Conferences are an excellent place to make a great in-person impression and forge real-life face-to-face connections with potential customers or industry peers. But you need more than just a winning smile and business cards. Use these tips to make the most of your time at a hotel conference venue and leave an impression that lasts long after the event ends.
Prepare for Every Conference Like It’s Your Event
Before every conference, review the attendee list, speaker lineup, and event agenda. This helps you to identify valuable people, companies, or sessions and create a shortlist of those you’d like to meet.
Having a few ice-breakers in your metaphorical back pocket can also help you feel more confident when approaching new people. And the more you know about your audience, the easier it is to draw from them.
Focus on Building Relationships
A hotel conference venue lends itself to making connections that can lead to sales. But don’t focus on the end goal. People can spot a sales pitch a mile off, and it can feel inauthentic or pushy.
Attend Social Events
Some of the most valuable networking happens outside of conference sessions. Coffee breaks, lunches, and evening receptions often provide a more relaxed environment for conversations that may otherwise feel forced.
Follow-Up Post-Event
Networking doesn’t end when the conference does. In the days thereafter, connect on LinkedIn, send a short email, or reference a discussion you had during the event. In doing so, you’ll create a communication channel that paves the way for future conversations.