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Conference Etiquette

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Whether you work for a larger company or yourself, this technology age oftentimes requires the occasional Conference as part of the job description. If you're representing a company at a conference (your employer or a sponsorship) there are some things to keep in mind while networking:

One. Know your pitch.

You're going to meet a ton of people, being an introvert at a conference is ok for you - but for everyone else? They are going to find you and introduce themselves. Beat them to it and be ready. "Hi, My name is ... I work for ... We do ... What brings you here?"

Two. Bring your A-game.

Doesn't matter if you're at the conference on behalf of your employer of if someone paid your way to be there; (Including yourself) You have to show up. Be present in the keynotes you choose, at the dinners you attend and at each and every networking break. If you're in the room - be in the room. Share ideas, takes notes, look for collaboration or partnerships for your brand/company/employer.

Three. Business Cards - Have them!

Running out of business cards, or worse not having them, at a conference is one of the worst things to happen. Conferences are meant for learning but you most-often take away contacts and working relationships. Not being able to leave them with more than your first impression: ROOKIE ALERT! If you're self employed your business cards must not be printed off Vista Print, your personal printer or your last employers xerox machine. (Please.)

Four. Don't Abuse Your Brand.

As a blogger some of the larger conferences are more about the cocktail parties and potential friendships than they are about the content offered. Not to say that the content offered is lacking - it's just grown into more of a sorority weekend than a place to cultivate business. All fine and good, but know what you're getting in to before you sign up or offer to be an ambassador for a company who isn't going to get the coverage needed. This also goes for sponsors - when you send reps to the conference you're sponsoring please send professionals. (This could be you.) Offering to buy a room of attendees their first round of drinks and getting drunk on your employers dime is not ok. Don't try to be in every photo opportunity, but don't be rude either. Kindness and honest conversations or mentorships go farther than a freebie. I've only been to a handful of non-blogging related conferences and the content seems to be what drives them forward (amazing food always helps!). What are some of the things you've taken away from your conference attendance that would serve you well in your next work-related conference?

Five. Leave your laptop.

It's odd to think that for a technology conference you won't be needing your technology. Alas, it's true. Lugging your laptop, smart phone, iPad and camera to these events makes it harder to be mobile. But they're Mobile Devices!! You argue. Yes, however a conference is about face to face interaction. Tweet-ups aren't silent events where everyone communicates via Twitter when they finally have the chance to meet their friends/fans and followers in real life. Take advantage of the atmosphere and leave the distractions of email, games and everything the web has to offer when you're attending a conference.

Six. Have the right information available.

As mentioned above, business cards are ideal for conferences but with more and more conferences adding QR codes to your name badge it's wise to get digital with your "calling card". Sites like About.Me are a great way to get all the important information in one place. A bio and links to all the networks you belong to, your own sites, your companies sites etc. It's the place to land when someone needs to know more than your 140 character Twitter bio.

Seven. Coral the information.

Along with having a place to point your new contacts (business cards that link to sites and twitter; QR codes that highlight About.Me bios etc) there are always too many ways to get ahold of someone. Decide what medium is the quickest and most effective for your communication. If it's email - highlight it. If it's Twitter, pass out your @name like your job depends on it. Instead of "John Doe" try "@JohnDoe" on your name tags etc. And then be on top of responding in like. If you're totting email as the best way to get in touch with you but your contact prefers Twitter, be aware of their importance. Social media has amazing strengths in communication and for a conference - you could sit in your hotel room and continue to be in the know about what everyone's learning. Be ready to engage, retweet, reply and respond. It's just as important as the strong handshake.

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