Networking is consistently ranked as one of the top two benefits for
participants that attend conferences. This is why IPMA’s Annual
Conference is so important to our members and the industry.
I hope
you’ll see a difference at this year’s “Splash of Color” Conference in
Orlando. I’ve been learning how to help attendees network and take
advantage of the face-to-face contact with like-minded professionals, I
can’t wait to put these ideas into action in June and see how you, the
attendee, use these networking opportunities.
Before attending
this year’s conference know what you want to accomplish. You can do this
by asking yourself some simple questions to help you figure out your
networking goals.
- What do I want to get out of this conference?
- What questions do I have for others in my industry?
- Why am I attending?
- Why do others attend?
- How am I going to answer the questions I have on a day-to-day basis?
- How do I use this conference to my advantage?
- How can I share with others?
- Who do I want to meet, learn from, and pick their brains?
- Who can learn from me?
- Who will I seek out?
- When will I network?
- When will I implement what I’ve learned?
Adults
learn more and better through informal learning. We learn best through
discussions with others who are tackling similar challenges.
With
these thoughts in mind you can take advantage of networking on site.
Think of networking as something that is fun and use it to your
advantage. It may just be one of the BEST things you do at the
conference.
And don’t forget to continue the networking after
conference. How you may ask – it’s easy and it’s right at your
fingertips, you can even get a head start and do this before the
conference! The answer is social media, on Twitter you can find others
at the conference by searching for the hashtag #IPMA15. This will allow
you to find out who is going and start getting to know them on a
personal level. This can develop into a professional relationship. Don’t
forget to also use the hashtag at the conference to share your ideas,
takeaways, photos, and ask questions.
Next – take advantage of the
IPMA conference app. Here you can start a discussion, ask a question,
or make a statement. USE THE APP! Instead of just having a conversation
with one person at a refreshment station you will be able to reach 100+
individuals. You’ll be amazed at how this can have a domino effect.
Remember
it doesn’t all have to be all business, feel free to post something fun
too like: Hey, I just learned that Carma has three dogs, a husky and
two sheltie brothers named Goose and Maverick! The first person to say Goose – gets a free drink ticket! Now that’ll get a conversation going!
Lastly,
when you get home keep the conversations going on IPMA’s new
members-only online community called, IPMA Exchange. You’ll learn it’s a
valuable tool that you won’t be able to live without.
I challenge
you to take note of all the networking opportunities at the IPMA Annual
Conference in Orlando this June 14 -18th and post them on the app. You
can start asking everyone one simple question –
What are you hoping to gain from this year’s conference?
Me? I’m hoping to gain more relationships with my fellow members. I can’t wait to see you in June.
Now that’s Good Carma!