The Easiest Way To Achieve The Maximum From Your Annual Work Function

Let’s get this sorted, not all professional functions are born equal.

There are those hosted by uninterested speakers chatting nonsense to a handful of far more unenthusiastic visitors. Everybody in the function centre appears to be bored out of their mind, watching the clock and coming up with methods to escape.

Then there are those conferences that are well worth spending the time “not to mention the cash “it took to organize it. They are crammed with knowledgeable mavens who are impassioned about their business, and attendees who are equally so.

Of course if given the choice I’d (clearly) select the latter. But having sat through both sorts of conferences, I am here to say that it’s truly what you make of it that matters. There are definitely tips to make the most out of any meeting “even the bad ones!

At the last conference I attended, I mingled and schmoozed so hard that you’d think I were standing for president. As a independent reporter, I was ready to talk with some of my peers and swap tips, as well as make contacts and trade business cards with potential clients. Sure, you can never see many of those faces again, but it’ll only take one great contact to lead straight to a potential job or career advancement.

Another excellent tip for capitalising on your time at a conference is to equip your “elevator pitch”. This is the brief and dynamic pitch you’d give the head honcho or company CHAIRPERSON if you happened to leap in the elevator with that person. The nature of the pitch will vary seriously depending upon on your individual field, but as a journalist I’d come up with a few dynamite story ideas beforehand and practice selling it to a potential editor.

After all, work conferences can attract workers of all levels “from entry level varsity graduates to veteran company leaders. Would you know the way to sell yourself if you suddenly come face to face with the gigantic boss?

Having said that, do not be a snob and only chase after the top flight players. Speaking up helpers and general staffers is important too. They're those who are on the ground level of their corporations and mindful of what’s going down on a regular basis. Their understanding is critical, and is often more helpful than those of the higher-ups. Plus, it’s just the nice course of action. Nobody like’s brown-nosers!

Above all, remember, work conferences are meant to help you in your selected career. Some are better than others, but barely are they pointless. They’re only a waste of your time if you make it so. Best of luck and happy conferencing!

For your next work function, corporate event or non-public party check out dLook’s selection of conference centers, catering services and cosy cafeterias.