You've just attended BlogHer You've spent money to go to a conference. Maybe yours, maybe your boss'. You've spent time strategizing which sessions to attend and which to try to get notes from after the fact. You've attended, met great people, learned some great information, heard some even better information, got inspired, partied, and then headed home.
So now what? You've still got work to do. If you've networked well, there's probably a lot more work to do that there was before you went to the conference.
1. Continue to Connect
You've likely got tons of business cards. While I'm not a firm believer in following every single person you meet on Twitter or Facebook, you'll want to make sure to follow some of them. You may even subscribe to their blog or circle them on Google+. It's important to stay connected to these people and continue to grow your network and relationships over time. That is, unless you don't want to grow your network and relationships. Your call.
2. Share What You Learned and Create New Content
You've likely learned a lot of awesome new information. Don't keep it all to yourself; what good does that do? Bloggers should be here to help each other out. Blog about what you learned. Maybe even blog about what you learned in a series of posts. After all, the new information you've gathered has probably fired you up, and that fire could spur new content.
3. Show Gratitude
Say thank you to people you've met who have made a difference. Personally say thank you to the brands that reached out to you or that you connected with. Did you win something? Make sure you say thank you (at least once). Sponsors often make huge contributions to conference that help to keep the cost of tickets down for individuals. Make sure you let them know how much you appreciate their sponsorship.
4. Scout for Upcoming Events
Did you love the conference you attended? Mark your calendars for the next event. Did you not love the conference you attended? Look for some other conferences that may be a better fit for you and your blog. Many conferences are held right around the same time each year. Get the date reserved early, especially if you have to juggle your time with family and work activities.
5. Decompress
Whether you flew or drive, traveling takes a lot out of you. You need to take some time to decompress. Think about what you learned and what you didn't. Evaluate if the ROI was worth it. Get a massage.
What are your post-conference to dos, other than laundry?
- TRANSFORMERS EARTHSPARK on DVD May 16 - May 15, 2023
- Ooze Drink - May 9, 2023
- Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige's Guilty Pleasure - May 9, 2023
This is a solid, succinct list, Jana! As far as that stack of business cards is concerned, I try to make a few notes about those I really want to remember, including little details about family, interests, or personality. That seems to me help a lot when I connect six months down the line. (“Hey, how’s that yoga class going?) I need to make a note of #5 – especially that massage!
Making notes on cards is a great idea!
Fabulous list! Pinning now for others who go to meet ups!
I second sharing the information you learn… not only is it great to helping others, but it makes me reflect and sometimes learn more about what I had just heard and it helps reinforce the information! I’m also all about connecting on the internets somehow with people- I love the cards as a way to get to them later, but I would never carry them around so I need to connect to them in some other way, be it adding them to Feedly or FB or Twitter or whatever makes sense!
Good tips. I agree. I do need a day to decompress. I take notes on their cards that I collect. Once home I do try to connect on social media. I’ve had grand plans to email and collaborate but it seems that every time I go to a conference I am back to back ones and those things never really happen. I try to really connect with a few new people in a big way though each time, besides exchanging cards.
I am hoping to attend my first conference before the end of this year, and I really appreciate all the advice I can get!
Love these tips! It’s important to make time to follow up with others you’ve met at a conference without forgetting to take some time to relax and return to normal after the event.