However methodically and carefully we try to plan our lives, many fantastic opportunities arise from the most surprising sources.  We think that the next deal, job or investor will come from a usual source, but in practice they can come from the most unusual places …  

So, we all know that in order to maximise those opportunities, in order to weight the dice a little in our favour, we have to get out and get seen.  But the reality is we have demands on our time and have to be selective as to where and who we go to, because there are only 24 hrs in the day and all work will make Jane a dull girl.

So conferences can provide an excellent way of learning and networking.  But, there are now hundreds of conferences taking place each week.  Even if you narrow the field down to your specific trade or interest, you could still spend more time in the conference during a year than at work. So, how to evaluate which conferences to attend and how to get the most out of them when you do?

When considering attending, bear in mind the following:

• Who the key speakers are – they will set the tone of the event and of the type of people who will be attending.  There should be at least one or two people speaking who you think, ‘Great I’d really like to hear what they have to say …’ - that will make the visit worthwhile whatever else happens.

 

• What the costs are, both in terms of attending and in terms of your time out of your main revenue-earning role.  Let’s face it, some of these conferences are fantastically expensive, and if the Investment Bank for whom you work is going to pay for it, together with the First Class flight to Sydney and accommodation in the Hilton, well done you and good luck.  However, if you have got a careful eye on your budget try to find a discounted way in to the conference you want to get to, such as through High-Tech Women in some instances, or by clubbing together with other independents to get a group reduction.  But most of all, make it work.   There may be useful contacts  be in the audience with you, but they are more difficult to identify than the speakers, whose CVs are under your nose, and who would be very grateful for some interesting inter-action.  How often do the speakers look down at a darkened, ballroom full of delegates apparently half asleep?  What is it about those function rooms, with their heavy curtains that would bring on sleep even if they brought on the Chippendales?  So liven up the occasion by asking questions and stimulating discussions.  Then you will get more out of the event and you’re more likely to be remembered by the speakers and indeed delegates.

Conferences are a great opportunity for learning and networking.  But they can also be a monstrous waste of time and money.  So choose carefully and make the event work for you, by really engaging in the day.

Amber has had a city career covering fixed income sales, corporate finance and venture capital.  She is now using her many contacts, some garnered from her enthusiastic attendances at conferences, to help build up a new city head-hunting business, i-search Ltd.

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