Make the most of conferences

What to do before/during/after attending a conference

Before traveling to the conference

Carefully read through the conference program:

• Find people & talks of interest → make a plan about how to approach them & expect the outcome of the conversation

  • Lead to another longer conversation later at the conference (e.g., during coffee break, network lunch/dinner)

  • Lead to a follow-up email communication

During the conference

• Take notes during the talk, prepare/update questions (if prepared beforehand) for 1-on-1 conversation

• Do daily reflection after coming back to the hotel room:

  • What did you learn from the presentation and/or conversation with the person?

After the conference

• What did I learn? How is the learning going to help my career?

• Follow up with people

  • Provide clear action items (no more than 3) in your follow-up email