What to Prepare Before Attending Conferences

This is especially for the academic conference warriors! Can you believe it's that time of year again? Yep, the #AcademyOfManagement conference season is just around the corner, and I can already smell the coffee and picture the sea of name tags worn by brilliant management scholars and practitioners from across the globe. But before you jump on your plane – are you actually ready for this conference? I mean, really ready? I used to think I was prepared just because I remembered to pack my laptop and a stack of business cards. Oh, how naive I was! 😅. So, let me share my ultimate AOM conference prep checklist. Trust me, this goes way beyond remembering to pack your laptop, an extra phone charger, and your presentation slides (though that's important, too!). 1. Read the program strategically ↳ Identify key sessions, PDWs, and symposia in your research area or the ones you're interested in. Plan your schedule, but leave room for serendipitous discoveries! 2. Craft your research elevator pitch ↳ Prepare a 30-second summary of your current research focus. Keep it short, simple, and engaging - your goal is to spark curiosity and invite further discussion! 3. Update your socials and academic profiles ↳ People will look you up. So, ensure your LinkedIn, university page, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate profiles are current. 4. Prepare thoughtful questions ↳ For each session you plan to attend, prepare at least one insightful question. It's a great way to engage and be remembered. 5. Set strategic networking goals ↳ Identify potential collaborators or mentors you want to connect with. Research their work and plan your approach. It helps if you can email them in advance to set up a meeting 6. Pack your digital toolkit ↳ Have relevant papers, your presentations, and a digital business card on your devices. You never know when you may need them! 7. Plan for self-care ↳ Conferences are intellectually intense, not to mention the socials. Schedule breaks, find quiet spots, and don't forget to hydrate! Bonus point: remember not to drink too much in those socials! 8. Be Authentic ↳You'll find yourself in a room filled with superstars and research idols. Some might even walk past you on the street. Always stay calm, say hello if you want to, smile, and most importantly, be yourself! Remember, you're human first and a scholar or practitioner second. Authenticity can lead to more meaningful connections than any rehearsed pitch or trying to force connections. What's your top AOM conference preparation tip? Share below and let's learn from each other! See you in Chicago! ---------- If you find this helpful, ♻️ share it to help someone. #AOM2024 #ManagementResearch #AcademicNetworking #ConferencePrep #AcademicLife #NetworkingTips #ResearchCommunity

Conference season is officially here… and my suitcase has basically become a second closet 😵💫 After attending more private equity conferences than I can count (and powering through some very long days), I’ve picked up a handful of tips and tricks I wish I'd known earlier. In case anyone else needed a few pointers, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share: -Complete your conference profile ahead of time. Especially your cell number. Being easy to reach is critical, and if someone can’t find you, the meeting often doesn’t happen. -Stay at the conference hotel if you can. Even if it is a bit more expensive, I usually find that it is worth it. Periodically popping back to your room to work, rest, change, or recharge makes the days much easier. -Comfort > fashion (at least a little). Block heels are my compromise. Your feet will thank you. -Leave quick voice memos after meetings. After 10+ conversations, details blur. Voice notes straight to the CRM are a lifesaver. -Stay in your normal time zone as much as possible. It is not always realistic, but I have found it makes getting back into work mode far less painful. I also love getting up early and fitting in a workout before the day starts. -When in doubt, say “nice to see you.” If you are unsure whether you have met someone before, “nice to see you” always works. “Nice to meet you” can get awkward fast. It happens to all of us. -Go to the after-hours events. That’s where connections turn into real relationships (which eventually lead to referrals!) -Block time for follow-up when you’re home. Organize your notes, reach out to everyone you met, and add them to your CRM. The sooner the better, while everything is still fresh. Early in my career, I sometimes questioned whether conferences were worth it. What I’ve learned is that the ROI compounds over time. The more you go, the more familiar faces you see. Familiar faces turn into friends. And those relationships naturally turn into business referrals. It has worked very well for me. Let me know if I missed anything. I’m always looking to level up my conference game and would love to hear the tips you swear by! #ConferenceTips #Networking #PrivateEquity #MiddleMarket #Recruiting #SoulEquity #WeBuildDealTeams

Headed to GHC 2025? Here’s Part 1: Prep (2 weeks out) — no stress, just actions. ✨ I’ve been to Grace Hopper on both sides; it can feel like a sprint inside a marathon. Use this to prep so you leave with real opportunities (and your voice). Do this ~2 weeks before: 1. Build a target list (25–40). Start with GHC sponsors; note roles, locations, req IDs. 2. Warm up your network. DM attendees from your list + past GHC alums on LinkedIn; ask for 1 tip and a booth contact. 3. Tighten your pitch (30–45s). Problem → what you build → 1 quantified win → what you want at GHC. 4. Refresh your portfolio (2–3 projects). Each = Problem → Action → Impact (one slide/page each). 5. Lock your schedule. Star must-see talks + career fair blocks; add buffer time for lines and serendipity. 6. Be findable. Pin a LinkedIn post: “At GHC—open to ML/SWE roles. Happy to chat. #GHC2025” 7. Sleep + kit check. Rest up; pack charger, snacks, water, flats/sneakers, 10 resumes with QR. Follow me to catch Part 2: On-site Playbook when it drops, and comment below if there’s something specific you’d like me to include. 💜 #GHC2025 #WomenInTech #Careers #JobSearch #ML #SWE #Networking #ConferenceTips

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

Conference fatigue is real! Attending conferences can be rewarding and energizing, but the packed schedules, travel, information overload, and constant networking can quickly lead to fatigue or even burnout. Here’s a few ways to stay refreshed, focused, and make the most of your conference experience: ➡️ PLAN AND PRIORITIZE YOUR SCHEDULE: -- Review the agenda in advance. Highlight the sessions, speakers, and events that align with your goals. Focus on quality over quantity and don’t feel pressured to attend everything. -- If you’re traveling across time zones, use jet lag apps like Timeshifter or StopJetLag to help your body adjust. These apps provide personalized plans to optimize sleep, light exposure, and meals, which can significantly reduce. -- Schedule intentional downtime. Block out periods for solo walks, quiet meals, or short breaks in your room to recharge. Over-scheduling is a major contributor to event fatigue. -- Build in transition time between sessions. Even five to ten minutes can help you reset and prepare for the next event. ➡️ PREPARE FOR NETWORKING AND MEETINGS: -- Carry old-school business cards and a pen. -- Have your LinkedIn QR code or a digital business card ready for quick sharing. Digital cards (using apps like HiHello, Inc. or Popl) are increasingly popular. -- Download the conference app if one is available. They often include networking features, schedules, and ways to connect with other attendees efficiently. ➡️ DURING THE CONFERENCE: -- Limit distractions and avoid multitasking during sessions, meetings, or conversations. -- Be intentional and selective with your #networking: Focus on meaningful connections rather than collecting as many business cards as possible. -- Take notes during or immediately after key conversations and sessions. This helps you remember details and makes follow-up easier. -- Listen actively and ask thoughtful questions-engaged participation is more valuable than passive attendance. -- Designate some “no-conference” time: Block out periods where you don’t attend any sessions or meetings to decompress. -- Skip non-essential social events (like early breakfasts or late-night mixers) if you need rest. Prioritize your well-being over FOMO. -- Pay attention to your body and mind. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, take a break, even a short one can help you reset. ➡️ SCHEDULE TIME FOR FOLLOW-UP: -- Review your notes and contacts as soon as possible after the event to combat the “forgetting curve”. -- Set calendar reminders to follow up with new connections-ideally within a month, and then periodically (such as quarterly) to maintain relationships. -- Send personalized LinkedIn connection requests to everyone you met, referencing your conversation to reinforce the connection. -- Use #technology to your advantage: AI-powered apps can help summarize sessions, organize notes, and remind you of action items. What’s your best tip to avoid conference fatigue❓

Healthcare leaders: are you playing calendar Tetris with J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference events next week? Your calendar is full. Your week is double-booked. Everyone you know is “in town.” You’ll hear the same refrains all week: ✔️ “This week is insane — let’s reconnect after JPM.” ✔️ “We should definitely explore this.” ✔️ “Let's loop in my co-founder when things slow down.” And yet nothing gets scheduled. Nothing advances. Nothing concrete to show by Friday. Sound familiar? Here’s the shift most people miss: 𝗝𝗣𝗠 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝗺. 𝗜𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. That’s how seasoned operators approach it — and how I prep clients when capital raises, partnership discussions or M&A momentum are on the line. Instead of trying to attend everything, we go in with a clear plan of attack and optimize for outcomes, not activity. Here’s what that looks like in practice. 1️⃣ Make it easy to meet. “Let’s find a coffee shop in FiDi” isn’t realistic during JPM week. I reserve a table in a central hotel lobby and take meetings in clean 90-minute blocks. Convenient, predictable and respectful of everyone’s time. Reduce friction and people will show up. 2️⃣ Get out of your comfort zone. Peer events are easy and validating. They rarely change outcomes. Prioritize time with people who can fund you, become a high-ROI partner or acquirer. The rooms that feel slightly uncomfortable are usually the ones that move the needle. 3️⃣ Research before you arrive. Scan the guest list and speakers. Know exactly who you want to meet and why. If you can’t articulate how the event or coffee achieves your objectives, reconsider going. Extra credit if you reach out ahead of time and make warm connections before you ever walk in the room. 4️⃣ Use the 3-2-1 Rule at every event. Three intentional new connections. Two strategic reconnections. One real next step scheduled live. Once you hit it, you’re done. Permission to leave. 5️⃣ Schedule the next step in real time. Phone out. Calendar invite sent. No “let’s follow up after JPM.” If it’s not on the calendar, it’s probably not happening. 6️⃣ Capture signal while it’s fresh. Between meetings, I use voice notes or an AI notetaker to log context, decision-makers and follow-up hooks. It makes post-JPM outreach sharp instead of generic. The cost of an unfocused JPM week isn’t exhaustion. It’s missed follow-ups, stalled conversations and momentum that quietly dies once everyone flies home. The truth? If you treat JPM like a social week instead of an execution window, it won’t move your business forward, no matter how busy your calendar looks. Have you cracked a system for turning JPM conversations into real outcomes? Drop your best tricks below. 👇

15 tips for a more productive conference experience. Nothing replaces lessons learned the hard way — on tired feet, with a half-dead phone, in a crowded ballroom. Here are the habits that make any multi-day conference more productive and more fun. 1. ABC: Always Be Charging Your phone is your lifeline — for schedules, scans, and photos. Bring a wall plug, cord, and battery pack. If you forget, switch to low power mode early, close background apps, and turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. 2. Have a 7-Word Pitch You need a short, sticky way to describe what you do. “RideScout is the Kayak of ground transportation.” If you go past 30 seconds, you’ve lost them. 3. Keep Moving (and Wear Comfortable Shoes) Movement breaks the predictable rhythm of everyone following the same traffic pattern. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. - Pro tip: walk against the flow — it triples your chances of bumping into new people. 4. Be a Connector Always ask: “What are you looking for here?” You might know the exact person they need to meet — and that makes you memorable. 5. ABB: Always Be Branding Don’t be afraid to stand out. A distinctive hat, jacket, or pocket square makes you recognizable from across the room. 6. Pick Smart Spots If you stop to check your phone, do it near escalators or intersections — places where people naturally pass by. If you can’t move to them, let them move to you. 7. Capture Notes Immediately After each conversation, jot a few quick words or snap a photo of their badge or booth. You’ll thank yourself later during follow-ups. 8. Plan with a 4-Quadrant Sheet Fold one sheet of paper into four pockets: - Priority Targets - Nice-to-Meets - Pre-Set Meetings - Serendipity Finds 9. Navigate Happy Hours Like a Pro Skip the buffet line if you can — no one wants spinach in their teeth. Eat fast, circulate faster. Use the two-door technique: in one side, out the other, on to the next. And always thank the host. 10. Take Photos as Memory Aids Snap ideas, displays, or name badges. Photos beat memory every time. 11. Use AI to Prep Smart Before you arrive, drop the agenda or speaker list into ChatGPT or your CRM and cross-check it with your contacts. 10- Gamify Your Steps If you’re not hitting 10,000 steps, you’re not covering enough ground. 13. Leverage LinkedIn Use it mid-event to refresh names or faces. 14. Follow Up Fast Within 48 hours, send quick personal notes referencing your chat. The small detail you remember will separate you from everyone else in their inbox. 15. Don’t Skip the Local Culture You didn’t fly all that way to sit in a convention hall. Take an hour to explore — grab local beer, walk a historic district, catch live music. The best connections often start with shared stories about the place you’re in. Final Thought Conferences can feel chaotic — big rooms, endless booths, too many panels. But with a few smart habits and a mindset of curiosity and connection, you can turn any event into a week of real progress.

I've spent more than $15k on conferences in the past two years, and I'd estimate half of it was wasted. 3 tips I wish someone had told me. Not because the conferences were bad. Because I didn't know how to use them. HumanX last week is the first one I'd actually call a good investment. Three things I'm doing differently now: 1️⃣ Clear objective, tracked I used to arrive at conferences with a vague goal - “network, learn, maybe find some leads." That was not a plan, just “fake productivity” to be brutally honest. Now I pick exactly one thing I'm there for, e.g., selling, raising, partnering, or learning. And I set clear KPIs against it at the end of each day. If I'm not hitting the target, I change the strategy tomorrow. 2️⃣ Work on a pitch that survives a three-day memory gap. Buyers and investors at these events are hearing twenty pitches a day that sound exactly like mine. If the person you spoke with can't describe what you do to a colleague three days later without looking at their notes, you didn't actually land. Now I lead with the most specific, memorable thing about what we do, and I stress-test the line against strangers in coffee queues before the main meetings. 3️⃣ Calendar time for the follow-up The conference is not where deals happen. It's where the ground gets warm enough for deals to happen in the weeks after. Before I fly out now, I block half a day the following week, just for follow-ups, second meetings, and sending the things I promised to send. That half day is worth more than any individual hour at the event. --- Any tips to make the most out of conferences?

Conference survival tips from someone who loves people… and also needs introvert breaks. (Inspired by Rita) Conference season is one of my favorite parts of the year. It’s also one of the easiest ways to completely fry your nervous system if you’re not careful. I’m heading into a stretch of conferences over the next few weeks, which means a lot of energy, conversations, and new connections. As a slightly introverted, neurodivergent solopreneur who genuinely likes people but also needs the occasional escape hatch, I’ve learned that the difference between a great conference and an exhausting one often comes down to a few small strategies. Over time I’ve developed a few conference survival tactics that make the whole experience better. Here are a few of mine: • Wear something bright or distinctive- It makes it much easier for people to find you again in a crowd. And who doesn't love a hot pink or red-orange blazer? • Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable- Strong recommendation: the Aerosoles Cosmos. Conference floors are unforgiving. • Bring real snacks- Convention food timing is chaos. Quest bars and Quest chips have saved me more than once. (Also, I think it's anti-Italian to not have food on you at any given time) • Bring a water bottle- Basic, but somehow easy to forget (And if you see me, feel free to remind me to hydrate) • Have an easy way to connect. LinkedIn QR code, Blinq — whatever works. Removing friction in the moment helps. • Know your emergency exits- Sometimes you need five minutes of quiet to reset. That’s not antisocial. It’s energy management. • Build in breaks for your brain — and to review who you’ve met- Meeting great people is only helpful if you remember who they are and actually follow up. • Write one sentence about people right after you meet them- Your brain will not remember later. Future you will be grateful. (when I connect on LinkedIn, I immediately message "It was so great to meet at XYX event) • Schedule a few things — but leave room for kismet. Some of the best moments happen sideways. A casual meet up with Emma ended up with me at a VC event. A Chief drinks meet up led to Stephanie introducing me to an amazing steakhouse in Vegas- and solidified a friendship. And a casual hallway conversation led me to what might be the best taco spot in Austin. The magic is often in the unscheduled space. And one day conferences will have introvert charging stations. If anyone needs help designing those, I’m available. Curious what other people do to survive conference season?