In a new series here on GovEvents, we'd like to share some of the best tips and tricks we've found in navigating the world of events. From attending to exhibiting, we hope our tips (some discovered through missteps) will help you get the most out of events. In today's post, we'll focus on tips for attending events.
- Go in with a plan - look at the agenda and exhibitor list the week before the event and take some time to plan out your time there. Block sessions you want to attend into your calendar and make notes on the booths you want to see. Make sure you build in time to check emails or grab coffee with people you meet. Doing this a week out also gives you time to confer with colleagues. If others are attending how do you best divide and conquer? If you are going alone, are there sessions or companies they'd like you to see while you are there. Jot down questions you want to make sure you get answered while there.
- Take advantage of technology - while you are planning your schedule look for any apps the show provides and download those. Also make note of hashtags and begin (if you have not already) to follow the show on the social media platforms you use. Evernote is a popular service/application for note taking and also integrates well with LinkedIn for collecting contacts.
- If you only use one app, make it Twitter - love it or hate it, Twitter is a great tool for event attendance.[Tweet "Love it or hate it, Twitter is a great tool for event attendance. #GovEventsBlog"] Following the hashtag of the event will help you get a pulse of what is going on in and across the conference. You can use Twitter for real-time networking by figuring out who is at the show based on tweets. Then you can reach out to arrange a meeting in real time. No more emailing, hoping they see it and then meet you by the RIGHT Starbucks by the convention center (there's always more than one...).
- Learn something new - pick one session that is a completely new/foreign concept to you and attend it. Educational events are a great way to challenge your comfort zone and grow.[Tweet "Pick 1 session that is a completely new/foreign concept to you and attend it. #GovEventsBlog"]
- Take notes - It is important to do "formal" note taking in presentations, but just as critical are quick notes you jot down after conversations to help you remember actions for follow-up or even just a person's name. Review all of these notes within 24-48 to make sure you still have some context around them, then make a to-do list based on what you read.
- If you are stranded on a deserted tradeshow floor - the two things you'll want are comfortable shoes and your chargers. Most show organizers provide ample opportunities for charging your devices, all you need is the cord. And the shoes.....just trust us on the shoes....[Tweet "And the shoes.....just trust us on the shoes.... #GovEventsBlog"]
- Do your part - respond to surveys. Even if you loved every minute of the event, take some time to provide feedback. Survey responses - the good, the bad and the ugly - will shape the next event making it even better.
What are your thoughts? What are your "must dos" when you attend an event. Share your ideas in the comments.
