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The Bridge

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The Bridge

Do you want to amp up your company generated business game? The Bridge is where the real estate, relocation and mobility industry can discover how taking a new path doesn’t have to be scary. Teresa R. Howe is an expert in her field with years of successful program and services development and management. She has a passion for helping companies be the best they can be. Do you want more revenue, more customers and better experience management? Get tips on how to compete more effectively in a world of constant change and disruption. You might also come across some random thoughts that just pop into her head.

Get the Most Out of Your Worldwide ERC Conference Experience in Las Vegas

It’s just a little over a week until WERC. Preparing ahead will help you get the most out of your conference. I am a firm believer if you or your employer has paid for you to attend a conference, that you should be in attendance every minute the doors are open. Whenever my employees attended conferences they knew I better not see them out at the pool bar during sessions. There is plenty of time set aside for networking outside of scheduled events.

Some might argue that the best networking might take place outside of scheduled events. I don’t argue with that, but attending conferences is not just about networking. It is about gathering educational knowledge in a classroom setting too. I have also found some great networking opportunities by getting to 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 right off the bat.

I believe conference attendance should be a carefully orchestrated event. Business cards. Check. Previewed agenda. Check. Scheduled meetings with prospective clients. Check. Reviewed attendee list. Check. Comfortable shoes. Check. Check.

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.

  • Make sure and follow up with all of your new contacts by requesting to connect with them on LinkedIn. Send a personalized invitation reminding them of where you met and make sure and deliver anything you may have promised them. Before you do that, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date.

  • If they don’t have a business card, ask them for their cell number so you can text them your contact info and it gets you their cell. Ask for their email address at the same time.

  • 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. 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 that 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, still 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 that have not registered, but are in the hotel.

  • Be strategic with session selection. Go where the business is.

  • If you are only attending 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 business from. Go up and introduce yourself after the session and makes sure 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 who you just haven’t crossed paths with 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.

  • Take note of anyone who wins awards or achieves a designation. Congratulate them by sending a note through LinkedIn.  

  • Don’t forget to send a message to your existing contacts that you see at the conference telling them how great it was to see them.

  • On a free night, gather up some clients and invite them to one of the great shows in Las Vegas.

  • Take some pictures in sessions to post on social media and tag those present.

  • Wear your badge! Even in the bar. That is how people will connect your face with your name and remember you.

  • Make a list of all your 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.

I hope to see you all there. If you would like to schedule an appointment with me while in Las Vegas, please let me know.

“Wherever you are be all there.” ~Jim Elliot, an American Christian missionary

Teresa Howe