It’s that time of year again! On October 4, more than 18,000 people will convene in Orlando for the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing.
As the world’s largest gathering of women in tech, GHC can be an
action-packed and incredibly rewarding experience. Over three days,
there are hundreds of sessions, ranging from keynote addresses, to
panels and presentations by industry leaders. Add in the largest career
fair I’ve ever seen and conference-related social events, and it can be
hard to know where to focus your time. But with the right approach, you
can learn new skills, hear about trends in your field, and make lasting
connections — both professionally and personally. Whether you’re a
student off to your first big conference or a seasoned pro, here are
some tips that fellow Googlers and I use to navigate events like GHC:
1. Make a plan.
Have a goal for what you would like to get out of the conference. Are you there to learn and gain knowledge? Want to make new networking connections? Is there a colleague or potential mentor who you want to support? Go through the agenda and devise a plan tailored to your goal. (Conference apps are great for this.) And have a backup plan in case that session you were dying to go to is jam-packed.
2. Divide and conquer.
If you’re attending with co-workers, try splitting up and then sharing notes. Regroup during meals or at the end of the day to share key learnings and takeaways.
3. Bring your resume.
If the conference has a career fair, be sure to carry hard copies of your resume. Bring more than you think you’ll need. See if the conference has a resume database where you can upload your CV (and the earlier the better). That way, companies looking for candidates can find you ahead of the conference.
4. Carry business cards — and stay organized.
While business cards may feel passé, they’re essential for making connections during a fast-paced conference. Trust me, you’ll exchange dozens during the event. When you part ways with a new connection, jot a few notes on the back of their business card about where you met and what you talked about, so you can easily recall them later.
5. Rehearse your elevator pitch.
You’ll be meeting a lot of people over a short period of time. Be prepared to dazzle them with a short introduction that covers who you are, what you do, and why you’re at the conference. If you’re looking for a job, go a step further and be prepared to interview in the event you’re offered one on the spot. Enlist a friend and practice before you arrive.
6. Pack your conference survival gear.
Pack shoes that are easy to walk in, plus a water bottle, snacks, and a scarf or sweater. Conference centers tend to be too hot or too cold, so layers are always a good idea.
Make sure you have all of your chargers. An external battery is also a good idea, as there will be many people vying for a limited number of outlets.
Consider leaving your laptop behind, since they’re cumbersome to lug around. Instead, take notes with a pen and notebook and use your phone to take photos of presentations’ cover slides, which will make it easy to review and download presentations of interest afterward.
7. Leave room in your bag for swag!
Throughout the conference, companies will give out all sorts of fun stuff: shirts, bags, chargers, water bottles, etc. Plus, the conference itself will likely give out gift bags, so leave space in your suitcase to bring your haul home.
8. Be early.
If there’s an event you’re particularly excited about, get there well before it starts — as much as a whole half-hour early. Popular talks can have long lines, so give yourself ample time to travel between rooms.
9. Sit in the front row.
Don’t be intimidated. You’ll be able to hear the speaker, read the slides, and ask questions more easily. Even better, you’ll be in a prime spot when everyone rushes down to meet the speaker.
10. When it comes to networking, prioritize quality over quantity.
Try to make a small number of meaningful connections rather than many less meaningful connections. Set a goal of establishing a relationship with one new person each day. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, aim to connect with one new person at each event or session you attend. Feeling nervous about striking up a conversation? The beauty of conferences is you have a built-in conversation starter: Ask someone which speakers they’ve enjoyed most.
11. Follow up.
Don’t wait to reach out to a new connection. Connect with them on LinkedIn within 24 hours and include a personalized message with your invitation. Everyone’s inboxes will be full after the conference, so make yourself stand out by writing how you met and what you talked about.
12. Have fun!
Don’t forget to allow some time to relax and recharge. Plus, some of the best connections you’ll make will happen when you’re just walking through the halls, sharing meals, or chatting at one of the after-parties. Most important thing to remember: Enjoy yourself!
by
1. Make a plan.
Have a goal for what you would like to get out of the conference. Are you there to learn and gain knowledge? Want to make new networking connections? Is there a colleague or potential mentor who you want to support? Go through the agenda and devise a plan tailored to your goal. (Conference apps are great for this.) And have a backup plan in case that session you were dying to go to is jam-packed.
2. Divide and conquer.
If you’re attending with co-workers, try splitting up and then sharing notes. Regroup during meals or at the end of the day to share key learnings and takeaways.
3. Bring your resume.
If the conference has a career fair, be sure to carry hard copies of your resume. Bring more than you think you’ll need. See if the conference has a resume database where you can upload your CV (and the earlier the better). That way, companies looking for candidates can find you ahead of the conference.
4. Carry business cards — and stay organized.
While business cards may feel passé, they’re essential for making connections during a fast-paced conference. Trust me, you’ll exchange dozens during the event. When you part ways with a new connection, jot a few notes on the back of their business card about where you met and what you talked about, so you can easily recall them later.
5. Rehearse your elevator pitch.
You’ll be meeting a lot of people over a short period of time. Be prepared to dazzle them with a short introduction that covers who you are, what you do, and why you’re at the conference. If you’re looking for a job, go a step further and be prepared to interview in the event you’re offered one on the spot. Enlist a friend and practice before you arrive.
6. Pack your conference survival gear.
Pack shoes that are easy to walk in, plus a water bottle, snacks, and a scarf or sweater. Conference centers tend to be too hot or too cold, so layers are always a good idea.
Make sure you have all of your chargers. An external battery is also a good idea, as there will be many people vying for a limited number of outlets.
Consider leaving your laptop behind, since they’re cumbersome to lug around. Instead, take notes with a pen and notebook and use your phone to take photos of presentations’ cover slides, which will make it easy to review and download presentations of interest afterward.
7. Leave room in your bag for swag!
Throughout the conference, companies will give out all sorts of fun stuff: shirts, bags, chargers, water bottles, etc. Plus, the conference itself will likely give out gift bags, so leave space in your suitcase to bring your haul home.
8. Be early.
If there’s an event you’re particularly excited about, get there well before it starts — as much as a whole half-hour early. Popular talks can have long lines, so give yourself ample time to travel between rooms.
9. Sit in the front row.
Don’t be intimidated. You’ll be able to hear the speaker, read the slides, and ask questions more easily. Even better, you’ll be in a prime spot when everyone rushes down to meet the speaker.
10. When it comes to networking, prioritize quality over quantity.
Try to make a small number of meaningful connections rather than many less meaningful connections. Set a goal of establishing a relationship with one new person each day. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, aim to connect with one new person at each event or session you attend. Feeling nervous about striking up a conversation? The beauty of conferences is you have a built-in conversation starter: Ask someone which speakers they’ve enjoyed most.
11. Follow up.
Don’t wait to reach out to a new connection. Connect with them on LinkedIn within 24 hours and include a personalized message with your invitation. Everyone’s inboxes will be full after the conference, so make yourself stand out by writing how you met and what you talked about.
12. Have fun!
Don’t forget to allow some time to relax and recharge. Plus, some of the best connections you’ll make will happen when you’re just walking through the halls, sharing meals, or chatting at one of the after-parties. Most important thing to remember: Enjoy yourself!
by
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