Are you set up for success in 2016? Join 2,500 real estate industry leaders Aug. 4-7, 2015, at Inman Connect in San Francisco. Get Connected with the people and ideas that will inspire you and take your business to new heights. Register today and save $100 with code Readers.
Takeaways:
- Inman Connect San Francisco 2015 is right around the corner.
- With dozens of sessions and thousands of attendees, first-timers might feel overwhelmed.
- Here are tips from Connect veterans to help you navigate the event.
Inman Connect is Aug. 4-7 this year. With more than 2,000 people in attendance from around the world, how do you make the most of your time to get the most bang for your buck?
That’s the question we posed to Connect veterans: What’s your No. 1 tip for attendees to make the most out of the conference?
From taking selfies to breaking bread to sharing notes, here’s what they told us. Put their experience to work for your business and make Connect an event you won’t forget.
“When you meet someone, take a selfie with them and then a photo of their business card next. This way they are both right next to each other in your camera roll, and you will remember who you met and can follow up with them afterward.” – Joe Schutt
“Sit down in sessions next to people you don’t know and introduce yourself. Great way to make new connections.” – Andrea Geller.
“Take some time immediately after Connect and think about what you’ve seen and think of one to three things you can implement. Then work on a plan of implementation … you can work through a longer list over time but really start with one to three.” – Nikki Beauchamp
“If there is one person you really want to meet, but you are not quite sure how to go about doing it, check in with the Ambassadors and they will help you figure out how to CONNECT!!” – Joe Schutt
“Aim for a half dozen GOOD connections over the course of the week. Whether they’re Ambassadors, speakers, agents/brokers from a certain region, etc.” – Bret Calltharp
“If you attend with a friend, split up! Share your discoveries later, possibly over a drink!” – Bill Risser
“Go to dinner with a group of people you just met.” – Nate Ellis
“Set up coffee meetings with a handful of people ahead of time!” – Katie Lance
“Please watch out for getting sucked into too much ‘LOBBYCon!’ The event is in the room. If you have ‘no place to go’ ask any Ambassador what to do and where to go, and there will be a plethora of options and invites.” – Jeff Lobb
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and make sure to contribute when you can. We want to know about you and your business. #bettertogether” – Elza Hayen
“Look up from your device and try to sit next to someone new each time. If attending with friends or team members, divide and conquer to cover all the sessions taking place. Aim for a few great connections — use meals to bond with people.” – Nikki Beauchamp
“Whether in Startup Alley or speaking with any of the vendors, find a couple who are amazing to you and that you feel can really help your business. Then get to know these vendors really well over the course of Inman so you have a great contact as you start to use their product. – Joe Schutt
“When Inman is over, don’t try and implement all of the things you’ve learned while there. Take a few of them and start with that. Once fully implemented, then try others.” – Joe Schutt
“Look at the speaker list and the attendee list (the app is great for that) and make plans to reach out in advance if possible … so you can get more than a hi/bye in.” – Nikki Beauchamp
“Attend a session that you don’t think will be of interest to you. You will probably be very surprised at what you take away from it. One of the best ways to expand your horizons.” – Andrea Geller
Looking for more great ways to Connect at Connect? Try these posts for more ideas. See you there!