7 Things to Do Before You Go to a Conference - Plan to Learn

I go to creative gatherings for business. And fun. Next week I'm going to a creative conference at Missouri Star Quilt Company. They're having their first every Missouri Star Academy. It's 2 days with some great industry people coming to share. So for the next 7 days I'm counting down with 7 things (1 a day) to do before you go to a conference. Things I do. 

Conferences, meetings, really any gathering takes effort and energy to attend, especially for Home-based Biz Moms. There's family juggling and organizing before leaving. (That topic's for another day) Effort and energy go into going.

The other night I went to a business presentation put on by Blog Talk KC. ​On my way there I realized that once again I didn't bring any biz related info with me. I've done this on more than one occasion. A wasted opportunity.

I don't usually waste my chances with longer conferences. The things I do before those can be applied to shorter meetings as well. It's been my mental checklist but since I'm planning for Missouri Star Academy it's now begin committed to print.

#7 • PLAN TO LEARN

There's a reason you're going to the gathering. Likely it's to learn something. You want some new skill, information, experiences or expertise. There's a purpose.

A purpose always brings things back around to its original intent. No aimless wandering. No missed opportunities. No getting home and thinking that the conference was a waste of time. When it's clear what the target is there's a better chance of hitting it.

Answer this question -

What is my purpose in going to this conference and what do I want to learn?

Have as many or as few as wanted. But it's a good idea to write them down.

Conferences are known for information overload. Organizers don't want to disappoint. Usually that leaves little time for being reflective, retaining messages or putting into play what you've learned. Part of the Plan to Learn is Note Taking. The lessons you're being taught are valuable that's why you're there to get them. Writing, seeing and hearing helps you remember. By about 50% better than not doing it. As a bonus, if you take those notes, turnaround and then Teach it you up your chances of learning by 90%. 

Planning to Learn before you even go will make the conference a productive return on your creative investment. Anyone else going to  Missouri Star Academy?

Before Conference -

1) What do I want to learn & what's my purpose in going?
2) Pack a Note-Taking book

At or After Conference -

1) Take Notes
​2) Teach from Notes