All entrepreneurs must learn and network to grow their business. How do you go about doing this? There are many ways, but the one-stop-shop for this is a conference. OK, great! Let’s do this. But which conference should I attend? Below are some things to consider before committing to your next conference.
- Who’s speaking? If you are looking to learn and expand your skillset then you should check out who will be speaking at the conference. Are the presenters’ experts in subject matter that you want to know more about? If so then, you want to review the schedule carefully to ensure you attend the sessions that are of most interest to you and your business.
- Who’s going to this conference? You may be looking to connect with people in different industries to expand your network. You may be looking to connect with potential new clients. And finally, you may notice that most of your competitors are planning on attending a certain conference. In that case you will want to watch the guest list of who is in attendance to see if they align with your business goals. If so, then you should strongly consider attending yourself.
- Where is it located & how much does it cost? Most large conferences may not be held in your home town, so many times you must travel to attend. This means time off work, travel fees (airfare, hotel, ground transportation, etc.) and other entertainment expenses you may not incur otherwise. In addition to these fees the conference likely has a price to attend as well. Before you decide to go, you must first analyze the expenses associated. The good news is there may be ways to mitigate the costs. First, by purchasing early (many conferences have early-bird pricing). Secondly, spread it out over time. If you plan your year around the conference then you can incur the expenses over time. Purchase your attendance tickets first, then in a few months your airfare, then in a few more months your hotel, etc. This way the cost is spread out over time and will seem more manageable. Finally, checkout the itinerary early and find deals where you can lower the entertainment costs once you get there (Groupon for example).