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While it may seem daunting, attending a design conference can work wonders for your career in the design industry. After all, doing so allows you to:
As such, whether you’ve been working in the industry for several years or are simply trying to turn your design side hustle into a full-time business, you should try to attend as many conferences as you can.
However, simply attending isn’t enough. You need to be putting your all into these conferences in order to reap the benefits listed above. With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to make the most of your time at your next design conference.
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If you are traveling to the other side of the country (or even abroad) for your conference, arriving a day early is advised. This way, you can ensure that you get a good night’s rest and avoid being late due to traffic or public transport designers. This also maximizes the amount of time you can spend at the conference.
On a similar note, you should also make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to travel to the conference center/venue each day. Arriving early means that you can avoid queues, gain access to limited-capacity events without issue, and, once again, make the most of your time at the conference. If you are relying on public transport during the trip, be sure to check the schedule ahead of time so you know exactly when you leave your hotel.
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If you’re arriving on the same day of your conference and don’t have time to check into your hotel beforehand, do not bring your cases and bags along with you. Not only would it be difficult to lug them around all day, but it is hardly very professional, either. Instead, drop your bags off at a nearby left luggage facility. This can also be useful if you have an early checkout, but the conference is still ongoing, which means you do not have to depart early!
Conference schedules are often made available several weeks in advance, which means there’s no excuse for turning up on the day without a plan in mind for what you’d like to see or do. While you may find all of the events, panels, and talks appealing, there are only so many hours in the day, so try to put together a loose itinerary ahead of time.
If there’s someone you’d like to meet or spend time with at the conference, send them a message or email ahead of time to see if your schedules align. Ideally, you should not set aside more than an hour for a single conversation (unless you feel as though it is crucial that you do so). This way, you can make sure that you still have time in your schedule to attend events, talks, and panels. If you’re struggling for ways to keep the meeting “short,” invite them to accompany you to the next panel or talk, or suggest you catch up in the evening. This way, you don’t come across as rude without having to skip over something you’d like to see or do.
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According to a recent study, 40% of working professionals find networking difficult. There are many reasons for this, from social anxiety to imposter syndrome. However, as this plays such a crucial role in your long-term success, you should always be on the lookout for ways to refine your networking skills. This means that you are then sure to impress at any conference you attend.
You can work on your networking skills by:
If you’re particularly anxious when it comes to talking to others, especially in a professional setting, try setting yourself a different goal for each day of the conference. For example, you may plan to speak to 5 people on the first day and 7 the next. Once you’ve reached that target, you can allow yourself to take a step back and relax.
You’ll likely meet a lot of people throughout the duration of the conference, which can make it hard to remember every conversation you’ve had or the names of the people you were speaking to. You can, however, ensure that you remain at the forefront of their mind by handing out business cards so that they can contact you at a later date. Try to make them look as bold or eye-catching as possible so that they stand out from any other business cards they may be given that day.
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Whether you enjoyed a talk led by an industry leader or had a good chat with another delegate, sending them an email after the conference has ended to follow up is a great way to keep the conversation going. It also means that you can start to build upon your network, which can come in handy as your career grows.
If you’re attending a B2C conference, then setting up a stall to promote your products or services is a surefire way to make the most of your time at a design conference. After all, doing so can help you expand your client base while also improving brand awareness. However, it does require careful planning. For example, you need to make sure your stall is as eye-catching as possible while also showcasing your products/services in the best possible light.
Conferences can be a lot of fun, provided you’re able to get out of your head. After all, not only are they a deviation from your usual routine, but they also provide you with the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals and progress in your career. As such, you should try to remind yourself of this throughout your time at the conference, as opposed to putting too much pressure on yourself.
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71% of those who attend conferences feel as though they are worth the time they invested. However, in order to step out of the event with a positive mindset, you need to ensure that you’re making the most of your time. This can be achieved by ensuring that every minute is accounted for in your schedule and by networking as much as you can.
If you found this post useful you might like to read these post about Graphic Design Inspiration.
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