Do’s:
– Check out the conference sponsors as potential client contacts, not just the attendees. Sponsor organizations often send executives and “buy” decision makers.
– Post unbranded content on the conference blog if possible. An informative and engaging guest post is a great way to increase your audience reach and network while at the event.
– Set up a home base in a company conference room or hotel suite. It can serve as both a welcoming hospitality room your contacts will appreciate as they seek refuge from the floor, and as a meeting place where you have them to yourself. They may even want to borrow the space for their own internal meetings; your generosity will enhance the relationships.
Don’ts:
– Don’t wait too long to connect with your contacts to arrange meetings onsite. Conference dates and locations are publicized far in advance, so make sure to start your outreach early. Contacting people two to three months out isn’t too soon.
– Even if you confirmed a meeting at a time and place, schedules will fluctuate at a busty conference. Be nimble and flexible when you’re onsite.
– Don’t neglect social media. Monitoring the conference hashtag will give you a wider perspective on who’s attending, what news is breaking, and what issues matter most to your contacts and prospects. Your response could lead to a meeting.