
Thank you Chris,
Priya
You've created a wonderful resource for anyone that will be new to attending conferences and seminars to those that have been attending them for years. These tips you've put together all make sense, and compile everything that we've been watching how you and others use social media today (and most of that watching is on Twitter).
You're taking it to the next level, and you're bringing everyone with you.
#2 is huge - we've seen this most recently with SWSX and having phone numbers float around through the twittersphere. What are your thoughts on giving out personal phone numbers on Twitter (not DM)?
#20 Using LinkedIn as your resource. Also - Start to ask a few questions about hot topics that will be covered. You may become the subject matter expert..or the subject matter expert will answer your questions
Still a lot to learn in this information overload world we live in these days - but this post is a great resource for just about everything that is out there today. Looking forward to seeing this list grow as the comments are added.
@MatthewRay
i espcially like the promotion and prep sections, very useful!
This usually happens when you have to make a decision between, should I stay in the room to do another 30 minutes of editing or go to the reception/bar wherever to actually be with the people you came to see. Is a video going to make that much more of a difference than a picture and audio file? Can I capture now, and post when I get back home? You have a limited amount of time on the ground and that's why you spent the money to be there, not be online.
Also find the $.99 Margarita place. If you can do that, you won't remember any of the rest :>)
My mission for the upcoming InBound Marketing Summit in San Francisco is to get Brogan to The Buena Vista for an Irish Coffee. Put that on your list!
Cheers
George
Make sure you find networking "meetups" or plan some for the after conference hours as well.... get to know people IRL .... sometimes I learn more during these times :)
#25 > Practice believing in yourself - that one is great, especially for shy, introverted people who have been told they will fail because they are stepping out and stepping up to try and do something great or different. Sometimes as a child we are conditioned that we will fail. Belief in yourself, that you can do this and find success is a really great thing to find. I imagine you could do an entire blog post, or even maybe a series of blog posts, on finding things within ourselves to help believe in ourselves.
Me? I interact well online, do ok on the phone, don't do video and have very limited conversation in person until I "really" know someone...and that takes several meetings if not more for me. Why? Afraid I will fail, afraid I will sound stupid, say something off-key or offensive or otherwise hit the ID10T button. That's why even if I had the money to attend the conferences as I would like to - I still probably wouldn't because there are people there that are so amazing, and I'm pretty average. That's me. That's how I think of me.
Why I shared that here, I don't know, but anyways.....
Regarding #25 (Practice believing in yourself)... when meeting new people it's always good to ask lots of questions about the exciting things that they are up to. However, it's also very important to clearly prepare to talk about some great things that you are up to... People like to do business with people who have positive things going on.
What's the greatest thing that has happened to you in the last month? Being able to articulate this well can be contagious!
Thanks for your post Chris! It's a great list.
The other thing I will say to those of you who are shy or uncomfortable with strangers – I read somewhere that people *rarely* say things that sound natural and brilliant off the top of their head. Insightful, witty or intelligent-sounding statements are usually things people have been thinking about for a while, but they find the appropriate time to bring them up. So to Chris’s points # 24, 25 – really think about these things and how you can get them to work. It makes such a difference.
Here's a link to an article I wrote a couple years ago about Conference Attendance ROI. It may be helpful for additional planning tips and/or gaining approval. http://www.velvetchainsaw.com/articles/Conferen...
For those who are awesome networkers, consider getting a business card scanner. I've been wanting one and just haven't done it yet. They're probably a time saver and can also scan your business receipts too.
With regard to online resources for events, I think another component is virtual events - some may be online only or attached an in-person one. If you're looking for a list of upcoming virtual events, my new company has a list at: http://www.inxpo.com/news/upcoming-events/index... (note, these are done on our platform).
And finally, for the brief time I was unemployed, I started contacting conferences to volunteer at the conference or be an "official blogger" of the event. One organizer did express interest. While I am now employed, volunteering would've gotten me into the show for free where I could connect with people in the industry, In return, the organizer could lower expenses while having fresh content written up on a daily basis to further promote the show. A win-win for everyone.
Great ideas. I will be passing this out to a few of my business partners, as we prepare for a big conference in May.
What is the value of having this conference in a physical location when it could be held online?
Especially if it is a conference about anything virtual or e-anything.
Could the $$$ spent on this conference be better spent supporting access for a much broader online population?
For example, if the conference is about elearning in public schools, and will be financed in part with public funds? The funds for one conference could easily set up a videoconference system for an entire school division, value that would persist after any one event.
Is the conference driven by the agenda of the conference organizers who's main preoccupation is to extract as many $$$ as possible from the conference hosts and participants?
Does the value match the huge carbon foot print of physical attendance?
Transporting all those conference attendees takes lot of petroleum products.
Is this a conference or a junket?
If it is a junket, enjoy but if you really looking for learning and connection there may be a better way.
So easy to do with twitter search and makes for a better overall experience at the event.
Excellent list and comments!
Mary Pat
I've been on Twitter for about 3 months trying to become acculturated and aware of how to use the tools. This past weekend I felt ready to launch my first Twitter experience - "How to Stay Home and Use Twitter Tools to Network a Major Conference"
I figured out how to network at the ASCD 09 conference remotely with Twitter tools and a live Word Cloud.
See how it's working and how to here
I've made great contacts and expanded my PLN.
I enjoyed this post. One tip I'd like to suggest before you get on the plane is to let your co-workers, customers and suppliers know of your plans to attend as well (in case don't follow you on Twitter or read your blog!). Sending a quick message out to a team of peers at your company to let them know you're attending a certain conference can generate some great results. There may be particular piece of information they'd like brought back, or a contact they'd like to gain. Then, when they're attending a great event that you can't make, you can always ask that they return the favour. Or perhaps they know someone who's going that's on your "to meet" list and can help with the intros.
On the flip side, whenever our company pays for employees to attend a conference, they ask that the attendee deliver a presentation back to the team to summarize what they learned. So as Chris points out - going into the conference with a plan of attack will help make the post-conference blog posts and presentations a bit easier to prepare.
Happy Conferencing!
Susan
But yes you did miss one. How about this? Setting up an Adwords Campaign ready to go for just after the conference has ended. Bidding on keywords of relevance for that specific event/ topic. And which says something like "I was at the Conference. Here's a Whole load of info for You to ..." This ad then targets, say, a Squidoo page, with all your insights, resources, reading lists etc you've got out of the conference documented 'pro-actively' for others to enjoy and use. With a polite message from yourself saying .... "Enjoy - and here's my contact details"
I did this on a recent Tom Peters Workshop here in New Zealand, and have had great success with Networking with people after the event, because they find me on Google when they go looking for info related to the event. (See the Tom Peters Workshop lens I set-up for this purpose)
Thanks again Chris.
- bring an extension cord so that when your batteries die you can keep your seat but plug into the wall for juice.
- RSVP on facebook, or other networks and see who will be going before you get there.
- Wear something (it can be anything - a bright accessory) to help you stand out in the crowd and help the tweeple in the room find you.
I'd suggest using your own likeness on all your profiles, rather than a logo - especially on Twitter, then people will recognize you.
Someone suggested putting your picture on your business cards and I thought that was a great idea as it makes your card stand out a little more and may make people remember you and your conversation!
Cheers,
Stephanie Chandler
http://StephanieChandler.com
You mention blogging but how about geo location blogging and photo taking. Imagine you can blog, geo locate it and if lucky someone is doing the same or says hey, just red your blog. For high tech conferences this rawks!