How can you maximize your professional growth at conferences in new cities?

Attending conferences in new cities can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity to learn new skills, network with peers, and explore different cultures. However, it can also be challenging to make the most of your time and resources, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local context, customs, and expectations. How can you maximize your professional growth at conferences in new cities? Here are some tips to help you plan, prepare, and participate effectively.

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1 Set clear goals

Before you book your flight and hotel, ask yourself what you want to achieve from the conference. Do you want to learn new trends, best practices, or tools in your field? Do you want to meet potential collaborators, mentors, or clients? Do you want to showcase your work, get feedback, or pitch your ideas? Having clear and realistic goals will help you choose the right conference, sessions, and activities that match your interests and needs.

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James Rujimora, Ph.D., LMHC

Director of Behavioral Health & Wellness
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Determining your goals for a conference could include exploring a new city and building time to explore it. Another goal is to use the conference city to connect with old friends and colleagues who might be residing there. Meeting new people is great, and that's what the conference is for, but if you're in a city where a friend from high school or college is, why not also visit them? Too often I see people cram too many things to do in a short few days, but planning quality time during and outside of the conference can maximize your time.

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2 Do your research

Once you have selected a conference, do some background research on the host city, the venue, the speakers, and the attendees. Find out about the local culture, language, transportation, and safety issues. Learn about the conference theme, agenda, and format. Identify the speakers and attendees who share your goals, interests, or expertise. Doing your research will help you avoid unpleasant surprises, navigate the city and the conference smoothly, and connect with relevant people.

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James Rujimora, Ph.D., LMHC

Director of Behavioral Health & Wellness
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Some things to consider when conferencing in a new city include public transportation and food options. Maximizing your time and energy when conferencing is important, so knowing beforehand what transportation options are available is critical. For example, how are you getting from the airport to the hotel? If you're not staying at the conference hotel, what does the commute from your accommodation to your conference hotel look like? How much am I spending on transportation alone? Once transportation is figured out, then you can determine food options. Some things to consider include: are you eating at the conference hotel restaurant? Are you going to eat fast food? Are there any restaurants in the area you could check out?

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3 Plan your schedule

After you have done your research, plan your schedule for the conference. Decide which sessions, workshops, or panels you want to attend, and prioritize them according to your goals. Allocate some time for networking, socializing, or exploring the city. Make sure you have a backup plan in case of changes, cancellations, or conflicts. Planning your schedule will help you manage your time and energy, and make the most of the learning and networking opportunities.

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4 Engage actively

During the conference, engage actively with the speakers, the attendees, and the content. Ask questions, share insights, offer feedback, or exchange contacts. Participate in discussions, debates, or brainstorming sessions. Join social events, informal gatherings, or cultural activities. Engage actively will help you deepen your knowledge, expand your network, and increase your visibility.

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5 Follow up promptly

After the conference, follow up promptly with the people you met, the content you learned, and the actions you planned. Send thank-you notes, LinkedIn requests, or emails to the speakers and attendees you connected with. Review your notes, slides, or recordings from the sessions you attended. Implement the ideas, strategies, or tools you learned. Follow up promptly will help you consolidate your learning, maintain your relationships, and apply your skills.

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James Rujimora, Ph.D., LMHC

Director of Behavioral Health & Wellness
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When following up with individuals, know that the presenter or person may be inundated with others following up. So, be considerate and patient when they respond. Conference speakers and attendees are also returning to their lives and routines, so they have an adjustment, too. It is okay to follow up 2-3 weeks after.

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6 Reflect and evaluate

Finally, reflect and evaluate your conference experience. Assess how well you achieved your goals, what you learned, and what you enjoyed. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the conference, the speakers, and yourself. Think about how you can improve your performance, skills, or network for future conferences. Reflect and evaluate will help you measure your professional growth, appreciate your achievements, and set new goals.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you maximize your professional growth at conferences in new cities?

1

2

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4

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1 Set clear goals

2 Do your research

3 Plan your schedule

4 Engage actively

5 Follow up promptly

6 Reflect and evaluate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conference Organization

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How can you maximize your professional growth at conferences in new cities?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set clear goals

2 Do your research

3 Plan your schedule

4 Engage actively

5 Follow up promptly

6 Reflect and evaluate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conference Organization

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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