SXSW, Future of Web Design (FOWD), Future of Web Apps (FOWA) are upcoming this season and lets not forget all of those DrupalCon, WordCamp and OSSCamp conferences that take place throughout the year. Every computer addict attends at least one or two of those conferences every year. So we asked a couple of guys, how they prepared for the conferences and compiled a list of To-do’s.
In India, we don’t have many conference’s but there are a couple of them like the OSSCamp and Linux related conferences. I am a part of AIESEC too and these guys have a lot of conferences every year thought not related to tech but they are still interesting.
There is a lot of excitement about these conference but amidst that we can forget the strategic plan of action. So these tips might help you through the next one.
Do your homework
We are excited about the conference and we tend to forget to do some recon before the event. This can be a huge advantage as we can know the exact date’s, location’s, event’s and then plan, pack and travel accordingly.
Be Flexible
Allow some time for those unexpected detours for networking or connecting with someone offline that you may have a friendship with online. Individual’s are the best assets a person can have.
Use Social Media – Before, During & After
Use social media services like twitter, facebook, foursquare to know more about the event. Connect and get to know some of these folks before the event. Start monitoring the hashtag streams a week before the event. During the conferences people share there views on social media, you can know what others are thinking and participate in discussions later.
Bring along personal or business cards
Even thought most people there, would be constantly connected to the web with their hand held devices but nothing beats a personal card in the end. You can have your twitter, facebook, email, blogs and website’s links on it even a photo of you so people can remember better. You can even make specific event card’s like “we met at wordcamp 2011” written on the back of the card.
Travel Light
We have so many gadgets these days – camera’s, phone’s, laptop’s, tablet’s, charger’s, pen’s and pad’s. It can get tiresome to lug these around in your bag everytime. For the ladies this gets tougher because they need their makeup sets, girl stuff and god knows what else. Only carry the absolutely necessary, stick to the bare essentials. You’ll be hot and sweaty and before you know it, you are a storage unit.
Dress Comfortable but look nice
So, you’ll be moving around a lot, walking all the time checking new stuff and interacting with people. Wear something that looks good and feels comfortable. Don’t ignore looks completely, you don’t want to be the guy from Mars.
Don’t be a tool when networking
How many times have you noticed while talking to someone, the guy is looking at you but also right past your shoulder scanning the room for better networking candidates ? Don’t be a networking tool, be friendly and give undivided attention to the person or the group you are conversing with.
Post Conference Stuff
As you talk to new people, if they give you a card, write something on it that may remind you of the person later in the coming weeks. You can email them or add them on your facebook and twitter, tell them that it was nice getting to know them and discuss your experience or whatever you want to ;)
Conclusion
I hope these tips help you in your next conference. Please share your tips and your views in the comments below.
Image via The Next Web‘s Flicker Stream
