Keys to Success When Attending an Overseas Business Conference

All things being equal, big and small business owners need to attend overseas business conferences. It is an excellent time for you to meet industry gurus, get new knowledge, learn about cutting edge developments with clients or keep abreast with trends in your own trade.

Attending international conferences will stimulate your creativity by learning first hand from the industry experts. The environment is right because you will be focused on learning without too much pressure to buy. Here are a few things you need to consider before, during and after your conference:

Before you go…

• Plan ahead. Planning ahead enables you to take advantage of any early bird rates on offer. Many conferences are announced one year earlier and give preferred rates to you if you book early. The discount will go a long way in helping you manage your finances.
• Confirm your reservation. By confirming with the organizer, you will receive advance information that can be instrumental in informing your strategy. Your name tag will also be awaiting you.
• Research. Check ahead of time, the companies that will be presenting so that you can appropriate your time according to your interests. This way you won’t have to waste precious time wandering around checking things out.
• Meet-and-greet. Make a list of who you want to see in advance. Find out how the program will be like; things like educational forums, small group discussions, breakout sessions and early bird meal offers. These periods are strategic to you because you will meet and exchange contacts with clients and perhaps cut deals or just make lasting business liaisons.

Now that you are there…

• Where to stay? Securing short-term business housing in London or wherever you’re staying will not be a huge stress for you. There are a host of hotels and guest houses that offer this solution. You simply discuss with the conference organizer and give them your preference and they will be happy to get you one. My advice is that you prefer one near the conference hub so you don’t spend too much time and money on commute. In fact, ask if there is housing available on campus as your first preference.
• Arrive in good time. Avoiding the crowds is genius. The exhibitors in conferences are usually ready and willing to chat with you on the early hours of the first day before fatigue kicks in. Take full advantage and learn as much as you possibly can. Find out what products and services are available that will skill up your business.
• Intentional meet-ups. Meet up with suppliers, managers and ask relevant questions about their unique experiences. Share yours as well. Take mental notes of what you think will make a difference in your business from that interaction. And please, give them your card, thank them for their time and promise to keep in touch.
• Contacts. You cannot underscore the importance of exchanging your contacts and obtaining others. Your name tag will merely introduce you. It is important that you are able to write emails or make phone calls to either cement your connections or do business. If the connections you make cannot contact you or vice versa, it will be futile that you took the trouble to meet them in the first place.

After you go…

• Follow up. Please. Contact all those you met to acknowledge them. Those that you found to be of value to your business, be sure to keep the conversations going. Your business will thank you for it.
• Keep in touch. Write to the conference organizers and register your appreciation for their effort to in putting together such a great business-oriented conference.
• Liaisons. When an opportunity presents, strategic liaisons or partnerships will be a great deal for your business growth. Don’t let it slip away.

Clearly, it is a surefire fact that your business will benefit one way or another from you attending an international conference. The exposure will allow you to change your style of conducting business and this may be all your business needs to go to the next level. Get your strategy right and go for it.