Attending conferences and networking events is more than just showing up—it’s an opportunity to make meaningful connections, showcase your brand, and plant the seeds for future collaborations. At Swank Creative Inc., we believe in maximizing every interaction, whether it’s a quick chat in a coffee line or a formal introduction at a booth. Here’s how we turn event attendance into valuable opportunities:
1. Wear Something Memorable
When you attend a conference, you want to be remembered. Wearing something noteworthy not only boosts your confidence but also makes it easier for people to recall your conversation later. It could be a bold accessory, a branded shirt, or even a unique pair of shoes—anything that sets you apart.
2. Bring Branded Pens
You’d be surprised how often people forget to bring pens to conferences. At Swank Creative, we come prepared with plenty of branded pens to share. It’s a simple but effective way to ensure that our brand is present in the hands (literally!) of potential clients and partners.
3. Start Conversations Everywhere
Networking doesn’t have to be confined to formal settings. Some of the best connections happen in unexpected places—like in the coffee line. Our founder once met Christine, one of our best referring friends, while waiting for a coffee. The key is to keep it light and casual—crack a joke, bond over a shared experience, or comment on something interesting. You never know where it might lead!
4. Engage with Exhibitors
Exhibitors often have long days and welcome anyone who shows genuine interest in what they’re showcasing. We always make a point to spark up conversations with exhibitors, not only to learn about their products but also to help draw more attention to their booths. Plus, it’s a great way to get your business card into the hands of more people.
5. Follow Up the Next Day
After the event, don’t let the momentum fade. We collect contact information from everyone we meet and send a follow-up email the next day. Whether it’s sharing a useful resource, an interesting article, or even a restaurant recommendation, this small gesture helps keep the connection alive. If they’re ever in Victoria, we invite them to meet up—after all, in-person connections are invaluable.
6. Expand Your LinkedIn Network
We make it a point to add new contacts and keynote speakers to LinkedIn. A quick message to the speakers, mentioning something notable about their presentation, can go a long way in establishing a rapport. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for maintaining professional relationships and keeping your network updated on your latest projects and achievements.
7. Share Your Experience on Social Media
Documenting our journey on Instagram stories and following all the presenters, exhibitors, and brands we encounter is a must. Tagging them in relevant posts helps build a sense of community and keeps the conversation going long after the event has ended.
8. Engage with the Event on LinkedIn
After the conference, we like to do a key takeaways post on LinkedIn, thanking the organizers and inviting others to connect. If we have the time, we might even turn it into a daily series, sharing insights and reflections over the course of a few days. It’s a great way to extend the value of the event and keep the momentum going.
9. Ask Interesting Questions
During Q&A sessions, we always aim to ask thoughtful, interesting questions. It’s a great way to stand out and be remembered by both the audience and the speakers.
10. Schedule Solo Time to Recharge
Finally, after all that socialization, it’s important to recharge. We make sure to schedule a day of quiet solo time to regulate ourselves and process all the new information and connections made. It’s essential for maintaining our creativity and energy.
Attending a conference or networking event is more than just being present—it’s about actively participating and making every interaction count. At Swank Creative Inc., we leverage these opportunities to build our network, showcase our brand, and create lasting impressions. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, there’s a strategy here that can help you maximize your next event experience.
Let’s get you set up for success! Book you personal Strategy Session or join me, Kathryn Pascuzzo, every fourth Tuesday of the month on ZOOM for Digital Marketing Happy Hour at 3:00 PM, you’ll connect with some of the finest online marketing tools, learn how to optimize your time online and save thousands off of your annual marketing ad spends by making quality communications that help connect your clients directly to you. Sign up for our eNewsletter to get all the invites and tips and tricks at swankcreative.com/signup