You can learn a lot at industry conferences in your field, and there are ways you can maximize the benefits of attending. You can even look for a job by networking, so here are 10 fantastic tips that are sure to make you present yourself as a professional.
- Present at the Conference
The best way to draw attention to yourself is to submit a project to a conference. If accepted, people listen to your presentation and see you in a new light. A good (or great) performance could get you a job just by talking about something that interests you. Taking the leap to present at a conference shows potential employers that you’re ambitious, intelligent, and understand the industry. - Attend an Orientation
If you’ve never been to a professional conference, consider going to an orientation session beforehand. Some conferences provide orientation prior to the actual conference itself, but if not, you can always attend orientation online. An excellent resource for conference orientation can be found at the American Association of Community Colleges, where you can watch a recorded video of what to do, what to expect, and how to maximize your time. - Prepare a 30-Second Speech
When you meet someone, they’ll want an overview of you. This short speech is going to be who you are and what you can offer their business. Prepare a brief 30-second speech you can recite when someone asks you questions about yourself. Be careful not to recite it as though you have practiced ahead of time. Speak naturally, know your talking points, and explain with ease. - Read the Conference Agenda
Never go to a conference without reading the agenda ahead of time. Look over the event website to decide which panels you’d like to see or visit. You should especially look at the speakers. There’s a chance you’ll see names of leaders in your field. Create a list of conferences you’d like to attend and who you’d like to meet. - Research the Speakers
If you find a speaker who is touching on an important topic, find out all you can about the presenter before you go. It’s impossible to know everyone in your field, so you never know who you’ll learn about. For each speaker you see, you should learn some basic facts beforehand, such as his or her place of work and significant projects - Don’t Leave Early
Networking is all about how you present yourself. If you leave in the middle of a presentation, you’re likely to paint a bad picture of yourself. Sit through the entire speech, and you’ll have subject points you can use to begin a conversation. Think of unique angles on the topic that others may not consider to help you stand out in the crowd. - Meet the Speakers
Put yourself out there by talking to the speakers. There is a good chance that leaders in your field will want to converse with the speakers after the lectures, too. Not only does interacting with the speaker give you time to talk to a recognized person in your line of work, but you can also start conversations with other leaders in your field and stand out from your peers. - Exchange Business Cards
Create business cards to give to other professionals you meet, but also request business cards from them for yourself. You never know who you’ll meet, and you want to be sure to remember names. Business cards also give you a chance to contact the person again at a later date, especially if he or she seems busy at that moment. - Ask Questions
Ask questions that make you stand out. Questioning where someone lives or works are common subjects that make you blend in with everyone else. Stand out by asking others about issues related to your field or finding out which panels they’d like to go to. These topics get people talking about something they’re interested in and assists in networking. - Talk to Everyone
Get out there and talk to everyone! You honestly never know who you may meet. Networking for a job is all about meeting people "big-wigs," but it isn’t always possible to meet the guy at the top. However, it’s very likely you’ll speak to someone who has incredible contacts. Meet everyone, and talk to every person you possibly can. Be a social butterfly.
