How can recent graduates stand out at a conference?

As a former recruiter for Ritz-Carlton and often looking for talent at the collegiate level, I would offer just one thing: 1. "DO" What "Most People Don't" -Introduce yourself to new people -Say hello to the speakers -Produce and share business cards -Follow up with those that made an impact -Do what you say you're going to do -Be perfectly imperfect -Put yourself into uncomfortable situations in order to learn -Schedule calls with people you've met and ask them for 10 minutes of career advice.

Tuve la oportunidad de dar una conferencia para 600 personas, en un auditorio donde pasaron grandes ponentes como el CEO de GNP, o el de Grupo Salinas. Yo tenía 24 años y apenas 2 años después de haberme graduado. Era inevitable compararme con aquellos empresarios y pensar "qué pueden aprender de mi, se van a aburrir porque ese público está acostumbrado a ver grandes nombres en ese auditorio" Entonces alguien me dio un gran consejo: "Los expectadores esperan ver una conferencia de un chavo de 24 años, no la de un empresario famoso, no necesitas años de experiencia para una buena conferencia, necesitas transmitir bien tu mensaje y eso sabes hacerlo" Es mi consejo, porque lo más duro cuando vas empezando, es controlar la mente.

Connect with the people whose work or personality you genuinely like. If they are junior specialists or recent graduates, they will probably grow at the same pace as you, just in parallel. In a few years from now, you will have a network of established professionals that you actually like.

Un elemento crucial es analizar, previamente, cuál será el público objetivo. Ello condiciona todos los pasos sucesivos, puesto que habrá que adaptar la profundidad de la ponencia, el lenguaje utilizado, la duración e incluso la puesta en escena - vestuario, etc. Un error típico consiste en estar fuera de lugar con contenidos que nadie entiende o, por el contrario, que no alcanzan el nivel académico requerido en el foro concreto. Otro, bastante desafortunado, es no medir el tiempo disponible y acabar dejando a medias el contenido o pisando el tiempo destinado a otros compañeros de panel. Por consiguiente, hay que estudiar todos estos elementos de partida para adecuar los siguientes pasaos a dicho análisis previo.

How about asking the organizers if you can volunteer to help out at the conference, either at registration, or with AV, or setting up poster boards, anything they need help with.

Be proactive and curious. Start conversations by introducing yourself and asking: What brought you here? Look people in the eye, let them know you are carefully listening by nodding with understanding. Focus on simple short statements; do not ramble on. LinkedIn profiles are helpful; read work history, company names, education, and read recommendations so you can bring up facts/statements indicating you did R&D. They will appreciate your effort.

1 & 2 can be done together, or even in reverse order. But they both need to be done if you want to find success at the event 👍🏽

Once you have decided which are your goals and interests, you have to do your own research. Which are those successful people that have achieved satisfied results in their fields? How did they start? How can you connect with them? How can you improve yourself if you follow this/that person? If you had the possibility to talk to them, which are the questions you are going to ask in order to have the information you need?

Dress appropriately for your profession, appearance is important. What do you want to learn? Go to tose breakout sessions and meet the speakers. Sit with people you do not know, introduce yourself and exchange cards. Call or email people after you get home. Some conferences assign first time attendees with mentors (Alliance for CME) sign up. Go to the receptions and meet as many people as possible. Make friends.

Dress appropriately for your profession, appearance is important. What do you want to learn? Go to tose breakout sessions and meet the speakers. Sit with people you do not know, introduce yourself and exchange cards. Call or email people after you get home. Some conferences assign first time attendees with mentors (Alliance for CME) sign up. Go to the receptions and meet as many people as possible. Make friends.

As someone who has heard well over a thousand, if not close to 2,000 pitches, the main thing I can share is that extremely smart, capable, and talented people simple don’t know how to talk about themselves. I’ll write a post or make a video about this as I have a formula I teach to make this more of a science than an art. 😊👌🏽

The very first appearance in front of a group of people is very very important. This sometimes can lead to opportunities you never imagine to happen so far. So prepare yourself. Nowadays you have plenty of models that can help you to present yourself the way you feel more comfortable. My advice is to read as much as possible. To me, Information means Power. A powerful speaking attracts attention, and especially the attention of people you will need most,out of that conference room.

Engage actively. Listen and reflect. Leave opinions at the door. Ask questions and express desire for future - goals and what nirvana looks like .

Key rule: networking is NOT a spectator sport… engage with the people there. This is why I get paid to help people start conversations with strangers… it can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be!

Key rule: networking is NOT a spectator sport… engage with the people there. This is why I get paid to help people start conversations with strangers… it can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be!

Participation in a discussion is basic. That means you engage with other people and exchange your ideas. Do not forget to respect other ideas, thoughts and arguments. Meanwhile choose yours carefully. Social media platforms are so powerful, so share your opinions professionally.

Imposible es lo que no se intenta... Es imposible que la gente conozca tu valor si no lo muestras. Aprovecha cada oportunidad para participar, interactuar, intercambia ideas y opiniones. Nunca se sabe si hay personas clave que puedan estar escuchándote y ser un canal para impulsar tus habilidades.

Create and take care of new connections. You send them e-mail or a thank-you note, as well as a LinkedIn request. Let them know who are you, reminding them of your conversation and your goals. Try to keep in touch and maybe to organise other meetings or collaborations that will serve for your future.

Es de vital importancia no creer que lo sabemos todo. El conocimiento es infinito así que por experiencia te recomiendo nunca dejar de aprender, indagar, investigar. Especializate, cultiva tu mente y eleva tu valor manteniéndote actualizado en los temas relevantes de tu carrera.

Conferences are meant for having conversations with some of the other attendees and the speakers often randomly met during the event, for example at your table and moreover sitting beside you, or during the breaks and lunch. Remember also that usually there are at least two members of the same company who attend the event. Every time you talk with someone share your LinkedIn link and/or business card.

Network! Be confident, and create an elevator pitch to sell yourself with and be memorable. Leave a great impression. Be attentive and be genuine in your desire to know people, as they get to know you.