With so many resources and learning aids available online in the hyper-connected culture of today’s society it is easy to forget the value of attending a conference and interacting face-to-face with other professionals in your field. Whilst attending a conference does require an initial outlay of time and effort, the potential returns are multiple and long lasting.
- Educational opportunities. Conferences are designed as a forum for attendees and speakers to share educational information and insights. Interacting with others working in the same industry and listening to different points of view will expose you to new ways and ideas of working that you may have never considered.
- Networking opportunities. One of the main reasons for attending a conference is the chance to meet like-minded professionals working within your industry or associated industries. In business it’s often true that it’s not what you know but who you know, and being connected with the right people can really help you to achieve your goals.
- Explore new vendor and supplier avenues. Many people avoid conferences and trade shows for fear of being bombarded with sales pitches but it is actually the perfect place to find and compare different services and offers. It will also allow you to stay ahead of the curve with the latest products and ideas within your industry. Many companies showcase new products at trade events before anybody else is given the opportunity to see them.
- Establish your expertise. Being seen to frequent conferences and trade events will help you to solidify your position as an expert within your industry. Developing a relationship with other experts and thought leaders in your sector will in turn lead others to recognise you as such.
Regular attendees at conferences and shows are also usually asked for their opinion on the event and the industry in general, further cementing their status as an expert.
- To find shareable content. Social media is more widely used across every industry and it can be hard to find original, shareable content. It is common to see conference attendees tweeting insights, stats and tips live from conferences to share with their audiences. Again this helps to confirm their position as an expert within the industry as they are sharing the latest developments and lessons live as they are happening.
There are many benefits to regularly attending conferences and trade events that will have a positive impact on all areas of your business. From finding the latest products to gaining insights that you may otherwise have missed taking an active part in conferences will be an enriching experience both professionally and personally.
