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skills for success
Colleen A. Rickenbacher, CMP, CSEP, CPC Conference Etiquette: Tools to Survive Your Next Industry Event Colleen is a business etiquette expert and author of “Be on Your Best Business Behavior,” and the forthcoming “Be on Your Best Cultural Behavior.”
CONFERENCES and trade shows should be wonderful learning experiences and also fun. The education and the connections will happen naturally, but here are a few “etiquette” tips to help avoid any embarrassing mistakes. The Opening Reception Don’t come so hungry that you attack food as soon as you arrive. Networking is a time to connect first, then eat and drink. Eat a snack before the event. The purpose is to meet and greet people which can be difficult when you’re eating and drinking. Do your homework and make it your mission to connect with as many people as possible. But then follow-up. Move around the room. When you meet someone, introduce yourself, exchange business cards, talk, possibly set-up another time to get together when you return to the office. Shake hands as you leave, thank them and then move on to the next person. General or Educational Sessions Respect the speaker. If you must have a conversation or make a phone call, leave the room out of respect for the speaker and the people around you. If you’re with a “talker,” politely tell them that you would love to chat after the session. Be polite, sincere, and do it at the beginning of the conversation. Come to the session prepared with notebook paper and pens. It’s tacky to have to borrow. Don’t take up two or three seats. Move in and meet someone new. Introduce yourself and enjoy their company before the speaker begins. Arrive early, sit in the front. Networking Events Begin and end each conversation with a handshake. Always stand-up when you shake hands. Even if you’re shy, making small talk is easy. Ask people when they arrived, their travel, the weather, about the conference or the speakers. Avoid any emotional topics such as politics or religion. Wear your name badge. Make sure your name can be easily seen, preferably on the right side (it’s easier to read when you’re shaking hands). If your nametag is on a lanyard, don’t make it so low that people have to bend to read it. Bring hundreds of business cards. Your purpose should be to meet people and hopefully bring back business to your company. Present your card with your name and logo facing the recipient. Always stand to exchange cards. Good luck at your next meeting. . |
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