7 pointers for educators who hate conference networking

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Transcript of 7 pointers for educators who hate conference networking

Page 1: 7 pointers for educators who hate conference networking
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Picture this…

You’re psyched about your first conference session.

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The speaker is basically the equivalent of Bill Gates.

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You’re sitting in the back row with at least 10 open seats and then...

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Someone else walks in and sitsright beside you.

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They immediately introduce themselves and, not wanting to seem rude, you engage in small talk. But, the chatter doesn’t end there.

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They have a singlegoal. The dreaded sales pitch.

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Don’t be “that guy or gal.”

Do this instead:�Offer meaningful conversation�Establish deeper connections�Get results that benefit both sides

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Step 1: Scan the Conference Program.

This allows you to do two things: 1) Plan meetings around keynotes

and breakout sessions you won’tmiss.

2) Scout presenters and speakersyou want to meet.

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Step 2: Know the host city.

Knowing things to do in the host city doesn’t mean you’re a walking encyclopedia. It enriches conversation.

Most folks devote a few hours exploring life outside of their hotels. Provide value through recommendations.

• Points of Interest• Local Events

• Good Eats

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Trip Advisor, Yelp and Groupon can get you up to speed on the local area.

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Step 3: Reach out to conference goers early.

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Whatever you do, make it easy by suggestingmeeting locations and dates/ times.

*Not sure who’s going? Download the conference app. Conferences often provide a list of attendees who have agreed to share contact info like their Twitter handles, LinkedIn profiles, etc.

Hi Alyssa,

Trust all is well. Noticed a tweet you posted yesterday that said you were heading to ISTE. I’m attending too with a couple of folks from the district and wanted to check-in to see if you’d like to join us for dinner.

We have reservations 7pm Monday night if you’re free.

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Step 4: Start tracking conference #hashtags one week in advance.

Conference #hashtags are a valuable piece of digital real estate even if you aren’t a tweeter. • Conference organizers tweet

important updates• Presenters often tweet about their

sessions

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Step 5: Create a game plan for the expo hall.

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Make the most out your experience in advance:�Review conference sponsors �Map out vendors you want to speak with �Schedule time and demos between keynotes/sessions

*Hint: A list of sponsors is usually on the conference website or printed program. Also, be sure to connect with your vendors early. Time to chat with them tends to go quickly.

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Step 6: Check-in with your current vendors or partners.

Many vendors host outside events(cocktail hours, dinners, after parties) and offer exclusive discounts or conference passes for clients.

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Step 7: Spread the love.

Merriam-Webster defines: Relationship: (noun re·la·tion·ship) the way in which two or more people or things are connected.

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Don’t go to a conference with the mindset of being “connected,” go to a conference with the mindset of being a “connector.”

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Have an acquaintance who can help someone you meet? Make an introduction. Share ideas.

Not only could this lead to a returned favor but, more importantly, it provides value to the world outside of you.

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