Key Takeaways:
- Virtual events are a great way for women in business to network and expand their skillsets without having to take on the expense and hassle of travel.
- Prepare for the event by understanding the format, ensuring digital security, and blocking your calendar.
- During the event, take notes on important topics and look for opportunities to network with speakers or fellow attendees.
Conferences, networking sessions and similar events help women in business expand their knowledge and build stronger professional connections. These virtual events offer a cost and time-effective way to grow your career.
Preparing for online conferences, and understanding their differences from in-person counterparts, can help you get the most out of them. Consider this practical guidance for making the most of virtual events before attending your next online session.
Before the Event
Virtual Event Software: Many conferences leverage some form of software to enable event success and boost attendee engagement. Virtual event software allows for a data-rich simulation of an in-person gathering, with features like video and voice along with text chat, screen sharing and the distribution of links to documents and presentations.
The organizer will select the software used, so the best piece of advice is to download it early and take the time to get familiar with the chosen software. Install it ahead of time, and check out tutorial videos and FAQ pages if you run into issues.
Types of Virtual Events: Virtual events are similar to in-person gatherings, although their ability to reach a global audience and electronically share information sets them apart. Prepare based on the type of event you plan to attend to position yourself for success.
- Conferences: Topics and scheduled meetings can cover a broad range of opportunities, issues and concerns, from moving past fears of financial disruption to supporting the next generation of women business leaders.
- Webinars: Knowledgeable presenters share their experiences and expertise, often with a question-and-answer session afterward.
- Networking gatherings: Professional associations and similar groups may organize events that focus on building professional connections and learning from distinguished women in business.
Digital Security: A digital event is an exciting opportunity to connect with women across the world of business, learn about powerful leadership practices and develop your professional network. However, you still need to follow best practices for staying safe online.
The Comerica Bank cyber awareness guide for businesses is a great place to start. Take the time to address the digital and physical security measures we have outlined, and be especially aware of situations where you are asked to share sensitive business or banking information.
During the Event
No matter what type of event you attend, here are simple tips to get the most out of your time and effort:
Focus: If you’re going to invest in a virtual event, give it your full attention. Start by blocking your calendar and letting coworkers know you’ll be unavailable during the event. Set your phone and other distractions aside. This will help you put full focus on the topic.
Notes: Be ready to take notes on important topics and gather contact information when a networking opportunity presents itself. Keeping a pen and paper on hand or a blank document open is an easy way to get more out of virtual events.
Networking: Identify chances to build your network. Did a speaker’s message truly resonate with you, or did you find you have something in common with an attendee who wrote in a question during a Q&A session? Seek them out on LinkedIn or other social media networks to build a relationship.
After the Event
Action: Look for opportunities to put what you have learned into action. Consider the advice provided by a keynote speaker or experienced businesswoman in a breakout session, and take the time to find ways to apply it to your own career.
Follow-Up: Create a follow-up routine for your new networking contacts. Make sure you’ve connected on LinkedIn. Then, send a short note or share an article. If you made a stronger connection, you can schedule a virtual call to talk through takeaways from the conference. Either way, invest time in expanding your new relationships.
Opportunities: Consider opportunities to host your own webinar. If you have a depth of knowledge about a particular topic and are interested in hosting your own event, pay close attention to how the next webinar you attend is structured. Look for both positives and negatives, and keep them in mind when creating your event.
Callout: Invest time after the event to make sure you’re putting lessons into action and planning for future events.
Ready to learn more?
Comerica Bank supports women in business with a variety of financial services and resources. To learn more about partnering with Comerica Bank for your business banking needs, get in touch with us today.
