Tools for Virtual Networking Before Arriving at an Event
September 21, 2014
Hit the ground running at your next industry event! Make contact and connections with others in your field before you arrive at the venue so that your face-to-face meetings are productive and not centered around “Who are you?” and “What do you do?” questions. New technology is popping up daily to address this very issue. Below are a few new and old, but good, ways to network prior to an event.
Event Web Site
Many events offer a web portal that requires a login and profile. This isn’t just an extra hassle put in place to annoy you. In most cases, this collection of personal data is then used to match you with similar colleagues or those looking for your products and services. Set aside five minutes, a few weeks out from the event, to complete your profile and search the exhibitor and attendee lists. In these five minutes you may uncover a gold mine of potential business contacts that you otherwise would not have found just by roaming the expo floor. Usually, the website offers a way to securely/privately email individuals that you are interested in so that you can schedule an onsite meeting without cold calling or hassling them.
Updating your LinkedIn profile is crucial, as it is becoming more common for networking tools to connect with individuals’ LinkedIn profiles so that a new profile is not required. Once your profile is current, look for the official event group or page on LinkedIn and join or connect with it. Then follow and post to the discussions started by the group. You will quickly find new connections through others who have joined the group. Make individual connections with those posting on topics of interest or who work in your field. Offer to meet face-to-face at a session or networking event scheduled during the conference or expo.
Mobile App
Download the events mobile app which can be very useful for researching exhibitors that you want to meet and selecting the sessions that you would like to attend. Some apps allow you to make direct contact with exhibitors to schedule onsite meetings. In addition, attendee-to-attendee networking technology is becoming more widely available in event apps. Some apps utilize the user’s LinkedIn profile for the attendee-to-attendee networking feature. This not only saves you time in that you do not have to create a second profile, but it also allows the connections that you make at the event to live beyond the event dates. These connections are now also part of your LinkedIn network. You can use the app’s networking feature to see who is attending the event. You may be attending alone and feel apprehensive or intimidated by to do so then this feature can aid in your decision to attend the event or not. Once you decide to attend and login in to the networking feature you can use the app to search for attendees with like interests and then send emails or request to become a connection. In addition, some mobile apps offer the ability to post directly to the event’s social media pages from the event app, allowing you to easily follow and start conversations with others at the event.
Professional Contact QRCode
This one may take you out of your comfort zone, but it will make a lasting impression. When planning to attend a networking function, or if you will be visiting many expo booths, create a QR code that links to your company page, professional website, or LinkedIn profile. Create stickers with the QR Code that you can place on your name badge. When you meet someone new and want to share your contact info, ask them to scan your QR code. Your information is now saved in their mobile device rather than at the bottom of a pile of business cards. Be sure to get their info as well, so that you can follow up later. You can always jog their memory by reminding them that they scanned your QR code.
Planely
Planely is an online tool that allows you to connect with others who are travelling in the same direction you are. You simply enter your travel information (flight details, hotel, and reason for travel) and the tool connects you with others who may be on your flight, staying in the same hotel, or going to the same event. You can now take advantage of this untapped time in your day for meeting new people, sharing a drink or meal, or a cab to the hotel. You never know what may come out of these “chance” meetings.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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