Conference season is in full swing. Are there events you and your staff will attend for education, product knowledge, or networking? As a law office administrator, attending conferences and trade shows can be a valuable opportunity to learn about new trends and technologies in the legal industry. However, with all the hustle and bustle of travel, it can be difficult to make the most of your time at these events. It is important to use your time well, given the cost of travel, registration, food, accommodation and time away from work.
Here are some tips to help you make good use of your time when traveling to a work-related conference or trade show.
- Plan ahead: Before you even leave for the event, take some time to research the conference or trade show schedule and plan out which sessions and events you want to attend. Look at the list of exhibitors and make a list of those you want to visit. This will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.
- Pack with care: Ideally, get all your things into a carry-on to avoid both excess fees and delays at the baggage conveyor. Dress well, to represent yourself and your practice, but choose comfortable shoes for walking around airports and conference or trade show spaces.
- Take notes: During the conference or trade show, take notes on the key points and insights you learn from the speakers and exhibitors. This will help you remember what you learned and make it easier to share your knowledge with your colleagues when you return to the office.
- Network: Conferences and trade shows are also great opportunities to meet and network with other professionals in the industry. Take advantage of the networking events and make connections with others who can help you in your work.
- Take breaks: Attending a conference or trade show can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to recharge your batteries. This could include taking a walk outside, grabbing a cup of coffee, or even just finding a quiet spot to sit and relax for a few minutes. Pace yourself and allow for jet lag at the conference or upon your return.
- Be selective about what you carry home: With the high cost of airline baggage these days, you don’t want to haul home a pile of brochures and programs. Instead, gather website urls and electronic contact information for products, reports and people you want to follow up on.
- Review and reflect: When you return to the office, take some time to review your notes and reflect on what you learned at the conference or trade show. Consider how you can apply what you learned to your work and share your insights with your colleagues. This will help ensure that you get the most value out of your attendance at the event.
In summary, attending a conference or trade show can be a valuable opportunity for law office administrators to learn, network, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. By planning ahead, taking notes, networking, taking breaks, and reviewing and reflecting on what you learned, you can make the most of your time and bring back valuable insights to share with your team.