Here's how you can maximize career growth by attending industry conferences and networking events.

Since Covid, it's even more important to partcipate in live events and take opportunities to both reconnect with colleagues, and also to meet new thought leaders and people of influence in your industry and beyond. I always review the speakers and attendees to identify who to connect with and why. It's worth researching key personnel to identify potential connections and areas of mutual interest. At every event, the key networking opportunities are at registration, coffee breaks etc. I stay standing so I can move around and meet different people. Given the law of diminishing intent, its imperative to follow up on connections with in 2 days of the event.

I attend many such events (and have over the last 30 years). Here is my goto prep for success: 1. have a plan (determine how many people with what purpose I want to connect)... for example I might determine the cost of conference plus time plus travel and multiply by 5 or 7 and that is the amount of business I will close by attending said conference... 2. research - most conferences have lists of attendees available in advance - I check out the list and research who I want to connect with while there and for what purpose - preparation for success plus a plan always results in quality connections and follow ups 3. Follow up strategy - 2 days post event (day after many are traveling) for optimal results

I would go a step further and recommend sharing key takeaways from the event on social media. When we share knowledge and ideas as well as connect with our peers on social media... followed by a timely key takeaways or key insights post, we are top of mind as they have recently connected us at the event and will see the post... as a result, scheduling follow ups becomes much easier as we have higher visibility and memorability than simply passing a business card or shaking hands. Also, there is something to be said for the value of in person side discussions at this event. This is where the opportunity opens exponentially.

I favor a 2/2/2 follow up approach: 2 days post event, 2 days after that, once a week for 2 weeks, then once every other week for 2 weeks. Touchpoints are a variety of methods including email/text/follow up calls/ social media. After the 2/2/2 if I have not had desired results, a once a month or once a quarter touchpoint has generally been successful... top of mind is always a good place to be and timing is everything in business.

To maximize career growth through industry conferences and networking events: 1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve. 2. Research Attendees and Speakers: Know who will be there and what topics will be covered. 3. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Have a concise summary of who you are and what you seek. 4. Engage Actively: Participate in discussions and sessions relevant to your interests. 5. Leverage Social Media: Connect with attendees and follow event updates online. 6. Network Strategically: Focus on building quality relationships with key individuals. 7. Follow Up: Reach out to new contacts after the event with personalized messages. 8. Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and future events.