Event Industry Conferences: 9 Key Tips to Boost Your Experience
Sep 12, 2024 Praggya Joshi
Event planners lead an extremely busy life. The task of planning every event detail leaves little room to explore new perspectives, tools and resources. However, attending some meetings and global conferences should be a part of your to-do list. For instance, leading event industry conferences like IMEX America 2024 provide ample opportunities to network, gain specialist knowledge, and be updated about the latest event trends.
Once you’ve finalized a conference, ensuring that you make the most of it is essential. This isn't difficult for seasoned planners but if you are new, the tips below will help you. No matter what your goals are; be it business development, knowledge sharing or networking, the points below will prepare you effectively.
1. Know What You Want at the Conference
Do you want to be at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies or network with industry leaders? Maybe you see event industry conferences as the perfect opportunity to promote your work. In any case, you should know what you want to get from attending it.
The best way to do this is by analyzing the event agenda well in advance. Research about the speakers, check their website, and what they have spoken about before. It will help you determine the sessions of interest. If networking or finding clients is your major goal, explore sessions or speaking opportunities that will allow you to do so.
2. Find and Prepare for Your Conference Peers
Event industry conferences in 2024 are the best places to network. To leverage them optimally, you should waste no time in finding out whom you will be meeting. Then you can prepare yourself to meet them and communicate your business proposal.
Typically, event industry conferences have elaborate pages set up on social media a month in advance. From there, you can find out about your potential customers. You can even connect with them in advance and let them know about your arrival.
3. Register Early
Don't miss the opportunity to register early for the conference. Besides being eligible for early bird registrations, it will save you from having to stand in long queues at the registration counter. In some event industry conferences, you can select sessions to attend before they fill up if you register earlier.
Also, some event industry conferences provide access to speaker materials, networking events, or other content to early registrants. Thus, you can engage with the event content in advance and get the most out of the experience.
4. Attend Event Industry Conferences with your Coworkers
You increase the net of opportunities for your business when you bring your coworkers to the conference. It's because as a team, you will be able to attend more sessions, gain more insights, and make valuable connections.
If the conference has many workshops and training sessions, your team will emerge with more skillsets than solo entrepreneurs. Afterwards, you can discuss and analyze the information and trends presented at the conference. This will lead to deeper insights and more innovative ideas for your next or existing projects.
5. Navigate and Network with Mobile Conference Apps
Using an in-person conference mobile app platform is a super-efficient way to navigate event industry conferences in 2024. The user-friendly apps make it easy to review important event information as you move through sessions and activities.
Through them, you can view the attendee list, receive real-time updates, interactive maps and can live chat with other attendees and event organizers. This facilitates networking and sets the ground for profitable collaborations.
6. Tell Your Story Offline and Online
One of the best ways to make the most of your event experience is to speak out. Be a storyteller, solution giver or add a valuable comment to a talk during sessions. It will benefit you personally and professionally.
At the same time, reflect on your experiences online. Use your social media platforms to convey your learnings at event industry conferences. It'll boost your social presence and give your business more exposure.
7. Share Business Cards and Exchange Emails
Exchanging emails and sharing business cards gives significant benefits at large event industry conferences. It allows for immediate sharing of contact information. Business cards also serve as a tangible representation of your brand. You can also leverage them as conversation starters and stand out in a crowded space.
Another benefit of exchanging contact information at industry conferences is the chance to serve your customers better. You might come across your customers during the sessions. So, through emails they can inform you of problems they may be facing.
8. Transfer the Information Gathered from the Conference to Your CRM
After making so many connections, you need a place to store their data. The best practice is to immediately transfer the information about your potential customers to your company's CRM. Enrich your CRM records with the new data and segment your contacts.
After a few days, use your CRM system to schedule relevant and timely messages to your contacts. Don't forget to measure and optimize your communication performance.
9. Collaborate with Your New Connections
Of course, you don't want to miss following up on your prospects and exploring opportunities for collaboration. Do so two or three days after you return. Create an email marketing template customized to the lead you are following up with. Request a follow-up chat or send informational resources related to your product. Provide relevant materials to the client without appearing too salesy.
8 Top Global Events Industry Conferences in 2024
With these 9 tips, you’re ready to make the most of any event industry conference you plan to attend in 2024. Here are some of the top industry conferences that you, as an event prof, shouldn’t miss.
- TEAMS ‘24 Conference & Expo – 23 to 26 September 2024
- Destination California – 5 to 7 September 2024
- IMEX America 2024 – 8 to 9 October 2024
- The Event Planner Expo - 15 to 17 October 2024
- Connect West 2024 - 6 to 8 November 2024
- Wedding MBA – 12 to 14 November 2024
- Destination Southwest – 4 to 6 December 2024
- IAEE Expo! Expo! - 16 to 19 December 2024
Summing up
Global meetings and event industry conferences serve as incentives to event professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and discover untapped opportunities. However, amid the excitement of attending the meeting and booking accommodation, you may overlook critical things that will make your experience productive. The tips above will prepare you well for the upcoming global event industry conferences in 2024 and trade shows.
Speaking of upcoming meetings, who can miss IMEX America 2024, the place where the future of the meetings industry is shaped? If you'll be attending it, be sure to check out Eventcombo's booth at C4570. You can also schedule a free demo of our event tech here.
