Maximize a Conference Event

Use your social marketing tools before your conference event

How can you make the most from a conference event? You meet a lot of people, shake hands, and gather business cards, but you can only do so much during the event. There are so many people there that you don’t really know anybody until you get there. Sure, you might see a familiar face or two, but for the most part, a new group of people is going to provide you with the most opportunity. 

However, there lies the problem of meeting the right people. How do you prepare for a conference? Would you show up and simply demonstrate your professionalism and wisdom, and hope you catch some good leads? Or would you prepare for the event, utilizing all the tools available to you?

Meeting the right people

Having something in common with your fellow attendees is incredibly helpful for beginning a conversation. For this reason, social networks can be incredibly invaluable. Consider contacting the hosts of your conference and asking them for a list of other attendee names. From here, you can research business-oriented networks such as Linkedin and other social sites, to gain insight on what their interests are. Who is going to be there? Social links help you discover associated interests you share with others. What are some trending topics that other attendees are discussing? 

This will help you develop a connection strategy to employ during the event. What individuals have the most in common with you? What are some good conversation starters for these people? You will enter the event knowing who to look for and how you can help each other. In these cases, sites such as Linkedin are ideal for identifying the business side of an individual. 

Networking

When you do begin to network, associate yourself and communicate that you would like them to join and enhance your networks, ideally social networks. This is a great way to start an ongoing relationship, and often it is much less bulky than juggling business cards. Smartphone technology is handy in this type of situation- simply tell them you’ve sent them a request to join your network. Now you have a good contact and information that won’t be lost or misplaced. Also, inquire from your associates on their own social sites and tell them that you are going to follow them, such as Twitter. This tends to stimulate more conversation, such as- “I prefer to use (fill in the blank) social sites”. This will help you identify hot spots and social preferences to look for later on.

Keep talking

What about making others talk about you? Word of mouth marketing is a powerful tool, but it can be limited in a networking setting in which everyone is talking about themselves. But, don’t neglect the fact that conferences don’t end when everyone exits the scene. Following up is just as important as the event. Follow attendees on Twitter or Pinterest where social sites are open networks. Investigate their company pages and subscribe to their blogs. Each time you follow, friend, or otherwise associate yourself with your contact’s online network, they see your name one more time. Additionally, you are able to see their expertise and apply their network to your own. 

When it comes to networking at an event, it is always best, and most efficient, to come prepared. Know the people you are going to meet and identify the people you need to meet. Spend your experience wisely and always be prepared.