Kymberlee Simantel’s tips for optimizing your time at a business conference

By Kymberlee Simantel, executive managing director, eWomenNetwork Reno/Carson/Tahoe Chapter

Kymberlee Simantel is a business communications and networking expert and is executive managing director of the eWomenNetwork Reno/Carson/Tahoe Chapter and chief inspiration engineer at Winning Ways for Life.

Be ready to make some great connections, learn, have fun and re-energize yourself and your business!

Prior to the Conference

Take time before you leave for the eWomenNetwork International Conference to set your intention for what you would like to get out of the conference and get clarity on the following things:

What types of people you would like to meet and connect with?
What do you specifically need?
What would you like to learn more about?
Is there anything you might like some assistance on solving (so you are prepared to receive full benefit from the Wisdom Circles).
Business cards – Take plenty of business cards; consider packing around 200- 300.
Visit the Conference website – New things are added all the time.
Update your eWomenNetwork online eProfile – Has your business evolved or changed? Has your contact info changed?
- Do you have a recent photo that actually looks like you?
- Verify that you are listed in the appropriate business categories. Many more categories are available now, perhaps some that are more in alignment with your business today.
Set goals that you would like to achieve at the conference (e.g. the type of connections you would like to make). Remember that attendees are from all over the U.S., Canada and even Australia. For example, some members who only do business locally set a goal of meeting others with the same type of business as theirs, but have been in business longer, are larger companies, made tons of money, etc., that would be willing to mentor them.
Update your 60-second business introduction and have a shorter version ready that provokes interest for when people ask you “So, what do you do?”
Connect with other attendees in advance.
Contact key connections from last year or prior years and make plans to connect again
Search out other members in your eProfile categories and to find any you’d like to connect or collaborate with at conference

Preparation / Packing

Business cards
Bring a pen, Sharpie fine point and small sticky notes to jot notes on business cards you receive. Some of those glossy business cards are hard to write on with a regular pen. Jot notes on the back of cards of people who really stand out with something that will jog your memory of who they were.
- If you don’t make note, you will forget, as you will meet many fabulous people!
Packing – Although it’s hot in Dallas in July, we spend the majority of our time in an air-conditioned hotel, so make sure you have a shawl or sweater with you all the time.
You’ll be on your feet a lot – so break in new shoes well in advance!
The airport shuttle to and from the airport/hotel is the most cost-effective transportation.
When you arrive, look through your conference program and select the breakout sessions you want to attend in advance (you won’t be able to go to them all). Spend some time figuring out the ones you don’t want to miss!
Bring a notebook and pen or computer notebook to take notes. Some people bring a small digital recorder for recording sessions or taking voice notes.
Pack a small plastic zipper pouch or a zip-lock baggie to keep in your purse so you can keep all business expense receipts in one place.
Also, bring a zip-lock bag to place all the business cards of people you meet at the conference and want to stay in touch with.
Take advantage of the Coaching Corner; this is a great way to find which coach is right for you
Tote bag – when you check in you’ll receive conference program and an eWomenNetwork bag to carry your things in throughout the conference. Remember there are several thousand of us, so make your bag look unique (so someone doesn’t walk off with it accidentally, or you theirs), you can make your bag unique with a luggage tag, brightly colored scarf, pin or name badge, etc.
Attend as many events as possible to take advantage of your time at conference and access to all the fabulous resources – you can sleep when you get back home!
Visit the Business Expo tables (display table area) – even if you don’t plan to purchase anything, learn about what they do and you’ll make great connections!
Start conversations and make connections – even in the food line, the restroom and the elevator!
Use this opportunity to get to meet new people as well as build stronger relationships with our local chapter members.
Wisdom Circles – This is a great opportunity to bring your business concerns or questions and to get input from others. eWomenNetwork usually facilitates two Wisdom Circle sessions during the conference.
If you purchase workshops or coaching packages, keep copies of the details of what you purchased so you remember when you get home.
Don’t be late to special events – for some of the best events, they close the doors and don’t allow late entry, so if you’re late, you miss out – and you don’t want that!
Support your chapter members. If you meet someone that you think might be a good connection for one of our members, make sure you try to introduce them, or at least get their business card. Make a note on the back and give it to the member you think it might benefit so they can make a call or follow up with that person. Remember, we are always trying to do our best to help others connect to what they need!

Have an amazingly fabulous time!

After the Conference

Follow up with all those wonderful connections you made! Remember: “Your future and your fortune are in your followup!”

Kymberlee Simantel is founder and dxecutive managing director of the eWomenNetwork Reno/Carson/Tahoe Chapter. Simantel has been twice honored by the eWomenNetwork international organization as both Executive Managing Director of the Year and Ambassador of the Year, and the Reno/Carson/Tahoe Chapter has been recognized as Chapter of the Year. She also is founder and chief inspiration engineer for Winning Ways for Life, a consulting firm for individuals and companies to improve effectiveness in communication.