This week's TiEcon 2007 is my third conference as attendee and second one as blogger. Preparing for the event, I decided to collaborate with alliance partner and co-blogger, Steve Yamaguma, of Design2Market, in sharing six of our tips for making this conference a holistic experience for you.
The theme of this year's event The New Face of Entrepreneurship beckons you to cross borders--ages, cultures, ethnicities, industries. TiEcon offers you ample opportunities for building new connections and reconnecting with old ones. Don't miss this chance to do both.
[Note: Today is the last day for online registration.]
1. The Big Picture. Do you have a strategy for attending TiEcon 2007? Whether you prefer strategy or spontaneity, clarity about what you desire from this conference will increase your chances of attracting it.
- Exploring early ideas or emerging products on the horizon? Informal conversations can yield rich soil for later planting.
- Looking for B2B opportunities? We recommend getting the show's guide and reading about the exhibitors, products, and services represented ahead of time [download the exhibitor's brochure]. Map out your itinerary for meeting people from these companies or, at the least, getting their business cards to follow up with them later.
- Checking out potential employers for job opportunities? Home in on a handful of companies you want to learn more about and set up appointments this week to meet one of their representatives--preferably a decision-maker--during this two-day event.
2. Vision Mapping. Chance favors the prepared mind. Whether it's copies of your resume, business cards, executive plan, list of publications, patents, or just a crisp elevator pitch, you'll want to take advantage of the great mix of attendees--venture capitalists, angel investors, company execs, developers, creatives, possible joint venture partners you name it. This is the week to read up on how the changing face of entrepreneurship will help you fulfill your dreams, then be prepared to take action and make it a reality.
3. Meaningful Networking. If there is a topic or presenter of real interest to you, make a point to introduce yourself or just ask questions afterwards. If you can get his or her card, then follow up with a short note.
Opportunities for spontaneous networking exist as well. Last year while blogging during TiEcon 2006 and waiting for Governor Schwarzenegger's opening remarks, Dr. Thomas Fogarty, and his companion, joined me in a spirited conversation on innovation. Usha Sekar, entrepreneur, former CIO, and VP of Programming for ATW joined our table providing a connection that led to my speaking on risktaking for ATW this past January.
4. Extend your Reach. Your conference objective might include more behind-the-scenes opportunities such as meeting conference sponsors and producers or even the media, as they frequently have inside information on the event, who’s who, etc.
In her article Five Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Conference, Marcia Passos Duffy, suggests that you buddy up with a colleague who attends different workshops/panel sessions than you; later hooking up for dinner to share what you've learned.
5. Tools of the Trade. Steve uses a wireless keyboard with his Treo for note taking that he can later download to his computer, edit, and pass along to others (a great relationship management process!). Nowadays, everyone seems to be taking pictures that can help you recall who you meet, not to mention exhibitor products/services. Tools are great; working tools are even better--don't forget spare batteries, tapes, chargers, or whatever you need to capture unfolding events of the conference.
I plan to blog using the tools of social networking, those I'm familiar with and new tools recommended by readers in helping me tell the TiEcon 2007 story. Send them along!
6. Sustain your Performance. Bring a snack. When there's food there's plenty of it, but it can suddenly disappear, whisked away by the catering staff while you're deep in networking conversation. Power bars, a piece of fruit, a few candy bars, or other energy boosters, from the exhibitors booths can keep you going and going...
Don't forget comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing as par for the course. If you're driving, consider keeping a spare outfit, blouse or shirt in the car. You don't want to prepare for the meeting of a lifetime with sauce stains competing for someone's attention.
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