Attending eCommerce conferences are one of the best ways to keep up with eCommerce trends, emerging technologies, and smart techniques to get more customers to visit your online store. But if you’re going to an eCommerce event, don’t make the mistake of just sitting back and listening. Attending conferences provides a unique opportunity to learn, network, grow and debate while also having your specific questions and issues answered by panels of experts.
And this is why it’s so important to make a plan to get the most out of attending an eCommerce conference,
Going into a conference with no plan of action can leave you feeling deflated afterwards. Coming away feeling like you didn’t learn everything you wanted or that you missed networking opportunities because you were too tired can make it feel like a missed opportunity. So let’s get an action plan sorted!
Here at Re:signal, we are lucky enough to have some incredibly knowledgeable people within the industry working on our teams and in our list of contacts. And that’s why we have made the exciting decision to host our very own eCommerce conference!
Tickets for Re:commerce can be purchased here. We hope to see you there on 10th March 2023 in London!
Whether you’re attending Re:commerce, or going to listen to SEO speakers at any other event, the following tips can help you get the most from your experience.
Set Your Goals
Why did you decide to attend an eCommerce conference in the first place? The short answer for most people is “to learn and network”. But you need to delve deeper into this and make sure you have a clear vision for what you want to walk away with.
This could include:
- Learning about a specific new technology
- Finding a solution to a particular problem
- Meeting people from your sector for new contacts
- Connecting with potential customers and/or business partners
- Finding out about a new tool or programme
- Even finding a new job role!
Once you have your goals in place, you can use the conference schedule to plan your day to ensure you attend the right workshops, talks and networking events. You may think getting the most out of the conference will involve doing everything. However, there’s no point in attending a talk if it isn’t relevant to you! You will get far more out of your day by choosing quality over quantity.
Do Your Research
Before you even book your tickets, you should research the event and its speakers, so you get a better understanding of what to expect. This allows you to find out what is and isn’t relevant to you so you can plan your day and prioritise the sessions and workshops that align with your goals.
Furthermore, researching the speakers can help you identify potential contacts or mentors within the industry. You can also prepare questions or discussion points for specific speakers that will help you reach your goals, increasing the chances of having a more productive conversation.
The easiest place to start your research is by doing some snooping on LinkedIn. Visiting the websites, blogs, and social media pages of people you’re interested in is also a great way to gather more information.
Engage In Pre-Conference Networking
Before the conference begins, take advantage of social media and other networking platforms to engage with other attendees. You can use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or the conference’s official app to connect with other attendees, exchange ideas, and establish relationships.
Engaging in pre-conference networking can also help you identify potential mentors or partners, creating an opportunity to schedule meetings or coffee breaks to discuss how you can collaborate.
Attend Keynote Sessions
Keynote sessions are a significant part of most conferences. These sessions are usually given by industry experts and influencers who share their insights on the latest eCommerce trends and techniques.
Attending these sessions can provide valuable insights into the industry, helping you stay up-to-date with the latest eCommerce practices. Additionally, they provide an excellent opportunity to connect with the speakers and other attendees, increasing your chances of building valuable relationships. Most Keynote speakers encourage attendees to approach them with questions throughout the day after their talk, if you fancy an in-person chat. Otherwise, speakers typically provide an email address or LinkedIn profile at the end of their presentation for attendees to connect with them virtually after the event!
Connect With Other Attendees
Networking is a significant part of attending an eCommerce conference. Connecting with other attendees can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and potential partnerships.
It’s essential to make the most of networking opportunities by introducing yourself to other attendees, exchanging ideas, and learning more about what they do. Additionally, attending networking events like receptions and after-parties can provide a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, creating a more conducive environment for building relationships.
Never underestimate anyone at a conference. While they initially may not seem like a ‘worthwhile’ connection, the eCommerce SEO industry is smaller than you might think and almost everyone there will know someone who could be a valuable contact to you.
Participate In Q&A Panel Discussions
Panel discussions are another valuable part of most conferences. These sessions usually involve a group of experts discussing a particular topic, and inviting questions from the audience, providing attendees with different perspectives and ideas.
Participating in panel discussions by posing questions to the panel, can help you gain a better understanding of a particular topic and network with other attendees who share similar interests. Additionally, it provides a chance to learn from industry experts, providing insights that you can apply to your eCommerce business.
Don’t Wear Yourself Out
We won’t lie, a day at a conference can be overwhelming. Trying to pack too many things into one day can do more harm than good. You aren’t going to be able to retain anything you learn if you have brain fog from hours of back to back talks.
Similarly, you’ll be no good at networking if all you can think about is getting home to your bed. Pick and choose what you want to attend and make sure you leave plenty of time for bathroom breaks, keep yourself hydrated and well-fed throughout the day.
Expect the Unexpected
Be open to unexpected opportunities. The conference is a chance to step out of your comfort zone and explore new ideas and strategies. You may find that the most valuable takeaways come from unexpected places.
Be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Remember, the conference is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others in your industry.
After the Conference
After the conference, it’s important to follow up with the contacts you made. Reach out to the people you met, thank them for their time, and connect with them on LinkedIn or other social media platforms.
Also, review your notes and action items, and make a plan to implement what you learned. Share the insights you gained with your team and colleagues, and brainstorm how you can apply these learnings to your business.
If you found the eCommerce conference to be valuable, consider attending another one in the future.
In conclusion, attending an eCommerce conference can be an invaluable experience both in terms of personal development, and for what it can bring to your company. With a clear plan, organisation, active participation, and networking, you can make the most of the event and gain insights and inspiration that can help take your business to the next level.
