No matter what business you’re in, conferences are a reality of the professional world. They are a great way to learn new skills, gain industry knowledge, and network amongst your colleagues. However, with all of the different speakers, events, and conversations going on, it can be extremely easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re attending the NOSSCR conference this fall in New Orleans, here are some tips on how you can make the most out of your experience.
Network:
Conferences present you with the perfect opportunity to build upon your existing relationships and create new ones. These relationships can often form into the cornerstone of your law firm’s referral system. Therefore, it’s important to try and actively connect with your colleagues.
It is also a great time to meet vendors who are represented at the event. The vendors are typically companies that can help your firm increase its productivity and efficiency. Having conversations with these different companies can teach you a lot about marketing techniques, organizational skills, and the Social Security disability space. Try to have as many conversations as possible, because you never know what connections can come out of them.
Have Stellar Business Cards:
Business cards may not seem like a big part of the trip, but they are often how people will remember you. Having unique business cards can really set you apart from the crowd. They can also build your law firm’s brand. They’ll make your firm more identifiable by having a logo and advertising slogan on them. You should also carry your business cards with you wherever you go. That way, you can hand them out to those you speak with, helping you further market your firm. Don’t forget to bring your business cards to this year’s conference!
Attend Conference Events:
Conference events are a great place to network in a more relaxed setting. Most likely, your conference will have a cocktail party, or vendors at the conference will be hosting one. These parties might seem daunting, but you will often make great connections during these events. People will typically be more open to discussing different topics and ideas while in this setting. Plus, you might be able to get some food and drinks out of it – a well-earned break for a long day’s worth of work!
Choose Your Sessions Wisely:
The ultimate goal after any conference is to come back with an improved knowledge of the business and legal space. For this reason, you don’t want to be making on-the-fly decisions regarding which sessions will give you the most useful information. Therefore, review the agenda and the sessions prior to the start of the conference. Make sure that you are attending the sessions that cover a wide range of topics. It would be a shame if you left the conference with only one or two learning points. Also, don’t be afraid to leave a session. If you find that a session is not what you expected, don’t feel bad about attending another one. The conference is about getting the most out of your experience, time, and money.
If you’re attending NOSSCR, make sure to let us know! We will be happy to meet with you and to invite you to our cocktail party. In the meantime, take advantage of our comprehensive NOSSCR guide, and reach out to us with any comments or questions. We hope to see you soon!