Regardless of whether you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, businessman, student, or employee, attending an event or not is always going to be an important decision. Throughout this article, we will share a series of ideas and tricks that will help you make this process as smooth as possible.
Note: You will not find how to set up an event because this post is only for attendees.
Let’s start with the most obvious:
#1 Should I Attend Events?
If we separate your personal circumstances for a moment, the answer will always be yes. In an event, you learn a lot and not only from the speakers. In the free moments of networking and exchange of impressions, you can also get very fruitful knowledge from other attendees. So, go ahead and attend one. Surely you will meet super nice people.
P.S. If you don’t like the experience, in the end, you won’t regret for never trying.
#2 How Do I Choose The Events?
There are many ways to choose an event, and the majority of them is for the following reasons:
- By who organizes it.
- The reputation of the speakers.
- Because of the theme.
- The location
- The boss sends you – although we do not recommend being forced to an event as it can be counterproductive.
- Because someone you want to meet is attending.
- To travel and visit other places.
- Just for fun – like attending theatre or art events in Boston.
However, experts focus all of their attention on a single question: Does the event in question fit with their objectives? Like if your objective is to network with certain people to make new business relations, your selection will depend on whether those people are attending that event or not.
Another way to put it is by asking yourself: is the event going to contribute something to me? If the answer is no, don’t go. After all, you don’t have to go to events just for the sake of going.
And this leads to …
#3 How Often Should You Attend Professional Events?
It depends on your personal choice and the resources you have. By resources, we mean time and money. Although, experts recommend setting a minimum goal of attending at least two major events a year at any cost.
And speaking of “at any cost,” let’s move on to expenses:
#4 How Much Does It Cost To Attend One Or More Events?
There are two types of costs associated with events:
Direct Cost:
It is the price of the ticket to the event or the membership charges. Luckily there are still a lot of free events organized. To find them, you only have to use portals such as eventsfy.com. You just have to search for the events in your locality in such portals. Like, one can search for “events in Boston today” to know about all the events happening in or around Boston in the present day. However, Premium events are another story. They are usually advertised to specific audiences using specific channels- newsletters, podcasts, and social media.
Indirect costs:
Regardless of whether an event is free or not, you will always need a budget for these famous indirect costs:
- Travel: subway, bus, taxi, plane, train.
- Accommodation.
- Food
- Other minor expenses such as coffee, a beer, a drink.
Tip: Save all purchase tickets and consult with your accountant and or financial advisor. He or she can help you save some tax somewhere or can offer you reimbursement from the organization you are working for.
#5 What To Do During The Event Itself?
Attending an event means that you should limit yourself to listening to the presentations and then returning home. Rather you should take advantage of the time to meet other attendees. Remember that networking begins on the street while on your way to the event venue, especially if you go alone.
We are not saying to start a conversation with anyone on the street. But if you get the feeling that someone (or a group) is on their way to the same place you are, try “excuse me … are you going to event X by any chance.” The worst thing that can happen to you is that the person will say no to you. But if they say yes, you have already made a “friend” and/or possible contact.
During the journey to the event’s place, exchange various opinions but do not “tie” yourself to that person. Exchange contact with him or her to catch up later. Remember, you are at the event to meet more people and network.
That’s all we have for now. Stay tuned for more posts like this.