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Whether this is your first time attending the Baypath Women’s Leadership Conference, or you come every year, there is so much to experience, in one short day!

And there’s something for everyone. Between the exhibit hall, the amazing keynote speakers and the breakout sessions, there’s a lot to take in, in one short day- but if you do it right, you can get a lot out of it.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of this event!

BEFORE THE CONFERENCE:

Now that you’ve made an investment in time and money to attend the conference, one of the best things you can do is to prepare for it.

TIP #1: SET YOUR GOALS

Something people overlook way too often in getting ready for any business or networking event is setting goals. We’ve all heard about the value of writing down life or business goals, but not many people consider doing this when it comes to a networking event.

Take time to think about what you’d like to learn from this conference— what results you’d like to achieve: new contacts, new friends, answers to business questions- Whatever it is, if your focus is clear, you’ll be more likely to reach your goals.

TIP #2: DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Once you decide what you’d like to learn at the conference, it’s time to do a little research.

It’ll be important to read through the conference agenda before the event. Familiarize yourself with the speakers, corporate sponsors and exhibitors, and make a list of everyone with whom you’d like to connect.

You can do this using tools like Google, LinkedIn, Hoovers and, of course, company websites to learn as much as you can about your fellow attendees ahead of time.

TIP #3: PLAN YOUR DAY

After you’ve become familiar with the day’s agenda, make a plan.

First, choose the break-out sessions you want to attend. If you are here with a group, consider splitting up and you can share notes later.

Next, check out the agenda for the career & networking, or the health & wellness centers. Decide which of the mini- talks would be best for you, block out time for a resume critique, or plan to attend a speed coaching session.

Finally, check the list of exhibitors and book signings, and flag the ones you want to be sure not to miss. They are the ones you’ll want to visit first.

(hint: It helps if each group member has the others’ cell phone numbers programmed into her phone so that you can reach each other if in case you lose one another, or find something that everyone should see!)

TIP #4: HAVE YOUR MATERIALS READY

Make sure to come with plenty of business cards, and if you’re searching for a job, plenty of copies of your resume, which should be printed and stored neatly in a binder.

Keep your cards handy so you don’t need to dig into your purse for them. You don’t want to keep people waiting or appear disorganized!

Always have a pen on hand and make notes on people’s cards that will remind you of why you met and any follow-up plans.

Have a place to keep your incoming cards. (Your badge holder works well for this.) And, of course, bring a few extra pens and a notebook to take notes.

Finally, choose your outfit carefully. Remember, the image that you project can make a lasting impression. Be professional. And since you’ll be walking a lot, wear comfortable—but well-maintained—shoes.

TIP #5: PRACTICE YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH

Whether you’re employed and keeping your networking skills fresh, or you’re in the midst of a job search, be sure to have your 30- to 60-second “elevator pitch” ready. It’s called an elevator pitch because it clearly communicates what you’re all about in the time it would take an elevator to go from the 8th floor to the lobby. In essence, it should state who you are, what value you bring, why you’re different from everyone else, and what you’re looking for.

An elevator pitch (or a brief answer to the question: “So, tell me about yourself”) might seem difficult to create, so I’m going to show you how to do it quickly and easily.

Here’s a template that you can use to draft your elevator pitch in order to represent yourself gracefully and professionally.

“My name is ______________, I’m from ___________ and currently am (working/ in school/looking for a job) at ________________. My field is _______________ and I specialize in _________________ (how you help people/ what you help solve for people).”

Be sure to vary your pitch to make it easy to understand who you are, the value that you bring, and what you’re looking for.

(hint: make sure you’re using a firm handshake!)

Now that you’ve mapped out your conference goals, researched the presenters and attendees, planned your day, organized your materials and perfected your elevator pitch, you’re ready to attend the conference! Here are a few tips to enhance your day:

AT THE CONFERENCE

TIP #1: ARRIVE EARLY TO NETWORK

At the conference, great networking happens just before the speakers begin. This is true especially at lunch, so make sure to arrive early to your table so you can get to know the people you’re sitting with before the speakers begin.

(hint: If you’re attending in a group, you can maximize your networking by sitting separately—with people you’ve never met.)

TIP #2: TAKE GOOD NOTES

So often we listen to inspiring speeches and forget them within days! This conference is a big event with so much to take in, you’re not going to want to miss anything. So be sure to have a notebook and a few pens, and write down key information. Your speakers have been asked to make concise points and offer clear take-away messages. Listen for—and note—them. Later, you’ll have them to share with your group, or refer back to.

TIP #3: LISTEN CAREFULLY

Nobody likes to be “sold” to. Too many times, conference attendees and exhibitors practically pounce across the table to get a person’s attention. I realize that networking can be uncomfortable for many people, so here is a way to take the pressure off:

Listen carefully: If you can approach the conference with an attitude of “I’m going to find three people today that I can help,” you’ll find that your focus will be turned outward and you’ll find yourself doing all the right things, and asking all the right questions!

Remember that the conference is a great opportunity to open doors, and you want to make connections that you can later grow and add to.

If you want to follow up with someone after the conference, be sure to note your follow- up plan on the back of their business card so you’ll remember it later.

(hint: you can use your elevator pitch to keep your story concise, which gives you more time to learn about the other person!)

TIP #4: TAKE A GREAT ATTITUDE!

This tip seems so obvious but I want to say it anyway. Your attitude and approach mean everything!

We all seem to walk around thinking that everyone else has it so together, except for us. But that’s just not true. Every woman has a story. And the women who attend this conference are all about finding answers, supporting one another, and giving back!

So put your best foot forward!

AFTER THE CONFERENCE

TIP #1: PLAN TIME FOR FOLLOWING UP

Unfortunately, most people attend networking events and then never bother to follow up. Stacks of cards sit on desks, and nothing happens!

Budgeting time to follow up after the conference is crucial, and here’s why:

I’m sure you’ve heard of the K-L-T factor: It means that people do business with people they Know, Like, and Trust.

Now that you’ve met so many amazing women, your next step is to forge your bonds, and earn trust in the relationship. That’s where the follow-up comes in.

Block out at least three two-hour time slots that you’ll use to follow-up with your new contacts.

(hint: you can do this in many ways: You can arrange follow-up phone calls, information-trading emails, informational interviews or social media connections.)

You can also join the conference Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter groups to stay connected throughout the year!

OK now let’s do a quick review of easy things we can do to make the most of the conference:

• Before the conference: Set your goals; do your homework; plan your day; have your materials ready; and practice your elevator pitch
• At the conference: Remember to arrive early to network; take great notes; and listen carefully!
• After the conference: Remember to set aside planned time to follow up with your new contacts.

So be prepared to inspire, and to be inspired. Have fun, learn as much as you can, and make the most of it!