Innovation Issue MADE Magazine | Page 66

MADEXXX MADEUS Make the Connection Before the Conference made by Ashlei Williams Is your heart set on leadership or entrepreneurship? If you answered “yes,” then your eyes should be set on networking. While technology has simultaneously managed to make the world bigger and smaller, power still remains in the impact of a face-to- face interaction. In-person engagement ranges from a personal conversation to sitting in a session and learning from a real person. More and more, conferences are diversifying their formats to reach attendees on all levels. Companies are sending employees to conferences to not only learn and network, but to leave transformed and inspired with a vision for how to improve their business. MADE wants to help you maximize your time at conferences with this list of four practices to follow. 1. FOLLOW OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA This may seem like a no-brainer in the Digital Age, but following a conference’s social media is key. It is an easy way to learn what will take place at the conference without having to trudge through an entire website or official brochure. It is also a sure way to learn about key panelists, speakers, presenters and sponsors you may want to connect with. Follow those people too! You never know if a post will resonate with you directly and provide a way to spark conversation with someone before made-magazine.com | 66