I have long been an advocate for attending conferences that are relevant to your business or blog (or sometimes personal) growth. I used to attend at least one a year, and have since I started blogging. Then I also look for local events as well. I’m getting back out there again recently.

I know how quickly these days or weekends can go, as you fit in time to network, to learn and to absorb as much as you can in a short amount of time. You may leave the event feeling overwhelmed which is why I recommend having a post-conference plan of action.

Now what?

I’ve put together my post conference tips to help you exit the fog (and come to realize that no, you don’t have a vat of coffee at the back of every room now that you are home).

Try these tips after your next event to maximize your post-conference experience.

1- The Business Card Shuffle

Do you still pass out business cards? I do and I love them. After the event , I task myself with going through the cards, following people on LinkedIn, Instagram (although I usually do that at the conference or event), and checking out websites.

I also like using them to send emails about our connection.

2- Go in with a goal, come out with a plan

Sure, many of us are overwhelmed at the thought of what the future may bring and planning for immediate and long term goals. I get that. But I also LOVE setting some goals each year. You want to get featured on another website? Make it a goal, and find out what you need to do to reach that goal (setting a goal and working to achieve the goal are very different things!) Looking to attend more networking functions? Make that a goal. Having a strategy filled with goals, even if ghostly at times, really can help.

If at your conference you thought of something that you want to do, or learned a new skill to try, make it part of your goal setting. These events are usually intended to help us learn something, grow or connect. Choose which path you want or combine them.

hint: goals can change!

3- Follow up and Connect

Now that you are following a bunch of new people, start chatting with them. Look at your business and those you connected with and consider how you might be able to form collaborations. Even if there are no potential ‘opportunities’, just having fun people to chat with is pretty great. These relationships matter.

hint: follow event socials before AND after the actual event to keep the convos going.

4- Draft out content, topics and ideas

It may seem like you want to have a word vomit all in one post about your goals or experience or ideas, but take a quick step back and see how you might be able to organize your ideas into various content pieces. Don’t skip on sharing your story and experience, that deserves it’s own post if you want to do a recap, but take your notes and ideas that you’ve had and start opening up drafts in your WordPress or in a word document. Jot a few notes down, insert images that you may be able to create a post around and hit ‘save draft’ for future development.

Conferences and events are content filled!

5- Set a ‘staff meeting’ for 2 or 3 months from now.

Meet with yourself in a few months and check back on your notes. Re-read any posts or journal entries about your goals and plans and check to see where you are at. Does something need tweaking? Are you on the right path? Is there some follow up you need to do? Maybe the path has changed. But checking back will motivate you and encourage you to move on and best capitalize on what you’ve learned.

Put this meeting in your calendar after the event!

In-person connections matter in business. You don’t need to go into an event or conference with a detailed strategy to get your ROI. Instead, think about the relationship opportunities and building your community. The rest will follow.