Digital Enterprise Society is the authority on the transformation to a digital enterprise, impacting all areas of an organization. Tune in for discussions among industry leaders about operations and action needed to drive digitization principles forward for the future of product development and life cycles. 

In today’s episode, Thom Singer emphasizes the value of attending professional events.  

Conferences can be costly and time-consuming, but opportunities for professional development strengthen your network and increase your value to your company.  Thom shares the steps you need to take before, during, and after a conference to maximize both your investment and your time. Show your employer that they made the right choice in sending you.  

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

 

Steps to take before the conference

• Identify your why?  What are the personal development goals you will meet by attending this conference? 
• Provide to your boss a clear outline of the value of the conference, including topics, attendees, and opportunities to learn from industry thought leaders. 
• Identify the ways you will be educated and motivated to increase effectiveness in your daily work.
• Expanding your professional network will make you a greater resource to your company.
• Reach out to speakers in advance and share questions that you are hoping to have answered at the conference. 
• Highlight the relevant industry information that you expect to bring back with you. 

 

Steps to take during the conference 

• Map out the conference agenda, including your priority sessions and speakers. 
• Commit to attending all events offered and having meaningful conversations while you’re there. 
• Prepare 3-4 questions that will encourage other attendees to talk about themselves.
• Work to have deeper conversations with people you meet — before and after sessions, during meals, and at social hour.
• Put your phone away, be present, and start-up conversations with the people sitting around you. 
• Arrive early and offer to help the speaker before they begin their presentation, and follow-up with a conversation afterward. 
• Write down the important information that you’ve gathered from the conference and plan to share it with your company afterward. 
• Have fun! Take advantage of conference offerings while being true to yourself. 

 

Steps to take after the conference 

• Transcribe your notes into a usable format that you can share with your coworkers.
• Offer to share your information at a lunch and learn session or through a written summary.
• Give your boss a report on the people you met at the conference.
• Identify how new connections can be a benefit to your company. 
• Prioritize follow-up communications with new connections. 

 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.