Break through mid-career plateaus by leveraging the power of conferences to network effectively, learn new skills, and stay ahead of industry trends.

For those early in their career and looking for advancement, check out the book The Defining Decade by @meg jay. There's a great section on the importance of "weak ties" that offers useful insights on how your next big break or opportunity comes outside your immediate circle of connections. It's a great read for twentysomethings.

Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Here's how you can break through career plateaus using conferences.

Feeling stuck in your career can be frustrating, but there's a powerful tool you may not have fully tapped into yet: conferences. These gatherings are more than just an opportunity to get out of the office; they are fertile grounds for growth, learning, and networking. By attending industry conferences, you can gain new insights, learn about cutting-edge trends, and make connections that could lead to your next big opportunity. Whether you're looking to climb the corporate ladder or pivot to a new field, conferences can provide the boost you need to overcome those career hurdles.

Key takeaways from this article

Network with intent:

Focus on building genuine relationships at conferences. Engage in meaningful conversations and follow up to nurture these connections, opening doors to new opportunities.### *Engage in learning sessions:Identify and participate in workshops and seminars that align with your career goals. Actively asking questions and taking notes can help you apply new strategies to elevate your work performance.

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1 Network Effectively

Networking at conferences isn't just about collecting business cards; it's about building genuine relationships that can advance your career. To break through a plateau, focus on meeting people who can provide mentorship, introduce you to new opportunities, or offer a fresh perspective on your industry. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask insightful questions, and follow up after the event. By nurturing these connections, you may find doors opening that you didn't even know existed.

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Stephanie Thomas

Associate Professor of Practice & Executive Director of Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence-WISE at University of Arkansas
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Attendees can often view conferences as "family reunions" and define their networking as a chance to catch up with old friends. While that can be fun and considered networking, new opportunities that offer advancement can often be found from new connections. I try to approach conferences with a goal (in this case opportunities for advancement). Use conference attendee lists and apps to identify connections that have the potential to help you meet your goals. Set a goal of a certain number of new contacts or new companies to make a meaningful connection with. Be candid with some of your long-term connections and see if they can help facilitate an introduction that would be beneficial for you.

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Arlena Jackson

#1 Career Coach to College Women | Global Comms Exec @ Salesforce, IBM, NASA | Keynote Speaker | Gen-Z Creator
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Believe it or not, pre networking before attending a conference is a really good strategy to make sure you maximize your time before you arrive. Here's a few pre networking tips: Follow the conference social media, contribute to comments, and see who else is engaging. This will be revealing and very resourceful for you. Follow and engage with speakers in advance of the conference. Contact the conference planner(s) and see if you are able to volunteer when in market. This puts you in the know and front and center for genuine visibility.

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2 Learn and Grow

Conferences offer a plethora of workshops, seminars, and panels that can expand your knowledge and skills. To leverage this, identify sessions that align with your career goals or address areas where you feel stagnant. Actively participate by asking questions and taking notes. The new techniques or strategies you learn can be instrumental in elevating your work performance and showing your value to current or potential employers.

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3 Showcase Expertise

Presenting at a conference can significantly raise your professional profile. If you've hit a career plateau, consider submitting a proposal to speak about a topic you're passionate about or have expertise in. This positions you as an authority in your field and can attract attention from industry leaders and peers. Even if you're not on the stage, contributing to discussions and sharing insights can demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership.

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4 Discover Trends

Staying current with industry trends is essential for breaking through a career standstill. Conferences are hotbeds for the latest developments, tools, and technologies. Immerse yourself in keynotes and breakout sessions to understand what's on the horizon. By integrating this cutting-edge knowledge into your work, you'll not only reinvigorate your passion but also become a valuable asset who can drive innovation within your organization.

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5 Find Mentors

Seeking out mentors at conferences can be a game-changer for your career progression. Look for seasoned professionals who have navigated their own career plateaus and are willing to share their experiences. Engaging with a mentor can provide you with guidance, support, and accountability as you work towards your career objectives. This relationship can be a catalyst for personal and professional development.

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6 Plan Strategically

To maximize the benefits of conferences for career growth, you need a strategic approach. Before attending, set clear goals for what you want to achieve, such as learning a new skill or connecting with a certain number of professionals. Post-conference, take time to reflect on your experiences and create an action plan. Implementing what you've learned and maintaining the connections you've made will be crucial in moving your career forward.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Stephanie Thomas

Associate Professor of Practice & Executive Director of Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence-WISE at University of Arkansas
Report contribution
For those early in their career and looking for advancement, check out the book The Defining Decade by @meg jay. There's a great section on the importance of "weak ties" that offers useful insights on how your next big break or opportunity comes outside your immediate circle of connections. It's a great read for twentysomethings.

Like
Arlena Jackson

#1 Career Coach to College Women | Global Comms Exec @ Salesforce, IBM, NASA | Keynote Speaker | Gen-Z Creator
Report contribution
I recommend reading Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferazzi. Keith does an excellent job redefining networking into authentic relationships that'll be mutually beneficial for everyone.

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Here's how you can break through career plateaus using conferences.

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2

3

4

5

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1 Network Effectively

2 Learn and Grow

3 Showcase Expertise

4 Discover Trends

5 Find Mentors

6 Plan Strategically

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conferences

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Here's how you can break through career plateaus using conferences.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Network Effectively

2 Learn and Grow

3 Showcase Expertise

4 Discover Trends

5 Find Mentors

6 Plan Strategically

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conferences

Rate this article

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