Making the Most out of your Conference Experience

Walking around the bustling hallways, I look back at the program to confirm the room number and speaker. I squeeze through a small crowd, reach my destination, and found an empty seat. I sat next to an empty chair with another attendee on its right. A seat away isn’t too close for me to feel pressured to speak to the person immediately, but close enough for me to think of what to say and muster up the courage to say hi.

Conferences are a major part of bringing many people together around a common theme. It’s a great place to network, meet big shots, and even find that one lead that might get you that next job offer. Even though we all know the value that can come out of a conference, how do we go about making the most out of this experience? This question is especially applicable to the novices in the industry, including myself. Last year’s Big Design conference was my very first and I was just barely starting out in UX design. I didn’t know anyone else in the field, so I was walking in not sure what to expect or what to really look for. It can be intimidating when everyone seems to know everyone else and seems to have it all together. This is for the people who want to take the next big step of putting themselves out there in the community. What can you do to prepare yourself for the big weekend and gain the most out of it?

Do your research

This may seem obvious, but you can never do too much research to know who’s coming, what they’re all about, and the topics that will be covered. You’ll be able to plan out your day better when you prioritize the talks, workshops, and individuals you want to see and meet. Stop by their LinkedIn and look at the specifics of what they specialize in and find the individuals whose goals and interests align with yours. This can give you a curve on starting that conversation with these professionals and to show them you know your stuff and know what you’re looking for.

Volunteer

Reach out to some Colleagues

If someone you know is going to the same conference, reach out and see if they’re interested in coming along, meet up with you, or even chat over coffee sometime during that weekend. This is a good opportunity to get to know them on a more deeper level and even be introduced to some of their colleagues as well. This can be an excellent start to building your network as these people can connect you to more people throughout the conference.

Come Prepared

Bring business cards, resumes, and stationery! You’ll never know who you’ll meet and they are necessities to have when networking. You can simply hand off your card, jot down their information, or hand off your resume to a potential employer. Having the LinkedIn app installed and ready to go on your phone is another great tool to link up with others in a matter of seconds.

Ask Questions

Follow Up

This is something that may be one of the most important things you do, and it’s often the one that’s neglected the most. Following up with the people you’ve met at the conference can make it or break it for the next turning point of your career. If you don’t bother to follow up, your efforts at the conference could go to waste. Make sure to stand out and send that message thanking these people for their time and remind them of what you discussed. Keep it open for them to continue the conversation and see if it can lead to a potential professional relationship. This person could be your next mentor who can help you take your career to the next level.

Don’t be Afraid to Share your Story

Interacting with other attendees exposed him to great connections and potential employers. He was able to get a job opportunity out of it that launched his career. No matter where you’re coming from, there’s always something or someone you can learn and gain from. It’s not a matter of how much you know or where you are in the industry, but it’s whether you’re willing to come in, learn, and contribute to the conversation.

With Big Design 2018 just around the corner, be sure to take the time to map out your experience and make the most out of your time there. It’s an environment where people are welcome to share ideas, reach out, and network. No matter where you are on your journey, there will definitely be something new learn and new relationships awaiting you. This is the time to step out of your comfort zone and gain the knowledge and connections that can carry you far in the right direction.

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