You're headed to a conference all excited, what should you do so you are prepared?
1. Update & pack business cards
Remember networking is important & there is plenty of prize draws from exhibitors. Additionally you should install CardMunch to automatically scan in those cards into your phone & connect on LinkedIn as well.
2. Refresh Your Linkedin Profile
You might have not looked at your Linkedin profile for a while but here is a chance to make sure it is ready to network.
- Is your photo up to date?
- Make Profile public (otherwise it is hard for people to find you!)
- Ensure your Linkedin has a personalised URL, claim that vanity URL for your personal brand.
- Add your Twitter account so people can connect with you on Twitter.
- Also update your company Linkedin profile if you are an exhibitor. Check out Sports Geek's Linkedin page.
3. Refresh Your Twitter Profile
- Ensure Avatar appropriate for business, does your Twitter background need updating?
- Even if you don't tweet that often, conferences are a great way to find out how you can use it as you connect & share ideas at the conference.
- Check your profile links to your website or at least Linkedin profile
- Find out the conference Twitter account & follow it for updates, like @SEATconference
- Find out the conference hashtag like #SEAT2012
- Follow some of the speakers & organisers so you know more about them before you meet.
4. Check your Travel plans
Check you itinerary & bookings – Use products like TripIt to provide updates of changes to flights & store all your bookings.
5. Dress to impress
Check the dress code for the event – usually business casual will suffice. You don't want to over dress or be too casual.
6. Always be prepared, phone charger a must
Pack the phone charger! You'll need it as you'll be sharing insights via Twitter & Linkedin won't you?
7. Be ready for anything
Remember every person you meet may be a future client or employer so have fun but remain a professional.
Learn, connect & have fun.
I'm ready for @SEATconference
This is my checklist I review before every conference I speak at or attend, I'm very excited to be moderating a panel at SEAT Conference in Boston next week. Christine Stoffel & Chris Dill have done a great job securing some great speakers for #SEAT2012.
My panel will be discussing “Activating fans in social media” who need little introduction with Lou Imbriano, Author of Winning The Customer & former CMO of the New England Patriots, Laura King from the Sports & Entertainment team at Twitter & Mike Hall Director of New Media at NESN.
