Photo by Nikki Beauchamp
It’s a couple weeks until Inman Connect New York. As an ICNY veteran, I would suggest making a few lists before the event. It’s the perfect preparation for the opportunity to be in a room filled to the brim with smart people.
A few lists to consult while making your list:
Who’s on first?
I always take a look at the schedule for the week and mark the must-attend sessions. Because often there are sessions taking place concurrently and most of us don’t have clones — this is a great opportunity to discuss the event with team members or colleagues attending and attempt to divide and conquer.
Then afterward, perhaps in a post-event mastermind or accountability group, you can share notes as a group.
Who’s on the ICNY speaker list?
I not only look at the topic sentences and descriptions of sessions but also at the speaker list. Then I choose the speakers I absolutely cannot miss or those I’ve been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to hear.
I’m very excited about the keynotes this year and several other panelists throughout the week. I further earmark any speakers I might specifically want to meet in person or reconnect with. I love ideas from outside the industry, and I value those speakers being at Connect.
Who are the sponsors and exhibitors featured at ICNY?
Take a look at the sponsors and exhibitors. Connect is a tremendous opportunity to connect with some of your current vendors as well as discovering new ones.
I still remember connecting with the team from Contactually several years ago when they had just launched and how they resolved an issue I had (and I’ve been a happy Contactually user for several years).
The New Kids On The Block panel at Connect and Startup Alley are two of my must-sees at any Connect I’ve attended in recent years.
Who will be at ICNY?
Take a look at the Inman 101 list. The annual Inman list of influential leaders in real estate is an excellent look at the landscape of the industry. I look at the current list and a few years’ prior.
I check to see who might I want to meet and who might I know who can facilitate a warm introduction. (Hint: The next list will totally help you with introductions to attendees, speakers, sponsors and just about anyone you can think of — within reason.)
What’s an Inman Ambassador, and who are they?
Take a look at the list for the current conference as well as the broader community of Inman Ambassadors. These are some of the most intelligent and connected minds in the industry.
Seek them out and ask questions — you never know the ideas and friendships that will come and the impact they might have on your life and your business.
Make a social list
I’m gonna make this ultra easy for you. Here’s a short checklist of social media and social happenings you need to watch out for.
- Pop onto the Inman Coast to Coast Group on Facebook
- Follow the #ICNY hashtag on Twitter
- Join the Slack channel for ICNY
- Follow all the Inman social channels
Pro tip: Try to connect with people in advance of the conference as well as during. Maybe you will want to share an Uber to or from the airport. Maybe you’re looking for someone to have breakfast or work out with.
I had some fascinating conversations walking during ICSF. Head to soul cycle, a yoga class or simply chill out over a cocktail — the possibilities are endless.
Take a look at those connections you value most, and if they might also be at Connect, find ways to deepen them, and if you can that week, set aside time in advance.
For me, Connect, especially Inman Connect New York, is a special opportunity to connect with people from around the world in my own backyard as well as to meet new people.
I try to arrange to have dinners with my closest colleagues (a list that grows each year), and I also organize a property tour to showcase amazing properties in this extraordinary city I call home. (If you ever need NYC tips, real estate or otherwise, ping me.)
So, what’s on your list? Hopefully, it’s meeting us in Manhattan in January. Not too late to register for any of the Connect events — what are you waiting for? How can I help you?
Nicole Beauchamp — a born-and-bred Manhattanite — is a resource for friends, colleagues and clients who have decided to make New York their home.