7 tips for navigating your first professional conference
A guide to getting the most out of industry events
You’ve just learned you’ll be attending a PRSSA or PRSA conference for the first time. Whether you’re feeling nervous or excited, it's essential to prepare so you can make the most of this incredible opportunity. From current students to professionals, these conferences provide opportunities for growth, professional development and a jumpstart to your career.
Before my first PRSSA conference, I connected with Oakley Weddle and Milagros Orcoyen on LinkedIn, both serving as national board members and running for higher roles. After connecting, we arranged virtual meetings which helped me build a network of supporters and mentors that I had going into the conference. Attending events like the 2024 Leadership Assembly and ICON 2024 allowed me to gain valuable insights and form lasting relationships with leaders in the industry.
The seven tips I am sharing are insights I wish I had received before attending my first conference. I have experienced significant growth since my first PRSSA conference and hope to support others in similar situations. This advice, however, is not just for beginners; it acknowledges that everyone in the profession is a lifelong learner.
Here are my tips for success:
Go in with a purpose. Many attendees approach conferences with minimal research, a casual attitude, and no clear objectives—don’t be one of them. Enter the conference with clear aspirations for growth, networking goals, and/or a desire to deepen your knowledge on specific topics.
For example, I approach each conference with clear goals in mind—whether it's meeting specific people, attending particular sessions, or connecting with a set number of professionals on LinkedIn. By focusing on these objectives, I've consistently exceeded my expectations. Identify the purpose a conference serves for you and maximize the opportunity to achieve it.
Countless opportunities await you, so remember Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Prepare yourself to meet the right people. Start by researching who will be attending and/or speaking, what topics they will cover, and a bit about their professional background. Doing so will help you consider which individuals you’d like to meet and what type of relationship or knowledge you’d like to gain from them. Once you know who you would like to meet, prepare questions to ask them and strategically align these questions to be insightful and impactful for your experience.
The right connections might surprise you, but being well-prepared will help you recognize and engage strategically to meet your goals. This is a great opportunity to meet potential employers, colleagues, mentors, and friends. Don’t let a lack of preparation hinder your ability to make meaningful connections.
Take the opportunities available to you. When you find yourself looking for a place to sit or wandering without a clear destination, remember that these moments are perfect opportunities to grow and meet new people. Invite someone you’ve just met—or someone you’d like to know better—to explore a new restaurant, try different foods, and learn more about each other.
Take advantage of the chance to connect, deepen relationships, discover new fields or topics that interest you, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. There are endless opportunities to connect with fellow attendees—embrace them!
Maintain your personal brand. Most people you meet at a conference will encounter you and your brand for the first time. Make a lasting impression by ensuring that your presence is memorable and authentic. Don’t focus so much on what others are doing, just remain true to who you are and what you aim to represent in every interaction. Follow the words of Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.”
For me, I have a lifelong goal of helping others and aspire to work in fields that align with this mission, so my brand centers on fostering genuine connections and meaningful conversations. Being consistent and intentional with your personal brand helps you stand out, build familiarity, and strengthen connections within your network.
You'll know you've successfully shared your personal brand when others are excited to introduce you to people they believe align with your values and when the connections you make extend beyond the duration of the conference.
If it’s worth remembering, it’s worth writing down. Use notebooks, napkins, scrap paper, or business cards to capture important information. Dr. Van der Meer of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggests that writing by hand produces more complex brain connectivity patterns compared to typing on a keyboard.
Allowing your brain to absorb as much information as possible can bring tremendous benefits. While you can always discard notes later if they’re not needed, it’s better not to rely solely on memory without a written record to refer back to.
Always be kind. Many attendees will be attending their first conference, so take this opportunity to show kindness and understanding. Genuine kindness can open countless doors. This can look like saving someone a seat next to you, offering support if they look lost in some way or simply including others in your conference experience.
As I’ve mentioned above, it’s important to seize every opportunity to make meaningful connections. Remember that kindness extends not only to others but also to yourself. Check in with your own needs, take care of yourself and offer yourself the same kindness you show to others.
Follow up. After meeting so many amazing people and learning valuable insights, don’t let your momentum slip away. Connect with everyone on LinkedIn and reach out to schedule virtual coffee chats or informational interviews. Stay engaged, stay focused, and keep pushing forward.
This is a fantastic opportunity for growth and transformation, so make sure to seize it.
Meet Cal
I am a graduate student at East Carolina University, where I am enrolled in the Strategic Communication Master of Arts program. I have been affiliated with PRSSA for nearly two years and have attended two national conferences with my chapter: the 2024 PRSSA Leadership Assembly in Seattle, WA, and ICON 2024 in Anaheim, CA.
Recently, I attended The Plank Emerging Leadership Summit in Chicago, and I'm looking forward to participating in more events like this in the future.
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A wonderful piece, Cal! Thanks for sharing your wisdom.