How communicators can maximize conference participation

Conferences offer opportunities to step up your game at work, elevate your personal brand and advance your career.

Here are five simple ways to maximize your participation at an industry conference:

1. Participate in the program.

As soon as you register, check the schedule and see if there are opportunities for you to submit and present a case study or to introduce one of the speakers.

Gaining exposure in front of an audience of your industry peers can be invaluable. If you’re presenting your ideas and accomplishments or introducing one of the keynote speakers, you may pique the interest of key people in the field you have never met. This could lead to a coveted partnership or future career opportunity.

Be sure to contact the conference organizers in advance of your presentation to ensure that they will be able to provide professional photos of your participation that you can then post on your LinkedIn page and other professional social channels. Doing this will ensure that your contacts who did not attend the conference will see the value that industry leaders see in your contributions, possibly generating other potential connections or opportunities.

2. Interview high-performing peers and industry leaders.