After many years in our industry, I’ve determined that if you want to make the most out of the annual conference, you need to have a game plan. It’s important to know what you want to accomplish at the conference in advance. Are there are people you are trying to connect with? Are there specific topics you are hoping to learn more about, or educational opportunities you don’t want to miss?  Here are some tips:

• Take a look in advance at who is exhibiting and speaking. Know who you want to meet; this will help you figure out how to find them.

• Know which booths in the exhibit hall are important to you to visit. Discuss with your colleagues beforehand and see if anyone in your organization is in need of special information from an exhibitor. You may want to set up a meeting in advance to meet some of these folks. Just walking the floor is less effective than coming with a plan.

• Bring your materials. If you aren’t exhibiting, that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to provide valuable information on your organization. Be sure to bring business cards.

• Know what you need. Company decision makers are at their booths; if you need something, now is a good time to ask.

• Stay organized. Sort through and organize business cards each day. Don’t get back to the office and find cards everywhere! Sort out contacts and brochures. Review your notes to organize follow-up before you return to the office.