industry conference & event preparation

Industry Conferences & Events

Prepare for Success

By Sandi Ohman

Career Services Office

Step 1- Research

• Organization/Conference website• Agenda• Special Speakers bios• Companies/Exhibitors Attending• Presentations & Socials Available to Attend• Etiquette for Attending Conferences

– Search for Conference

Etiquette on Internethttp://www.advancedetiquette.com/blog/business/conference-attending-

etiquette/

Step 2 - Plan Your Strategy

• What events will you attend?• Receptions & Socials, Professional Development

Sessions

• Who do you want to meet?• Company Reps, Special Speakers• Set a Goal

• What do you wear for different events?• Different Events require different outfits

• Overall Goal of Event

SWE & SHPE• These are recruiting events

– If you are seeking an internship or job have resumes for targeted companies

– Have an elevator speech prepared – self promotion

• Take advantage of opportunities to interact with employers

• Volunteer Opportunities! • Do your research!

NBAA• This is NOT a recruiting event

– Have an elevator speech prepared for self promotion

• Research companies attending & take advantage of opportunities to interact with employers– Ask about hiring, tips for applying

• Attend Student day and sessions• Research Volunteer Opportunities – great

way to meet others!

Conference Do’s

• Padfolio or • Portfolio

– Resumes, Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation

– Project Summary sheets, Accomplishments, Certifications

– CSO website for more info

• Business cards – Duplicating, QRC, LinkedIn

• Handshake• Name Tags

Conference Do’s

• Business Casual for most events/sessions• Wear suit(s) when talking to companies• Wear comfortable, but nice shoes• Ask for business cards and send thank

you/follow up letters/email – LinkedIn?• Listen to what the recruiters/speakers say

and ask good questions• Be respectful to speakers during sessions

Conference Don’ts

• Forget the event begins in Daytona and doesn’t have to end when you are back in Daytona

• Drink too much at events, on the airplane, or if you go out

• Go unprepared, look or act unprofessional• Grab goodies and run, do TALK to recruiters first• Sleep during the sessions• Use Cell Phones during sessions (texting,

internet)

What to Wear

Check conference website!

Business Casual• Dress pants or skirt, Suit jacket (optional), dress shirt,

Cardigan sweater & shell• Comfortable dress shoes, stockings if wearing skirt, belt

(for pants)• Conservative makeup, perfume, and jewelry

Considerations:• Keep clothing conservative, nothing too low or tight, or

too big

What to Wear

Semi-Formal to Formal • Cocktail dress (knee to tea length)• Full-length formal gowns

Considerations: • what travels better

– Dry cleaner bag trick!

• heel height for dress and comfort

You’ll get out of what you put into it!

Questions?