Four tips for getting the most out of industry conferences

Conference season is just around the corner, and I’m personally looking forward to this year's NexGen Gathering.

Gathering is THE conference for new financial planners, organized by newer financial planners themselves. Their intimate understanding of attendees’ needs ensures a memorable event unlike any other I've been to. I highly recommend coming if you can fit it into your schedule!

Attending a conference in person can sometimes be intimidating or unsettling after adjusting to virtual meetings due to COVID-19, especially if it’s a new conference or you don't know anyone else who is going. But trust me, you're not alone in this feeling.

Here are four tips to help you prepare for attending a conference.

1. Create a game plan. Start by visiting the conference website to gather all the details, including location, registration, agenda, and more. I always plan my schedule by scoping the conference agenda and deciding which sessions to attend.

You'll typically find information about event sponsors on the website too. Check if you know any sponsors or products you’d like to learn more about, so you can stop by their booth. For instance, at FPA Annual in 2022, I enjoyed connecting with the wholesalers from fi360 since I had completed their Accredited Investment Fiduciary(R) Designation program.

Some sponsors might even host happy hours or dinners during the conference, providing an excellent opportunity to connect and ask questions over a complimentary meal! Additionally, I like to plan my activities before and after the meeting each day until I head back home. Some conferences host welcome or closing night parties to allow attendees to network.

If you arrive at the conference location the night before it starts, try to join any pre-conference events to meet other attendees. Another option outside the conference schedule is to make use of your time by meeting with clients or prospects if they live in the area. In short, create a game plan to maximize your time there during and after the planned sessions.

2. Research the speakers. Once you’ve decided which sessions to attend, look up the speakers to learn more about their backgrounds and specializations, especially the keynote speaker. The keynote speaker is the main presenter of the conference.

Understanding who they are and why they are a qualified expert on their topic will enhance your experience during the presentation. Prepare 1-2 questions you'd like to ask them before the session, as this is an excellent opportunity to network and learn from these professionals.

Connecting with speakers on LinkedIn beforehand and expressing your anticipation for their presentation can also be beneficial. Building relationships with speakers, especially those recognized as thought leaders in the industry, can lead to valuable connections in the future.

3. Set goals for yourself. Attending conferences involve time and money, so making the most of the experience is essential. One way to do that is by setting a few goals for yourself. Do you need to complete Continuing Education (CE)? If available, I prefer to knock out the Ethics CE requirements at a conference than on my own time.

Besides stocking up on CE credit, consider other reasons you're attending. If an association like the FPA hosts the meeting, have you considered getting involved in their leadership and are wondering if you should take the next steps? Make a goal to speak to a leader about their experience. Better yet, connect with multiple leaders to get different perspectives.

For example, one of my goals going into NexGen Gathering is to get attendees interested in leadership opportunities and to increase awareness of all the offerings available to NexGen members. You’ve likely traveled long and far to attend the conference and taken time out of your busy schedule to be there, so make sure you don't perceive it as wasted time at the end of it. You should be able to return to the office with at least one golden nugget or takeaway, and setting goals ahead of time will help achieve that.

4. Find your conference buddy. This is optional. You may only be able to do this after you've arrived at the conference, depending on if you know anyone else going. I'm introverted, so identifying at least 1-2 other attendees helps me feel less anxious about attending a conference. There's no shame in contacting someone in your network to see if they're going and suggest you meet up while you're there. If you don't know anyone going beforehand, you can always introduce yourself to the folks planning the conference.

Usually, there is a task force made up of volunteers. Volunteers are generally friendly, helpful individuals who want attendees to get the most value out of the event, so don't be afraid to leverage them!

Most attendees are showing up to build their networks, so you’re likely not the only one who doesn’t know anyone beforehand; you may leave the conference with a new friend or two!

Amie Agamata is a CFP in San Diego, CA. She is the NexGen Chair for the Financial Planning Association, nationally.

FPA NexGen, a community of the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®), aims to provide support and collaboration for those professionals new to the financial planning profession. With more than 2,500 like-minded young professionals, members of FPA NexGen are ready to share their experiences and further the future of the financial planning profession. Learn more about our engaged community and join the conversation on Twitter.