Why You Should Attend Conferences

by Deborah Ng

As you know, I’m just back from the BlogWorld and New Media Expo conference in Las Vegas. Now that I had a little time to rest up and catch up, I can tell you I had a blast. And though it was an even better time this year than last year, I can also tell you it was a lot more work.

A few people asked me if I could touch on why I attend conferences and it’s my pleasure.

Networking

The most important reason for me to attend a blogging or writing conference is to network. When I attended last year I was able to tell people about this blog and what I do and many interested parties stopped by. But networking isn’t just handing off your business card. Sometimes networking is attending parties (I know, rough life), visiting booths, and making friends. You might talk with someone who doesn’t seem like he or she can give you a career boost and end up making a good impression. At last year’s conference I ended up landing a few clients – some contacted me months after we met.

Promote Your Product or Brand

As an exhibitor I was able to tell many people about our product, many who are very interested. As a blogger, it was a pleasure to learn so many people read FWJ. I also talked a bit about it some people who had never heard of it before. Since many people in attendance are interested in finding blogging jobs, you can imagine what a good networking experience this was.

Attend Sessions and Classes

Unfortunately this year I didn’t get to do as much of this as I would have liked. I did speak at a session and attend a couple here and there but for the most part I was working the booth. When you attend a learning session or class at a conference, you’re learning from the best in the business. All the biggest names in the blog world spoke at BWE last weekend. In fact, the session about making money online featuring Darren Rowse, Brian Clark, John Chow, Jim Kukral and Jeremy Shoemakers was alone worth the price of attendance. Conferences aren’t all fun and games, don’t overlook the learning experience.

Learn About New Tools and Products

Many businesses are set up on the conference floor and they’re not just there to give out swag. They have great tools and products to help make your experience easier. In fact, by signing up at conferences you might walk away with a hefty discount or free trial.

A couple of years ago I never would have thought I was a conference person. I’m not the type to walk up to people and talk about myself, nor am I the type of person to seek people out and ask questions. Attending conferences these past couple of years have been such a great networking and learning experience however, I can’t say enough good things.