industry conference & event preparation
DESCRIPTION
Industry Conference & Event Preparation, Embry-Riddle Career ServicesTRANSCRIPT
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?