How to Prep for a Conference to Get Results

Have you ever wondered how to prep for a conference rather than just showing up? Attending a conference as a small business owner is a big deal! It’s your chance to learn, make new connections, and get your name out there. But let’s be real, conferences can be expensive, and time is money. If you want to make the most of your experience without draining your wallet, here’s your game plan for before, during, and after the event.

Before the Conference: Get Ready to Shine

1. Set Your Goals – What’s your main focus? Are you looking to gain clients, find partnerships, or soak up industry knowledge? Knowing your goals will help you stay on track.
2. Do Your Homework – Check out the agenda and speakers. Make a list of sessions you can’t miss and people you’d love to connect with.
3. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch – You’ll be introducing yourself a lot, so have a quick, clear, and confident way to describe what you do.
4. Pack Smart – No need for fancy swag. Just bring business cards, a simple flyer, or have a digital portfolio ready to share.
5. Book Coffee Chats in Advance – Reach out to speakers or attendees ahead of time and set up quick coffee chats. These casual meetups can be just as valuable as big networking events!

During the Conference: Make Every Moment Count

1. Be Early & Be Intentional – Sit near the front in sessions, position yourself in high-traffic networking spots, and be ready to jump into conversations.
2. Show Up on Social Media – Share what you’re learning, tag speakers, and use the event hashtag to get noticed and engage with other attendees.
3. Ask Questions & Speak Up – The more you engage, the more people will remember you. Plus, asking good questions is a great way to start conversations.
4. Collect Contacts, Not Just Business Cards – When you meet someone, jot down a quick note about your convo so you can personalize your follow-up later.

After the Conference: Keep the Momentum Going

1. Sort Through Your Contacts – Go through your notes and prioritize the people you really want to stay in touch with.
2. Send Thoughtful Follow-Ups – A quick, personalized message goes a long way! Mention something specific from your conversation to keep the connection strong. Better yet, connect via voice message in the DMs. You’re far more likely to keep the conversation going that way!
3. Put What You Learned Into Action – Don’t let those notes collect dust—pick a few key takeaways and start applying them to your business.
4. Share the Knowledge – Post a conference recap on social media or your blog. Sharing what you learned boosts your credibility and keeps you top of mind.
5. Stay Connected – Keep in touch with your new connections! A simple check-in, collaboration idea, or even engaging with their content on social media can help nurture those relationships.

Final Thoughts

A conference is a goldmine of opportunities if you know how to work it. With a little prep, some smart networking, and solid follow-ups, you can make a lasting impact without overspending. So when you prep for a conference and put yourself out there, you can watch the magic happen!

Why not to put it to the test at the We Rise Conference in St. Augustine, FL? We Rise is a full-day AND evening marketing immersion created specifically for female founders and visionaries who are ready to elevate their marketing BEYOND posting on social media. Get your ticket today and I’ll see you there!