Inclusive Networking and Hosting at Conference
Hundreds of image consultants in one place
In May of each year hundreds of image consultants from all over the world congregate in a major US city for conference. Like most conference attendees they are there to update their skills, network with peers and connect with old friends.
Hot stuff
This year our AICI conference was held in Phoenix Arizona. Yes it was hot, in more ways than one. Hot speakers and topics as well as warm people coming from Canada and the US as well as from destinations as far off as Nigeria, Argentina and Australia. (See the photos below)
Joanne with fellow CIPS (Certified Image Professionals) AICI 2013 Conference Phoenix
What About Newcomers?
Now one of most important conference events is the First Timers Meet and Greet Reception where newcomers are given a warm welcome along with a special name tag that identifies them as newcomers. This tag is important so that others who have been in the business for a while, can reach out and make them feel included.
We were all first timers once
I remember what it was like attending my very first conference, back in 1998 not knowing anyone, having to navigate on my own and wondering why I even came. Since that experience my biggest satisfaction comes from welcoming newcomers such as Leila (sitting beside me in the photo below) from the Philippines and getting to know her better throughout conference.
Making new members and 1st timers welcome
In a perfect world we would all remember to put on our host hats and engage newcomers. Sometimes we are so eager to catch up with old friends that we ignore or don’t think to include 1st timers. Many conferences are starting to be more proactive in their 1st timer reception and include a bit of networking/conversation training to empower connection and ROI for conference newcomers.
A vital part of conference
Terry and I have created a short, fun ice breaker program called Connecting at Conference for 1st Timers. We’re presenting it in a return engagement at The Canadian Payroll Association Conference later this month due to it’s success two years ago. Remember what it felt like to attend your first conference, if you know of any conference that could benefit from hosting such an event, please pass along our contact information.
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