During one of my first American Advertising Federation (AdFed) conferences, I spent what a non-digital creative would consider an exorbitant amount of time discussing Wacom tablets, Canva and Marvel while scoping out what styles of Converse footwear people were wearing. For AdFed, this all made sense. Being around people who speak your language and view the world through a similar lens can be rejuvenating.
Community can transform a potentially isolating experience into one of camaraderie. When I attend a gathering for my industry, I follow the following tips:
TRY NOT TO HIDE
Use your hotel room for showering and sleeping only. It can be a haven if you don’t know anyone or have been overstimulated by the influx of information from workshops. Alone time can be rejuvenating, so take a moment to recharge – but just a moment. I encourage you to not forgo a chance to share a meal with someone new or catch up with someone you met previously. This opportunity doesn’t come often, so use the moment to build relationships that can lead to you gaining true colleagues, not just acquaintances.
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
Have goals in mind before your plane takes off. During my trip to the National Speakers Association’s conference, I had a clear set of goals, from offering face-to-face invites to potential speakers for NSA New Orleans, meeting people I had only seen on Zoom for some masterminding and seeking potential partners for a business venture. Because I was targeted, it was clear whether my attendance had an impact for the chapter and my business. Every move and conversation that struck a task off my list felt like an accomplishment.
BE INTENTIONAL WITH TIME
To prevent well-taken conference notes from ending up unused, I stayed an extra day to reflect, plan and put into action three techniques I learned. I also pulled out the stack of cards from those who offered to share words of wisdom or connect after the end. Each one of them received an invite for a follow-up Zoom meeting.
Let me know your tips for building community. I’m on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @lashaundramcarty.
LaShaundra McCarty is the National Speakers Association New Orleans chapter president and American Advertising Federation Gulf Coast president elect/vice president of fundraising. Reach her at lashaundramccarty@gmail.com.
