One of the most fulfilling elements of running an event is
being able to witness new connections being made. In an age where online
content is king and any article, webinar, blog, email address or LinkedIn
contact is only a click away, the opportunity for face-to-face connection is
more valuable than ever.
Across ever sector we work with at Akolade there is a
certain buzz in the room when the first networking breaks begin, as the first
cups of coffee are poured you can almost hear the ice breaking between
delegates.
The NFP sector in particular have a huge appetite for
networking, with reforms such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), as well as the Senate inquiry’s
such as on community service tendering processes. The NFP sector is undergoing
significant change and need an outlet to share their experiences with
peers. As an industry, the NFP sector is
consumed by providing quality services to the community, often operating on
shoestring and under strict regulation. The opportunity to meet with
like-minded NFP professionals and share wins, or even vent frustrations, is
immeasurable.
Here are 5 tips on how to get the most out of networking at your
next conference.
1.
Come prepared
Basics first, it’s important to always have your business
cards at a conference, it’s much easier to collect business cards when you’re
also handing them out. When preparing for a conference it’s useful to take a
few moment to outline a few key objectives when entering a networking
opportunity, what do you want to get out of the event? While you are sure to
learn a lot from the presenters there could also be a specific issue you’d like
advice on, ask yourself; what do I want to return to the office with some
clarity on?
2.
Get out of your comfort zone
If you’re attending an event with a colleague it’s all too
easy to spend the whole conference sitting, eating and ‘networking’ with the
person you sit with every day in the office. This also applies if you’re
attending alone, switch seats every day of the conference to meet new groups,
or perhaps try eating lunch with someone new.
3.
Connect with key speakers early
Think of the most inspirational speaker you’ve ever
witnessed at a conference, I am sure in each scenario after their presentation
the same thing has happened; they’ve been surrounded afterwards. This is
inevitable, great speakers attract congratulations and plenty of questions. If
there is a particular speaker you're interested in connecting with, it may be
worthwhile to reach out to them before the conference thus creating a
connection early and ensuring you’re at the top of their list to meet at the
event.
4.
Get involved
At Akolade we aim for a minimum of 4 interactive sessions
per conference, these are opportunities for delegates to ask the speakers as well as other attendees questions in a less formal structure. Getting involved in these
interactive sessions is a great way to promote the great work your NFP is
doing, or to bring the challenge you’re facing to the forefront.
5.
Keep the conversation going
Maintaining the connections you make at conference when you are back
in the office can be challenging when the reality of a full inbox hits. Luckily
technology is there to help, however the value of face-to-face connection can’t
be overstated, make a time in your diary to meet with your new contact again.
Having unfulfilled her childhood dream of becoming an
international spy, Ellise is loving her position as Conference Production
Manager at Akolade. Her favourite thing about the role is that it allows her to
stay abreast of the latest news across a variety of industries while constantly
learning from experts in their field.
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