Get the Most out of the Worldwide ERC Conference
It’s just a little over a week until the WERC GWS Conference. Preparing ahead will help you get the most out of your conference. I am a firm believer that if you or your employer has paid for you to attend a conference, you should be in attendance every minute the doors are open. Now more than ever, we need to collaborate and communicate to navigate the changes in our industry. The timing of this event couldn’t be better.
Some might argue that the best networking might occur outside of scheduled events. I don’t disagree with that, but attending conferences is not just about networking. It is also about gathering educational knowledge in a classroom setting. I also found great networking opportunities by arriving at sessions early and chatting with my seatmates. They are clearly interested in the same topic of the session, which gives you something to talk to them about right off the bat.
I believe conference attendance should be a carefully orchestrated event. Downloaded the WERC app. Check. Packed business cards. Check. Previewed agenda. Check. Scheduled meetings with prospective sources of business. Check. Reviewed attendee list. Check. Comfortable shoes. Check. Check.
Be strategic! Here are some tips to make the most out of your conference:
Download the app and see who is attending and exhibiting. Reach out and let them know you are looking forward to seeing them. Connect with those who you don’t know via LinkedIn before the conference. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date before the conference.
Follow up with all your new contacts by requesting to connect with them on LinkedIn if you aren’t already connected. Send a personalized invitation or message reminding them of where you met and deliver anything you may have promised them.
If they don’t have a business card, ask them for their cell number so you can text them your contact info, which will get you their cell. At the same time, ask for their email address. If you have time, follow up with them while you are at the conference.
Add yourself as a contact in your phone so you can text it to people you meet.
Follow their company’s page on all social media platforms and add them to your CRM for future follow-up.
It’s always nice to have a small giveaway with your company information on it. It should be easy to pack and something useful.
Just because someone isn’t with a company that can give you business directly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t connect with them. They may be a great source of referrals.
If you come across an article or listened to a session you think they may like, forward the article or notes you took or slides to your new contact.
If you attended a session but did not get a chance to meet the presenters, connect with them on LinkedIn and mention something from their talk that you particularly liked.
Hang out in the lobby during breaks to connect with those who have not registered but are in the hotel.
Be strategic with session selection. Go where the business is.
If you only attend RDC, hang around in the hotel lobby afterward to say hi to those coming in for WERC.
Attend the sessions where people are presenting from companies that you want to do business with. After the session, go up and introduce yourself, and follow up with them after the conference with a LinkedIn invite and a note complimenting them on their session.
Ask someone you admire to breakfast before the sessions start. You may make a valuable connection and get some great advice.
If everyone is headed to the bar or parties after scheduled hours, make an appearance even if you are exhausted. There may be more people there who are not registered or with whom you just haven’t crossed paths yet.
Attend the scheduled sit-down lunches. The people at your table are a captive audience for an hour.
If you have multiple people attending from your company, divide and conquer. Don’t hang out together. You can engage with twice the people if you split up.
Note anyone who wins awards or achieves a designation. Congratulate them by sending a note through LinkedIn or via email.
Remember to send a message to your existing contacts you see at the conference, telling them how great it was to see them.
On a free night, gather some clients or prospects and invite them to dinner or attend one of the parties together.
Take some pictures in the sessions to post on social media and tag those who are presenting.
Wear your badge, even in the bar. That is how people will associate your face with your name and remember you.
Take time to visit the exhibit hall. You never know who you might run into, and it’s nice to show the exhibitors some love. You might discover a new product, service, or source of business.
Create a synopsis of sessions you enjoyed and share them on social media or with your leadership.
Make a list of all the takeaways from the conference that you want to execute and prioritize them in your strategic plan so you continue to receive value from the meeting.
And please leave your political views at home. It’s not the time or place, and you will likely offend half the people with your views and you won’t change anyone’s mind.
Come to my session on Wednesday, October 23, at 3:15 ET. U.S. Buyer Broker Compensation: Adapting Policies and Program Practices to Changing Requirements. We have a killer lineup of professionals on the panel!
I hope to see you all there. Please let me know if you would like to schedule a meeting with me while at the conference. And most of all, have fun!
