💎 Issue #50 - Virtual Conference Commando
How to maximize serendipity at virtual conferences?
I am passionate about empowering women in tech.
I’m glad to have connected with 80+ lovely ladies in the first two days of vGHC (the virtual version of the annual Grace Hopper Conference).
However, we can easily be overwhelmed by the wide selection of programming and networking in this short week. I’m sure that many people (like me!) have already got Zoom fatigue. The last thing we need is another stressful week, amirite?
To help you better manage all the conferences in the coming year, I thought to share this Virtual Conference Commando with you…
10 ways to get more out of virtual conference
Clarify your objective: Why are you attending this event? Are you looking for a new job, expanding your network, or just having fun? Make sure you have a clear sense of what you are looking for. Otherwise, you are going to feel that time has passed but you got nothing out of it.
Study the event agenda: Make a note of the people/speakers who pique your interests and put them in your outreach CRM. Pre-register if possible.
Strike early: Reach out to the people/speakers you have identified in advance. Send them a cold email and tell them that you are excited about their event. Your note will give them the confidence boost and leave a good impression before their inbox is flooded by similar notes that come after the conference.
Do your homework: Turbocharge your outreach with packets of generosity.
Get a wingwoman: Bring a friend who can be your partner at the conference. Share your goal, agenda, and learning objectives with them, so that you can share notes, double your network, and pass along interesting opportunities to each other.
Be helpful: There’s almost always space for volunteers. You can find a way to volunteer for the organization, help the speakers facilitate group chats, or simply take great notes to share after the events. Serve, and you will be rewarded.
Always engage: Don’t just passively attend a conference. Prepare great questions to ask in workshops. Go deep into your networking chat. You all are going to meet a lot of different people, so think about how you are going to stand out!
Work the breakout room. This is the best way to connect virtually. Learn about their values. Tell your story. Invite them to join you for upcoming events.
Schedule everything: It’s easy to get overwhelmed and lose sight of your main objective. To help you achieve your main objective, schedule the most important events or coffee chats on your calendar.
Follow up, follow up, follow up: You are going to meet a lot of people, so make sure you get their emails and follow up. Learn about what they care about and how you can help them. After all, we are all here to empower each other 🤩
Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the events!