5 Tips for Making the Most of Attending In-person Conferences
How to return to in-person conferences this year and enjoy it!
We’re excited to be able to meet up with you again. With so many conferences being held virtually over the past couple of years, we recognise that you might be feeling nervous about going back to a traditional conference setting. So here are our top five tips for attending in-person conferences.
1 Use social media
The BAPM Twitter account @BAPM_Official will be tweeting about the conference in the lead up to the event and throughout the day itself, using the hashtag #BAPM2022. You can use Twitter to connect with our speakers and other people attending the conference. You might meet someone online who you’d like to have a conversation with in-person.
2 Have a goal
Think about what you want to achieve by attending the conference. What are you particularly interested in learning about? Who are you hoping to speak to? Which posters are you keen to see? Write it at the front of your notes to keep it at the forefront of your mind.
3 Conversation starters
We’re all a little out of practice when it comes to socialising and networking at in-person events. It might help to have a few conversation starters up your sleeve:
- Have you been to this conference before?
- Which talk are you most looking forward to?
- Why did you choose this workshop?
Make sure to visit the exhibitors – they are always keen to talk to people and will do the work for you!
4 Make the most of in-person interactions
In-person conferences make networking easier – you can get to know other delegates over coffee, lunch and between talks. Speakers will answer questions during the set Q&A times but are often happy to chat more during breaks if you need a little longer. Keep your notebook handy throughout the day to write down the names of people you meet and any ideas that those conversations spark. If pen and paper isn’t your thing, record a voice memo on your phone.
5 Relax and enjoy yourself
Going to a conference in-person means you can properly concentrate on the talks. You can’t get called away or be tempted to reply to urgent (and non-urgent!) emails, but just enjoy a day spent with friendly, like-minded professionals. Don’t feel guilty about taking time away, professional development is important. The best conferences will inspire and refresh you and you will return to work full enthusiasm, ready to implement all the new things you’ve learnt. Plus, buying an in-person ticket means you don’t have to make your own lunch!
View the programme for the Annual Conference and book your ticket before the Deadline www.bapm.org/annual
