5 Keys to Getting the Most Out of Event Attendance

Attending an event, whether online or in person, is an investment of time and money. It's an investment well worth making to further your professional education, make new personal connections (as well as those that will benefit your organization), and provide a platform to promote your organization and its activities. In order to get approval to spend the time away from daily responsibilities, and to use professional development funding from your organization, you'll need to show how you plan to make the most of your investment of time and money.

Consider these tips as you register for your next event.

1. Decide on your why. What specifically are you looking to gain from the event? Is it a specific piece of knowledge, networking with industry leaders, meeting up with specific individuals, or getting a demo of a new piece of technology? Define your objective and set clear goals, such as:
   • Connecting with at least five potential clients or partners
   • Learning three new strategies to implement in your business
   • Meeting with or setting up a meeting with a key influencer in your industry
2. Make a plan. Once you've defined your goals, create a plan to achieve them. Research the agenda to identify key sessions to attend and make a list of people or companies you want to meet that will be there.
3. Get prepared. Connect with attendees and speakers on LinkedIn before the event to introduce yourself and schedule informal meetups. If the event includes a hashtag, start using it before the event to connect and engage with other attendees. Practice your elevator pitch about yourself and your company so you can quickly and clearly communicate your story. Establish some stock questions you can use, both to start conversations and to get them moving in a direction that meets your objectives.
4. Be engaged. Take structured notes during key sessions and highlight actionable takeaways. Use bullet points or a note-taking app to stay organized. If you hear a great idea, immediately jot down how you can apply it to your work. Be careful, however, not to be so busy taking notes that you become a passive participant. Make an effort to participate in Q&As and approach speakers or other attendees after sessions to continue discussions.
5. Follow-up. Within 48 hours of the event, send follow-up notes to key contacts to set up future meetings--or simply to thank them for their time at the event. Post some of your takeaways on LinkedIn, and share them with your team, either in writing or through conversation. Consider approaching your marketing or HR team and offering to write an article about what you learned that could be shared widely throughout the organization.

Events can provide immense value--but only if you approach them with intention and strategy. By setting clear goals, engaging thoughtfully, and following up consistently, you'll maximize your ROI and build stronger professional relationships.