Attending an in-person event or conference can be a great way to learn new things, meet new people, and get inspired.
However, it’s important to make the most of the opportunity.
With Reign 2022 just around the corner, we wanted to share our top 5 tips for getting the most out of an in-person event.
Here are five tips for doing just that.
1. Dress for success
At a conference, looking professional and confident starts with what you wear. You want to appear as if you have prepared for the occasion and eager to learn. Here are some ideas on how to dress for success.
- Wear clothes that fit well and are comfortable. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and sitting, so you want to make sure your clothes won’t be binding or uncomfortable.
- Choose clothing that is appropriate for the event. If it’s a casual conference, dress accordingly. If it’s a more formal event, err on the side of being more formal.
- Avoid wearing clothes with logos or branding. You want people to remember you, not your clothing.
Of course, the most important thing is to be comfortable in what you’re wearing. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, it will show in your confidence and attitude.
Now that you know what to wear, let’s move on to the next tip.
2. Bring a notepad and pen
You’ll want to take notes during the event, so be sure to bring a notepad and pen.
Having a physical note-taking system will help you remember the things you learn better than if you were to rely on your memory alone or digital notes. Plus, it’s always nice to have a written record of the things you’ve learned.
While electric devices need to be charged and can be distracting, a pen and paper will always work. So make sure you bring them with you to the event.
If you’re worried about losing your notepad, consider investing in a smaller notebook that can be easily tucked into your pocket or a tote bag. (Conferences tend to give out lots of free tote bags!)
The same advice applies to a pen. Keep one in your pocket or bag at all times. That way, you’ll always have a pen handy.
3. Be prepared to network
One of the best things about attending an in-person event is the opportunity to network. You’ll have the chance to meet new people and make connections that can help you in your career.
To make the most of this opportunity, it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few tips for networking at an event.
- Have an elevator pitch ready. This is a short, rehearsed statement that tells people who you are and what you do. It’s important to have this ready so you can make a good first impression.
- Bring business cards. They’re a great way to make sure people can easily get in touch with you after the event. Not only that - they can be a conversation starter!
- Have a goal in mind. What do you hope to accomplish by networking at the event? Having a goal will help you focus your efforts and make the most of your time.
If you’re feeling nervous about networking, remember that everyone is there for the same reason: to meet new people.
It's likely that you paid good money to attend the conference. So don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone. Who knows - it might lead to a new customer, business partner, or even a new job!
4.Make it yours (choose what matters to you)
With so many things going on at an event or conference, it can be overwhelming to try to do everything. So, one of the best things you can do is choose what matters to you and make it yours.
Make a game plan. Think about what you want to get out of the event and focus your attention on those things. I
f there are certain sessions you’re interested in, make sure to attend those. If you’re looking to meet new people, focus more on networking or signing up for socials.
Pro tip: don’t be afraid to say no. If there’s something you’re not interested in, don’t feel like you have to do it. You can always step out for a break or explore the conference on your own.
Making the event your own will help you get more out of it, enjoy yourself more, and bring back more value to your team when you return home.
5. Follow up with contacts after the event
One of the most important things you can do after an event is to follow up with the contacts you made. You can do this by sending them an email, connecting with them on social media, or even meeting up with them in person.
Following up is the springboard to building relationships. It’s also a good way to make sure you remember the things you both talked about at the event.
So, make sure you take the time to follow up with the people you meet. It’s a simple and easy way to make the most of an in-person event.
Wrap-Up
Attending an in-person event can be a great opportunity to learn new things, make connections, and get ahead in your career. If you’re planning on attending Reign 2022, make sure to follow these tips to make the most of it.
Now that you know how to make the most of an in-person event, put these tips into practice and enjoy the event! And don’t forget to follow up with the contacts you make afterward.
We can’t wait to see you at Reign 2022!
Do you have any other tips for making the most of an in-person event? Share them with us in the comments below!
