3i Africa Summit 2024 (and tips to make the most out of an international conference or networking event)
Last month, I had the privilege of attending the 3i Africa Summit in Ghana, the first of its kind in the region centred around Fintech and The Digital Economy. The conference took place from the 13th to the 15th of May, 2024.
To learn more about the conference, please refer to my separate article here.
If you’ve followed my journey for a while, by now you know I’m big on networking and conferences.
This was not my first conference, but it’s important that I note this was the first conference I have attended outside the East of Africa.
For some reason, not factoring this, I took little time to prepare as I thought, “I’m used to networking and events, I shouldn’t struggle much with this one.”
However, this was not the case.
While the event organizers did send out a lot of emails on what to do, and expect once we got there, I did not open a single email. It was, thus, no surprise, that the first day was just a confused mess. Today, I’ll be sharing some tips on how to ensure you’re well prepped for international conferences.
Tips to Make the Most Out of an International Conference
Attending an international conference is a significant opportunity for growth and networking. To ensure you make the most of this experience, strategic planning is key. Here are some practical tips to help you maximize the benefits
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PLAN YOUR SCHEDULE IN ADVANCE
This goes for all conferences, whether local, or international. As you make the travel to a new country, you especially want to ensure you prioritize doing this as things can be a bit “new” or different to your ways of doing things in your country. Review the conference agenda beforehand, identify key sessions and speakers of interest and lock that time. Set an alarm, or reminder up on your phone if you have to. This planning helps you allocate your time effectively and not miss important sessions, panels or presentations.
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CHECK YOUR EMAILS REGULARLY
And carefully so as not to miss out on important information such as dress code, changes of schedules and discounts that could benefit you within your stay there. Most international conferences partner with hotels (as witnessed in Ghana) to make accomodation affordable, while others partner with transport companies (as witnessed in my home country, Kenya) to make transport affordable. Regardless, you might miss out on this if you don’t check emails.
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WEAR SOMETHING UNIQUE
Want to stand out without having to do much? As an introvert, I often struggled being the first to reach out to people at networking events, till I went to one and one of the attendees pointed this tip out: always wear something unique, especially if you’re shy. People will be drawn to you and will often times, start the conversation through an innocent, “I like your glasses”, or, “I like your watch.” Find out what unique means for you, and make that your signature. For me, it’s forever my glasses. That’s my signature!
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NETWORK ACTIVELY
Engage with other attendees meaningfully, request to follow them on their official social media platforms such as LinkedIn to ensure you stay connected. Building connections can lead to future collaborations and opportunities.
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PARTICIPATE IN DISCUSSIONS
Ask questions and contribute to discussions during sessions to deepen your understanding and visibility. Active participation enhances learning and showcases your expertise.
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USE SOCIAL MEDIA
Share your conference experiences on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn to connect with a broader audience. This practice increases your professional visibility and can lead to additional networking opportunities.
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TAKE NOTES EFFECTIVELY
Jot down key points, ideas, and contacts during sessions for future reference. Efficient note-taking helps retain important information and serves as a resource post-conference.
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FOLLOW UP AFTER THE CONFERENCE
Reach out to new contacts with a follow-up email or message to strengthen connections. This step is crucial for maintaining and nurturing professional relationships.
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REFLECT ON YOUR EXPERIENCE
After the conference, take time to reflect on what you learned and how it applies to your work. Reflection aids in integrating new knowledge and ideas into your professional practice.
Making the most out of an international conference requires active participation, strategic networking, and reflective learning. By following these tips, you can ensure that your conference experience is not only enriching but also instrumental in advancing your professional journey. Remember, the true value of a conference lies in what you take away from it and how you apply it in your career.
Bottom Lines
Attending international conferences has many different advantages, and it can help shape careers and broaden perspectives. These events promote professional and personal development in addition to offering a forum for networking and learning from international experts.
Every element, whether through learning new things, exchanging research, or travelling to different nations, adds to a more comprehensive and knowledgeable viewpoint. Attendees can optimise these advantages by actively planning and participating, transforming every conference into a springboard for greater success.
Consequently, seizing the chances presented by global conferences can be a life-changing event that results in unrivalled development, fresh partnerships, and expanded perspectives.
Which of these tips resonate with you the most?
Let me know in the comments section below!
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