How to be an engaged attendee Get the most out of your conference: 5 things attendees can do to maximize their experience

Let’s be honest: event planners are the unsung heroes of the conference world. They’re the ones strategizing the event, designing the agenda, managing the budget, aligning with stakeholders, working with vendor partners, and orchestrating all logistics. And yes, they can do a lot to make a large-scale event feel more engaging, inspiring, and worth your time.

But here’s the twist: the other half of the equation is you, the attendee.

Before you zip your suitcase, take a moment to consider these five smart, simple ways to get the most out of your conference experience. Because let’s face it, no one wants you to go home saying, “Well, that was a waste of time.” With a little intention, you’ll walk away with more than just a lanyard and a tote bag. 

1. Do your homework … don’t show up blind!

   • A couple of weeks ahead of the event, replace your nightly page-turner with your pre-conference packet. Great events have provided an agenda, set of FAQs, decks, or pre-event work … so dive in before you leave home, and come prepared.
     
     

     

   • Often, planners will provide a list of attendees, and sometimes even note who the newbies are. Reach out to a peer if it is your first time attending, so you have a built-in friend when you arrive. This helps ease nerves and anxiety. Prepare a few conversation starters. These can be industry-specific questions, things you want to learn, or something as fun as, “Where do you like to vacation?”
     
     

     A little preparation goes a long way to calm nerves and ensure you’re putting your best foot forward when you walk through the door. Our research tells us that the majority of millennials and Gen Z event attendees have concerns about feeling properly prepared before a conference, so we go to great lengths to make sure folks are armed with all of the event information they need!

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2. Be fully present … log off when you can.

   • Put your phone away during sessions. We know, we sound like your parents at the dinner table, but this really helps minimize distractions. And the more distractions are minimized, the more you will glean from the speakers or those around you. Your inbox will survive a few hours without you.
   • Don’t skip sessions! This is in your best interest in two ways: you’re getting more for your time and effort, and let’s be real: your manager notices who’s engaged and who’s checked out.
     
     

     

   • The Irish goodbye might work at dinner parties, but at a conference? Not so much. A lot of time, budget, and strategic planning go into every session, especially the closing ones. Ducking out early to hit the Las Vegas Strip can reflect poorly on your professional reputation. People notice, and you wouldn’t RSVP for a wedding and not show, would you?
     
     

3. Engage and connect … and leave with a new friend or two!

   • Sit with someone new, make connections, strike up conversations, and step out of your comfort zone for a few days. It’s worth it. Bring up things you’re already familiar with talking about, like your favorite series on Netflix, an album release you’re anxiously awaiting, or an upcoming vacation.
     
     

     

   • Swap contact information and follow up. Have a stack of business cards ready. This exchange doesn’t have to be awkward. Here’s the script: “Here’s my card, I’d love to stay in touch and learn about what you’re doing!”
   • Participate actively in discussions, networking, and activities. Be the one to break an awkward silence. It’s good practice at a conference, and life in general.
   • Make it a personal goal to leave with at least one new LinkedIn connection. Who knows what may come of it!
     
     

4. Show up professionally … and mind your manners.

   • Dress appropriately. This is key. Hilton event planners have “suggested event attire” down to a science. Since most event coordinators are sending out dress codes well in advance, you can cross-reference their guidelines with photos from past events to make sure you’re standing out in all the right ways. And when in doubt, ask the event organizers for clarification.
   • Please drink responsibly. Avoid overindulging with alcohol. It’s not a good look. Check out this article from Diversity Professional, insisting that your future self thanks you for your one-drink limit. 
   • Be thoughtful about both the content and the timing of your social posts while at a conference. You don’t want anyone to wrongly infer you are sneaking off-site to the casino when your peers are in session.
   • It’s an old adage but likely has merit, “Someone is always on the chopping block after a big conference based on bad behavior.” Don’t be that statistic. You’re there to become better at your job … not lose it. 
     
     

     

5. Share and give feedback … it really matters!

   • Fill out the post-event survey that you’re given. Be honest, but kind. If there is no formal survey, be proactive in sharing your feedback in person or via email. 
   • Make sure your boss knows the cost of sending you to the conference was worth it. Report back to your team with what you learned and with concrete ways to incorporate it into the day-to-day of your workplace. 
   • Demonstrate the value of your attendance. Why was it important that you attend this event? How are you taking advantage of the opportunity to go to a conference? Why should your boss send you to the next one?
     
     

     

     As planners, we really do rely on those surveys. It's so important for us to know what worked, what needs work and what people are hoping to see next year. We take them seriously and the feedback we receive dictates how we approach future events.

Following these guidelines is a great way to make sure you’re returning to the office energized. Whether you’re a conference newbie or an old pro, the landscape of large-scale events is ever-evolving. It’s important to make sure you’re not just going through the motions next year, but making the most of your conference experience.