The Conference Playbook
Conferences are more than just name tags, coffee breaks, and an excuse to travel to a new city (although, all of those things are certainly good!). For professionals in education, change management, and strategic planning, they are a goldmine of ideas, connections, and inspiration—if you know how to approach them strategically. Whether you’re attending your first big conference (NASPA or ACPA, anyone?) or you’re a seasoned pro looking to maximize impact, here’s how to turn a few days of sessions and networking into real, actionable value.
Pre-Conference Prep: Be Intentional
Think of a conference like a strategic plan—you wouldn’t walk into a planning meeting without knowing the goals, right? Before you pack your bags, determine what you want to get out of the event. Are you looking to learn best practices? Seeking insights on data-driven decision-making? Hoping to meet potential collaborators for your research project?
A few key prep steps:
Scan the agenda online and note any must-attend sessions. Prioritize those that align with your current projects, professional interests, or aspirations.
Follow speakers, panelists, and attendees on social media (LinkedIn or X) before the event. Engaging online can make it easier to connect in person.
Draft a few easy conversation starters. For example: “I read your piece on institutional transformation–how have the institutions you worked with responded to your recommendations?”
Strategic Networking: Quality over Quantity
Let’s be honest… Conference networking can feel like speed dating for professionals. Instead of collecting business cards like Pokemon, focus on meaning connections.
Set a goal. For example, aim to meet three people who can provide valuable insights for your work.
Find small group discussions. Q&A sessions, conference orientations, roundtables, or even the Starbucks line are perfect for genuine conversations.
Have a follow-up plan. When you meet someone interesting and of value to your network, jot down a note about your conversation. This can help your follow-up email or LinkedIn invitation feel personal, not generic.
Pro tip: Don’t just network up—engage with peers and those in similar roles at other institutions or organizations. They often have the most relevant insights!
Session Strategy: It’s Not Just About Sitting and Listening
The best conference sessions challenge your thinking, provide new frameworks, and introduce ideas you can implement. But let’s be real—after three days, all those notes start blurring together.
Make your sessions work for you:
Be selective: Skip the sessions that are just summaries of research that you could read later. Instead, focus on attending interactive workshops and discussions.
Take action-oriented notes: Jot down (or type out) one key takeaway and one key action item per session. (For example: “Key takeaway: Faculty engagement in strategic planning increases success. Action item: Set up a faculty roundtable at our institution during the strategic planning process.”)
Ask questions: Engaging in discussion not only helps you retain information but also gets you noticed by presenters and fellow attendees.
The “Hallway Track”: The Best Learning Can Happen Outside Sessions
Some of the most valuable insights won’t come from formal presentations but from casual hallway conversations, impromptu coffee chats, or discussions over a meal. Don’t feel guilty about skipping a session if it means continuing an important conversation or meeting a new colleague.
Post-Conference Power Moves: Turn Insights into Action
The biggest mistake conference attendees make? Returning to work and immediately diving into emails, letting all their conference insights fade into oblivion. Instead, block time on your calendar for post-conference reflection. Use this time to share takeaways with your team, follow up on connections, and brainstorm how you might apply what you learned.
Ready to Elevate your Conference Game?
Conferences are an investment of time and resources, so make them count! Approach them strategically, engage meaningfully, and follow through afterward. Who knows? The best idea you hear this year might not come from a keynote but from a casual conversation over mediocre hotel coffee.
