It’s almost that time of year again when association professionals gather together to network, expand their industry knowledge, and get up-to-date on the newest trends. Whether you’re an ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition regular or a first-timer, here are some strategies to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
Before the Event
Set Clear Goals
Determine what you want to achieve by attending the event. Whether it's networking, learning about new industry trends, finding new vendors, or something else, having clear goals will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.
Plan Your Schedule
Review the event agenda and plan which sessions, workshops, and networking events you want to attend. Prioritize those that align with your goals and interests. Look ahead – plan sessions to attend that align with where you are in your career journey now, but also don’t be afraid to participate in sessions that cater to where you want to grow professionally. ASAE hosts ticketed events every year outside of the included sessions – plan if you want to purchase any additional experiences, like The Classic or city-specific volunteer opportunities.
Research Exhibitors and Speakers
Identify key exhibitors and speakers you want to connect with. Make a list and research them beforehand to make your interactions more meaningful. The expo hall can quickly become overwhelming if you go in blind, so it’s helpful to at least know which types of vendors you want to speak with beforehand. If you’re looking for a new association management software (AMS), Rhythm will be at Booth #130.
During the Event
Network Actively
Engage with fellow attendees, exhibitors, and speakers. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and exchange business cards or LinkedIn profiles. Engaging with others at the event can seem overwhelming, but remember that everyone is there for the same purpose: connecting with new people and ideas. The events don’t stop after sessions or the exhibit hall closes – attend social events and mixers to meet more people and expand your professional network.
Attend Sessions
Participate in sessions that are relevant to your interests and goals. Take notes and ask questions to get the most out of each presentation. Remember, the more you engage, the more you'll learn.
Visit the Expo Hall
Spend time visiting the exhibitors. This is a great opportunity to discover new products, services, and innovations in the industry. Take this opportunity to connect with vendors that you have existing relationships with. It’s great to meet in person and build personal connections with the people you work with often.
Engage on Social Media
Use social media to share your experiences and insights from the event. Follow the event hashtag and connect with other attendees online. This can enhance your networking efforts and keep you informed about event highlights.
After the Event
Follow Up
Send follow-up emails or messages to the people you meet. This helps to reinforce the connections you made and can lead to future opportunities. A simple thank-you note or a LinkedIn connection request can go a long way. If any potential vendors piqued your interest during the event, set up follow-up meetings or demos once you get home to learn more.
Review and Reflect
Go over your notes and materials from the event. Identify key takeaways and how you can apply them to your work. It’s easy to get back into your normal routine once you get home and forget the inspiring ideas you wanted to implement. Reflecting on what you learned will help solidify your knowledge and inspire new ideas.
Share Your Knowledge
Share what you learned with your colleagues. This can be done through a presentation, a report, or a casual meeting. Sharing insights not only benefits your team but also establishes you as a valuable resource.
Stay Connected
Maintain the relationships you built during the event. Connect with new contacts on LinkedIn and keep in touch. Regularly engaging with your new network can lead to future collaborations and opportunities.
By planning ahead, actively participating, and following up afterward, you can maximize the benefits of attending the ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition. These strategies will help you make the most of your experience and turn it into a valuable professional development opportunity.
