I am getting ready for the Vermont Web Marketing Summit tomorrow, and I thought I would share some tips about how to make the most of Conference opportunities.  I have been to my fair share of them, and have learned a thing or two about how to get good value for my time.  We all know the “Add Value” machine doesn’t really exist, but there are some ways that you can set yourself up for success by planning ahead for your conference experience.

These are my top ten tips to put yourself in position to maximize the value you can get from a conference:

1. Charge your batteries before you go – power up your blackberry, your mac, your iphone, your ipad, or whatever tech you bring with you to the conference.
2. Take care of your own internal batteries by getting a good night’s rest (and a decent meal) before the conference starts.
3. Identify the key people that you would like to meet at the conference.
4. Develop some questions that you would like to ask them if you get the chance to meet.
5. Write down goals for yourself for the conference – and then check them halfway through.
6. Take the opportunity in front of you if it arises – the time always flies.  If you have a burning question, ask it.  If you have clear insight, share it.
7. Bring a snack.  Nothing worse than being stuck in a room feeling a bit on edge from being hungry.  The time that you spend worrying about eating is time that you are not maximizing what you could be getting from the conference.
8. Think about what you can add to the conference, not just what you can get from it.  How can you be of assistance? What are you uniquely positioned to talk about?  Think about it beforehand, and look for opportunities to help.
9. Get all of your stuff ready the day before.  Nothing worse than getting somewhere and realizing you are missing something that you really wanted to bring.
10. Use your business cards wisely.  They are little markers of your presence.  Don’t spray them everywhere without thinking.  If you make a connection with someone, and see value in continuing that connection, share your card with them.  Don’t forget to ask for their card in return!

And one final suggestion for when you get home:  Don’t turn around and spam everyone that you met at the conference with a solicitation for the services that you can offer.  Treat people like you would want to be treated!

Do you have any suggestions for how to maximize the value of attending a conference?