How To Make An Impression in A Convention

You've just been told that you'll be sent to attend a convention in your boss' stead. Well, before you whine and groan like there's no tomorrow, stop and think about the fabulous perks that such a great opportunity is practically laying on your feet. For one thing, you'll be getting out of the office's humdrum day-to-day operations. You'll be traveling to a new place, staying in a fancy hotel, and eating fantastic food, all bought and paid for by the company. For another, you'll also be meeting new people from the same industry. This is an excellent opportunity to network and build contacts - an invaluable resource if you ever need a new job opportunity in the future, or even business prospects.

Indeed, a convention has the potential to open new doors for you, so this is something that you shouldn't pass up. Think about it as a paid holiday with numerous benefits.

Of course, creating a good impression is important if you want to maximize these benefits. It's not just a matter of taking out your business card case everytime you meet someone. It's a lot more than that. Read on to find out how create the right impression in a convention and meet worthwhile contacts.

The Early Bird Catches The Worm

Nobody likes tardiness, and a convention is no exception. Arrive late, and the rest of the participants are likely to ignore you and avoid you like the plague, which, in terms of professionalism, you are. Come in early, on the other hand, and not only will you have time to hobnob with the rest of your brethren and considerably lighten your business card case before the conference starts, you also get to grab the best seats - in this case, the back ones, since conventions tend to get boring. But that's beside the point. The important thing is to get there early.

Although it might seem like you're on holiday - and essentially, you are - it's wise to bear in mind that you still have a commiment. This means that you shouldn't stay out all night partying and you shouldn't stay in bed longer than you should. Best to take one of those travel alarm clocks with you alone with your business card case so you can get to the conference on time.

Speak and Be Spoken To

Once you're at the venue, you'll find yourself in a roomful of strangers. This could be disconcerting, naturally. Well, you have to get over that feeling quick before you end up letting the opportunity of networking pass you by, and your business card case will end up being just another useless junk in your pocket.

With that said, get out of your shell. Take the initiative to approach people. If you're not used to doing this, look around and zero in on the person who looks friendliest, or one who is alone just like you. Comment on his engraved business card holder, or that day's speaker. Before you know it, you'll have a conversation rolling.

This works both ways. You might also be approached, instead of the other way around (though you shouldn't spend the day waiting for this to happen). Don't be standoffish or aloof, but rather, welcome the 'approacher' with a smile and hold up your end of the conversation. Take out your business card case and initiate the exchange of business cards. Before you know it, you'll be the most popular person in the room.

Be Proactive or Reactive; Either Way, Just Be Active

Conferences can be boring - that's a fact of life. Whether you're sitting at the back or up front, however, try to be participative. Ask relevant questions and engage in discussions. This would establish your authority in the industry and would score you more brownie points than a gold-plated titanium business card case. This is an impression you would definitely want to make.

Be Kind, Rewind

The conference is finished, and it's time to go your separate ways. This doesn't meant that you can just forget all the lovely people you met. On the contrary. If you're serious about maintaining the network you have just created for yourself, then you have to keep your memory fresh in their minds. Otherwise, your business card will just end up gathering dust in some obscure business card case in a table drawer that's hardly ever opened. If this happens, you would have wasted the effort you invested in making acquaintances and forging alliances at the conference.

To ensure that this doesn't happen, you need a bit of follow through. The occasional phone call will do, or an invite to go to lunch sometime in the future. A simple yearly Christmas card is also nice. Just don't overdo it, however, or else your contacts will run away from you faster than you can say 'stalker'.

Indeed, a conference is always ripe with opportunities that need to be tapped in order to take advantage of them, that's why a business card case is so handy. Who knows? You might even make a friend or two.