Conferences are like treasure troves for employees looking to expand their horizons, knowledge, and network. While keynote addresses often grab the spotlight, breakout sessions – those panels, workshops, and small group interactions – can provide just as much, if not more, value. So, how do you, as an employee, ensure you're extracting the maximum benefit from these sessions? Let’s dive in.
1. Research and Prioritize
Know the Agenda: Familiarize yourself with the conference's schedule beforehand. Identify sessions that resonate most with your career goals or areas you want to enhance.
Find the Balance: While it's tempting to attend sessions aligned with your current role, also consider ones that offer a fresh perspective or explore areas you're curious about.
2. Engage Actively
Participate: Breakout sessions, especially workshops, are designed to be interactive. Don't shy away from participating in discussions, asking questions, or sharing experiences.
Take Notes: Jot down key takeaways, actionable insights, and any follow-up you'd like to do post-session.
3. Network, Network, Network
Connect with Presenters: If a session particularly resonates with you, approach the presenter afterward. They can offer deeper insights or direct you to further resources.
Fellow Attendees Matter: Networking isn't limited to speakers or panelists. Your peers can be invaluable connections. Exchange contact details and engage in post-conference discussions.
4. Choose Diverse Sessions
Mix It Up: If you've attended a panel discussion in one slot, consider a hands-on workshop next. Diverse learning formats will keep you engaged and cater to different learning styles.
Explore Outside Comfort Zones: Sometimes, the most enlightening sessions are ones that you wouldn't typically attend. Be open to exploring new territories.
5. Reflect and Apply
Review Your Notes: Post-conference, set aside time to review your notes. Identify key takeaways and how they can be applied to your job or professional development.
Share with Your Team: Not everyone from your team or department may have attended the conference. Share your learnings. It positions you as proactive and benefits your entire team.
6. Feedback is Gold
Provide Constructive Feedback: If the event organizers provide feedback forms, fill them out. Your insights can shape future conferences, ensuring they remain relevant and valuable.
Internal Feedback: If you're attending a conference sponsored by your company, provide feedback internally as well. It can help in maximizing the ROI of such events in the future.
7. Follow Up on Connections
Reconnect: A quick 'It was great meeting you at the session about X' email can go a long way in solidifying new professional relationships.
Engage on Social Platforms: Connect on LinkedIn or industry-specific platforms. Engaging with their content can lead to further discussions and potential collaborations.
Conclusion
Breakout sessions can be the hidden gems of conferences, offering targeted learning and networking opportunities. With some preparation, active engagement, and post-conference reflection, you can ensure that you're not just attending these sessions, but truly capitalizing on them. After all, in the world of corporate growth, it's often the smaller breakout sessions that lead to the biggest breakthroughs.
