5 Steps to 100% Increase Your Conference Attendance ROI!

We’ve all been there, attended a conference and then returned home thinking, “what do I have to show for that $500,” sometimes even more! Conferences are a great way to build your brand, promote your business, learn about new trends and connect with potential clients. But, how can you ensure that you get a substantial return on your investment of time, travel expenses, and registration fees? Here are 5 great steps that will help you get the most bang for your conference buck!

1. Research

Often times, attendees register for conferences due to its popularity.  Does popularity equal potential new business? Analyze the conference with a critical eye, before you sign up. Who attended the conference in the past? Are they your target audience? Who were the presenters? Visit the conference website to review sessions, presentations and workshops. Determine if these topics truly benefit your business.

2. Plan Aheadpeople-690810_640

Planning ahead can be a project in itself; but, it’s worth it. At least one month before the conference, identify who’s attending and determin
e if you would like to make a connection.  If you know potential clients who attended last year, contact them to see if they’re coming this year. Review the conference schedule and identify downtimes. Contact with your prospects prior to the conference, and request a brief meeting (i.e. “I’d love to grab a cup of coffee with you.”) Be considerate of their time. Buy them a cup of coffee, or a quick bite, and thank them for their time. Remember to ask if you can contact them after the conference to continue your conversation.

 

3. Attend Sessions… Strategically

Are there presenters in particular sessions you would like to meet?  Attend their workshop, briefly introduce yourself and provide authentic feedback on their topic. Ask a thought provoking question during the Q&A period. Be specific and thoughtful with your comments and questions.

4. Follow-Up

While at the conference, take great notes during meetings and interactions with prospective clients. After the conference, schedule follow-up calls or emails. If you’ve developed a solid rapport, schedule a more relaxed meeting, maybe lunch or dinner, to continue to build a working relationships.

5. Assess

DO NOT attend a conference without a plan!  Ask yourself…

  • Is my target audience attending this conference?
  • Are potential clients attending this conference?
  • Does this conference offer topics that add value to my business?

After you’ve executed these 5 steps, and effectively done your follow-up, sit back and review your success! Assess your ROI based on how many quality connections you’ve made, follow-up meetings you’ve scheduled, strong leads you gained, and new ideas to enhance your business.

If you follow these steps, we’re sure your conference experience (and focus) will be 100% better!