Oh yes. Very yes. As a college student, attending conferences and conventions was probably the most powerful tool to gain post-grad employment. The opportunity to network is a tremendous resource for anyone able to take advantage of it. There's always something to learn and always someone new to meet. Make the most of the opportunities there, because they're unique - not something you'll get by staying at home.
Ask the Readers: Have You Ever Attended a Business Conference?
Photo: ShashiBellamKonda
Editor's Note: Congratulations to Mami2jcn, Patrick, and Brenda for winning this week's contest!
Business conferences are an awesome way to meet new people, promote your brand, and expand your professional network. Many industries have at least one major conference each year and most people can say they've attended at least one conference during the course of their careers. However, there are people out there that, for one reason or another, have never been to a business conference.
Have you ever attended a business conference? If yes, what was your favorite part of the conference? If no, would you ever attend a conference if you had the opportunity?
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It has been a LONG time since I went to a business conference. I have been a stay-at-home mom for over 12 years now, so that is my life. That and trying to save money for my family by living frugally! :)
I've attended several, and my favorite aspects are the networking socials and opportunities. It's really nice to have a face to a name, especially when you work on virtual teams.
I have attended business conferences. The best part was meeting people (customers) that I had just spoken to previously. The worst part is when I can't find someone to talk to.
I attented the Colorado SBDC Women's Small Business Conference in Keystone Colorado a couple of weeks ago. It was the first business conference I had attended, but I figured I would give it a shot. I'm so glad that I did! I learned a lot on topics that are relevant to my small-business which opened one year ago. I would definitely go to another business conference, and will probably attend this conference next year.
I liked you on Facebook.
I've attended many conferences. Some good, some bad. I think it all depends on the main speaker. My favorite part of the meetings is meeting my counterparts from other areas of the State. Some I have spoken to on the phone, but never met before. And there's usually food. :)
yep i did for work- to be honest, it was not that useful, my favorite part was probably the networking open house
No, haven't attended any business conferences but have attended workshops and I agree they are great for networking and informative
I have attended a business conference and the best part was actually meeting the individuals I worked with in person. Because it was an international company you could work with an individual throughout many projects and never meet them until a conference.
I tweeted my answer: https://twitter.com/misstejota/status/243018660439027713.
yes, i have attended several conferences within my industry. the best part is the concentration of information, products, etc. relevant to my interests. it is such a great way to experience a range of new ideas in one location.
yes - and i loved the speakers who present well!! (meaning, they don't read exactly what's on the power point presentation :)
Yes, we attend multiple business conferences in our industry each year. My favorite part of conferences is the opportunity to meet customers & potential customers in person after dealing with them by phone or email. Some conferences have great networking events including food & entertainment in the evenings.
When things work out, we take an extra day or two at our own expense to see the city or area we're in, so I've had an opportunity to see many places I would have otherwise missed!
I've been to several. My favorite was the inaugural Financial Blogger Conference. The energy level, the exchanges of ideas, the opportunity to learn from the classes and most of all, the chance to meet other writers (blogging can be a very isolating experience) were tremendous.
I would urge others to consider attending -- if it's sold out this year, then sign up for FinCon13.
My business is post-secondary teaching, and I try to attend a conference for my field about once a year. I find the conferences great for feeling stimulated and connected to others in my field.
It helps a lot that my employer provides some funds to help defray the costs.
Yes, on numerous occasions and for more than one segment of business. I usually find good things to apply
No business conferences, unless BlogHer counts. I've been to that twice and met a whole lot of folks. I'm about to go to FinCon so that should be equally network-y.
My old industry (PR) had business conferences. My current industry (furniture retail) has trade shows. I've attended and enjoyed both.
I have not gone to a business conference, but I would LOVE to attend one! :) This past year, I've made the transition to full-time stay at home mom / owner of an art business. I would love to network and learn how to run things better. :)
no i havent and i wouldnt. those things look like a major waste of time. they also look more like frat parties. sure, you meet some people, make new contacts, but does real work get done? are those contacts ever of any real value?
Hello! I have been to a business conference and it was actually very useful. I found that the best part of the conference were the work groups. We broke up into small groups of people from all kinds of different companies, and used all of our skills to solve problems that the conference was meant to address (marketing and data analysis). It was a lot of fun, expanded my network, and also allowed me to learn a lot.
And yes, I liked you on Facebook too!
Yes! I have attended a Property Preservation conference in Washington DC, but my favorite part of that event was the incredible food served throughout the conference! Most of the content didn't relate directly to my job.
But I also attended a Get Motivated seminar, which was absolutely incredible. So motivating, wonderful, well known speakers. I had the opportunity to hear Laura Bush and Colin Powell on the same day....tremendous!
Yes, I've been to many business conferences and trainings. The free food is always the best part of any of it!
Yes, my favorite part was the mingling events in the evening. You could break out of the boring meeting sessions and really be able to talk opportunities and create partnerships
Oh my yes, I've attended a number of business conferences! Some have been specific to an industry I was in at the time and I truly enjoyed catching up and hanging with my peers in that business. Other conferences were for general motivation or information for business-building. I enjoyed the content and often the "call to action" or challenges given at those conferences.
Finally, some of the conferences I attended were simply mandated by a supervisor and my favorite part of those were usually the food!
I've attended several conferences over the years. I know people say it's a great way to network, but I've never found the 'connections' to last more than a month or so. I found better connections made when I was a presenter at a conference. I was able to connect better with people and spoke with them after my presentation. I was also introduced to several people afterwards by some who attended my presentation. I highly recommend it - even if you're terrified of speaking in public. I am - and I've done it several times now. I'm still terrified, but I do enjoy sharing knowledge
