No matter what industry your business is in, there will be weekly, monthly and annual conferences and events where like-minded people congregate to discuss a whole host of topics related to your industry.
You can only learn so much from sitting reading industry experts blogs, whitepapers, books etc. You can learn a whole lot more from watching and interacting with those experts face to face. Attending a conference where experts are speaking will allow you to ask them all the burning questions you have. You can also ask for advice and possibly make a connection you can take advantage of in the future. And you never know, attending a conference might help you on your way to becoming an expert yourself.
I know that for me, watching someone I admire in their element and doing what they love can inspire me to take action myself. Hearing what conference speakers have done to make their business so successful can motivate you to take their lead and follow in their footsteps. It could be that they inspire you to add something new to your business or change the way you do things. Whatever it is, meeting others who have been/are successful in your industry should inspire and motivate you to reach the same level of success.
Attending a conference or seminar is a great opportunity to have a bit of fun without feeling guilty for missing work. If you don't mind missing work then it is a perfect chance to get out of the office, meet like-minded people in your industry and have some fun with new people.
If you are a B2B company, conferences can be a great way to market your business to potential clients. Speaking to people face to face who may need your products or services can be more effective than sending them an email or speaking over the phone. It allows you to show your passion for your business and directly answers any questions they may have.
Knowing what the latests news and trends are in your industry is key to ensuring you stay ahead of the curve and don't fall behind the pack. Conferences usually introduce a new trend that has recently come on the scene, placing you ahead of everyone who couldn't be bothered to attend.
Think of attending a conference like an investment. You pay money for a ticket, get something in return, which, given time, will provide a great ROI for your business. The skills and knowledge you learn at a conference can be invaluable to your business and can make you invaluable to your business.
What's the one thing I will get from attending CMA Live?
Conferences present the ideal opportunity to meet lots of like minded people who share similar interests. The people you make connections with could also prove resourceful in the future. You could meet a new supplier, someone to interview for your business podcast, or a new friend who can offer you advice.
This is your chance to meet those people that you have admired for years. Those who have had vast success in your industry and who you want to learn from first hand.
It is probable that the other delegates at a conference are not that dissimilar from you. Conferences provide an environment that allows you to easily chat to new people, as they offer numerous opportunities to speak to other delegates. You already have something in common, deciding to attend the same conference, as well as an interest in the conference agenda.
There are really three main reasons why you would attend a conference, seminar or event: for you, for your business and for the people. Whatever your reason, you are guaranteed to find some benefit in your attendance.
What was the last conference, seminar or event you attended?
What did you gain from attending it?
What else would you add to the list of reasons for attending an industry conference or event?