Three Benefits of Attending an Out-Of-State Networking Event By Yourself
Plus a few tips on how to make a solo trip easier
Courtesy of Urban Land Institute’s Young Leaders Exchange
Last month, I had the privilege of attending Urban Land Institute’s Young Leaders Exchange hosted in Cleveland—my first out-of-state networking event.
Going on a business trip alone was out of my comfort zone. It would be my first time visiting Ohio, and navigating the traveling was a bit disconcerting. I’m also a self-described introvert, so heading into a networking event made me nervous. However, aside from really enjoying myself after the conference, I realized there are significant career benefits of attending the exchange solo.
Meeting New People
Young professionals from all over the U.S. gathered in Cleveland for the exchange. I was the only New Jerseyan out of nearly 50 attendees and was able to have conversations with people from states I had never visited. It was wonderful to connect with like-minded individuals from drastically different backgrounds from my own. Initially, I was a little uncomfortable, but the nerves subsided once I introduced myself. The more I did it, the easier it got.
Exploring Different Industries
Working in public relations set me apart from the other attendees since I was the only one working at an agency. I loved discussing how the work we do at Violet PR intersects with economic development. Additionally, I learned about the various industries the other attendees work in, such as architecture, engineering, construction, and commercial real estate. I was able to bring that new knowledge back with me to share with the Violet PR team.
Strengthening Communication Skills
As a self-described introvert, social skills are a muscle I'm constantly strengthening. Attending the Young Leaders Exchange in Cleveland alone helped me with my communication skills and was a huge step in my personal and professional development. Would it have been fun to have one of my colleagues join me in Cleveland? Sure! But I feel more confident knowing I can have enriching experiences and foster professional relationships on my own.
My trip was successful partly because of my preparation in advance. Here are a few tips that helped ease my nerves before the conference and helped my visit go as smoothly as possible:
Courtesy of Urban Land Institute’s Young Leaders Exchange
3 Tips to Make Your Out-of-State Conference a Success
Research logistics in advance
Unless you’re already familiar with the event’s location, it's helpful to research the area for information on the climate, transportation options, popular tourist attractions, and distance between landmarks. You want to spend your time at the conference making connections, not worrying about logistics.
Connect with a few attendees on LinkedIn before the conference
Connect with a few attendees in your field on LinkedIn before the conference. The conference attendee list is often available to confirmed registrants ahead of the event. Once there, you’ll already have some familiarity when introducing yourself.
Set aside time for personal activities
Finally, try to set aside time for personal activities. Event organizers work hard to fill the itinerary with tours and other things to do related to your industry, but there may be something you want to check out that’s not included on the agenda. During my trip to Cleveland, I scheduled time to visit Lake Erie, which was on my bucket list. Plus, scheduling some downtime to decompress from all the socializing is helpful.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and attend work events alone. The benefits will last throughout your career.