I'm a first time attendee at a Legal Marketing Association conference this week in Boston. As a first timer, this is what I'm doing to prepare: 1. Study the organization and the conference website/emails. 2. Schedule education sessions I want to attend. 3. See if there's an attendee list available. 4. Reach out to those I know to schedule meetings, coffee dates, meals, etc. I'm not going overboard this time since I'm a newbie. 5. Think about outfits ahead of time and hang them separately in my closet. 6. Check the weather and my schedule to pack accordingly. 7. Announce that I'll be there. 8. Set an intention for the conference. For this one, I'm focused on learning about the organization and how conferences go, connecting with those I know, and meeting new people. If you're planning to go, please send me a note. I'd love the chance to meet you. I coach attorneys on prepping for, attending, and following up after conferences. If you're a first timer or veteran conference attendee who wants to learn new tactics, reach out and grab one of my open coaching spots this fall. What else would you suggest? #businessdevelopment #attorneys #lawyers #lma #lmane24
9. Bookend the conference with downtime before and 10. Reflection time after 11. Don't overprogram yourself - build in workouts and/or naps or other quiet time, not being "on" dawn 'til dusk. 12. In particular target the speakers and conference organizers and Legal Marketing Association leadership (I might veer from this depending on your offer) but they are the beehive; the attendees are the bees. Have fun!!! 💋💋💋
I was just a first-timer at the LMASE conference last week. I hope you have a fantastic experience as I did!
These are phenomenal tips! I love the intentionality around connecting with people. The only last thing I might do is see if the hotel has a gym and, if so, pack gym clothes to get a little workout in if possible. Maybe coordinate the work out (or an outdoor walk) with someone I’m looking to connect with. I had a wonderful time going on an outdoor walk on the Chicago waterfront with two colleagues at my firm retreat last fall.
Love that new conference attendee energy! And what a great action plan you laid out. All good tips, I'll have to use the ones not already on my prep list for the next conference I attend. I've reached out to other attendees beforehand but I'm more of a go with the flow in terms of coffee dates & meals (and karaoke nights) but a couple pre-planned ones couldn't hurt!
Perfect list! Definitely check out attendees to see you you know and you want to get to know!
Jamie Sternberg It makes me so happy that you included planning your outfits on your checklist!
That would be such a fun conference to go to! Go visit Jamie if you’re there!!!
Sounds like you have most things covered, Jamie. The only thing I might add, since you plan on doing so much networking, is having a few conversation starters or topics in mind... it just might helpful for breaking the ice. Enjoy the conference!
I love how thoughtful you are about this!
Leadership Coach, Keynote Speaker & Bestselling Author
4moThanks for sharing your list Jamie. I do your items too (glad I learned weather is forecasted to be over 100 in Scottsdale my first stop and about 80 in LA my second stop next week). Many busy lawyers show up with no prior planning. I challenge my clients (who don’t need to engage in biz dev) to at least strategically select three people to meet. Even if there is no attendee list you can view ahead, with a bit of reading or inquiry, you can at least learn speakers, sponsors, and LI posters attending. Enjoy your first LMA