AJPratt
Silver Member
- 6,674
What is the best advice for a first-timer attending a conference?
- Thread starter AJPratt
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The thread discusses various personal experiences and tips shared by participants regarding what first-time attendees should consider when going to a conference. Participants reflect on items to bring, strategies for networking, and ways to manage the conference experience.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
Main Points Raised
- One participant emphasizes the importance of bringing snacks, noting that conference food can be expensive and unappetizing.
- Another participant shares their experience of wearing uncomfortable shoes and advises others to prioritize comfort to avoid blisters.
- Several users mention the value of bringing business cards to exchange with other consultants.
- One participant suggests bringing a notebook and highlighter for note-taking, highlighting the need to process information after each day.
- Another participant encourages attendees to talk to everyone and step out of their comfort zone to learn from others.
- Some participants note the importance of packing a sweater due to cold conference rooms.
- One participant shares a tip about shipping items home to avoid carrying heavy supplies.
- Another user mentions the need for small bills for tips during the conference.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
There is a general agreement on the importance of comfort and preparation, particularly regarding snacks and clothing. However, views differ on the necessity of snacks, with some participants indicating they prefer minimal food while others emphasize bringing plenty.
Contextual Notes
Participants share their personal experiences from previous conferences, reflecting a range of perspectives on what to expect and how to prepare.
Who May Find This Useful
First-time conference attendees within the consultant community may find these shared experiences and tips helpful as they prepare for their upcoming event.
dannyzmom
Gold Member
- 9,271
Chef Kearns
Gold Member
- 3,304
Wear comfy shoes!! I tried to look cute in brand new shoes my first year and ended up with blistered swollen feet. Rookie mistake! Bring tons of business cards to hand out to other consultants--for tips and such.
(Carolyn--I remember them having FREE snacks at a table outside of the classrooms. I may be confused -- with Leadership, but I swear it was at National conference also. They had granola bars, candy bars, chips and pop/water)
(Carolyn--I remember them having FREE snacks at a table outside of the classrooms. I may be confused -- with Leadership, but I swear it was at National conference also. They had granola bars, candy bars, chips and pop/water)
pamperedbecky
- 4,441
Bring lots of paper to jot down notes. And a highlighter. As you're taking tons of notes and getting lots of ideas, you'll be so overwhelmed and not know what to implement first in your business when you get home. At the end of each day, I go through and highlight the top 3 ideas that I might want to try in my business. Then you at least have a starting point to start to identify the top three things out of all you learned that you want to implement.
Don't try to figure out everything you hear and come up with a plan right away. Just absorb as much as you can and process everything with your fellow cluster-mates. Don't worry about being overwhelmed....EVERYONE goes through that!
Don't try to figure out everything you hear and come up with a plan right away. Just absorb as much as you can and process everything with your fellow cluster-mates. Don't worry about being overwhelmed....EVERYONE goes through that!
kcjodih
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- 3,391
dannyzmom
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- 9,271
lacychef
- 5,691
My advise is to talk to EVERYONE! What amazed me was there were so many different kinds of people there. It shows you that anyone can do this! If you're kind of shy-you have to step out of your comfort zone. I learned so much last year just talking to complete strangers! I sat next to someone I didn't know on the HO tour, so we had lots of time to chat to & from the HO. It was great. Sit next to people you don't know in the classes too.
Take business cards too, I forgot to take mine on the HO tour, & they had everyone leave one on Doris' desk! I thought that was neat.
Like the others said, comfy shoes-comfy clothes for that matter too!
And, most important, have fun Don't worry about what's going on at home!
Take business cards too, I forgot to take mine on the HO tour, & they had everyone leave one on Doris' desk! I thought that was neat.
Like the others said, comfy shoes-comfy clothes for that matter too!
And, most important, have fun
Don't worry about what's going on at home!
AJPratt
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BethCooks4U
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AJPratt
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Jennie_becca
- 44
AlowayFamily
Gold Member
- 539
I have not been to conference, but I travel a lot as a meeting planner. I keep a bag of toiletries packed at all times (the small travel sizes) and just check to make sure all the bottles are full before I leave. Then I just throw it in my suitcase and I am ready to go.
I also recomend the sweater (as I am sitting in a meeting room right now FREEZING - and I even have the "power" to ask them to turn it down!)
If your feet get to aching when at the meeting, take acetemetaphine, or any ani-infmalmatory pain medicine before you go to bed and that will help you to walk again in the morning. You can also stick your feet in ice water and the pain will subside - although you have to be very brave to do it. Just throw some ice and a bit of water in the bath tub and dunk 'em!
Have fun!
I also recomend the sweater (as I am sitting in a meeting room right now FREEZING - and I even have the "power" to ask them to turn it down!)
If your feet get to aching when at the meeting, take acetemetaphine, or any ani-infmalmatory pain medicine before you go to bed and that will help you to walk again in the morning. You can also stick your feet in ice water and the pain will subside - although you have to be very brave to do it. Just throw some ice and a bit of water in the bath tub and dunk 'em!
Have fun!
chefmary
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- 428
dannyzmom
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AJPratt
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- 6,674
chef_leeanne
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- 434
BethCooks4U
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- 12,926
AJPratt
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- 6,674
AJPratt
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janetupnorth
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etteluap70PC
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cmdtrgd
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- 4,935
Bring a smaller suitcase inside of your main one so you can distribute the weight and be able to bring back what you buy.Have a sturdy (nalgene type) water bottle with you with a wide mouth so you can fill it with ice in the morning from the hotel.Find people with lots of ribbons on their nametags and introduce yourself to them. Ask if you can ask one burning question and get their answer - and possibly contact info.Have a burning question or a part of your business that you want to work on.Don't be shy!
PamperChefCarol
- 1,052
Talk to everyone... break out of your comfort zone and meet other consultants. Last year was my first year, and first conference, and I met so many nice consultants from all over, all so willing to share advice and ideas.
I am in the minority on snacks, all I need is a bottle of water, and maybe an apple and I am good to go. I am to busy talking to eat!!
Mystery boxes!! I love this idea. Last year being my first time, I had no idea what they were and was all alone. I walked up to a group of women, from the south I believe (can't forget the accents) and asked what all the fuss was about. They were all so gracious and friendly, one took me by the arm and said, "oh honey, it's the mystery boxes. You absolutely must get one!" And she took me over, explained the process and then back to her group to open mine. They all oohed and ahhed over what I had, and then proceeded to help me swap. It was a blast. I sure hope they have these again.
Ship everything you can home.. why carry it around when for a few dollars Fed Ex will have it at your door, maybe before you are. This includes mystery boxes, supplies, etc. And on the subject of carting things around: pare down your purses/handbags. I only carry a small bag, and it gets put inside my tote. Big enough for wallet, lipstick, kleenex, 1 tampon (you never know), motrin, phone, and some mini catalogs and business cards.
Again, don't be shy, meet new people and enjoy yourself.
I am in the minority on snacks, all I need is a bottle of water, and maybe an apple and I am good to go. I am to busy talking to eat!!
Mystery boxes!! I love this idea. Last year being my first time, I had no idea what they were and was all alone. I walked up to a group of women, from the south I believe (can't forget the accents) and asked what all the fuss was about. They were all so gracious and friendly, one took me by the arm and said, "oh honey, it's the mystery boxes. You absolutely must get one!" And she took me over, explained the process and then back to her group to open mine. They all oohed and ahhed over what I had, and then proceeded to help me swap. It was a blast. I sure hope they have these again.
Ship everything you can home.. why carry it around when for a few dollars Fed Ex will have it at your door, maybe before you are. This includes mystery boxes, supplies, etc. And on the subject of carting things around: pare down your purses/handbags. I only carry a small bag, and it gets put inside my tote. Big enough for wallet, lipstick, kleenex, 1 tampon (you never know), motrin, phone, and some mini catalogs and business cards.
Again, don't be shy, meet new people and enjoy yourself.
Paula R. Lewis
Gold Member
- 801
These pieces of advice are all great! Another tip is to be sure to bring several one dollar bills!! There were several times I needed "tip" money, and didn't come as prepared as I should have my first Conference.
One dollar bills are needed for train tickets, tips for people handling your luggage, taxi drivers, etc. And if you don't use it for tips, it's not like you can't use it somewhere else, but it sure is nice to have some ones and not all tens and twenties!!
Paula
One dollar bills are needed for train tickets, tips for people handling your luggage, taxi drivers, etc. And if you don't use it for tips, it's not like you can't use it somewhere else, but it sure is nice to have some ones and not all tens and twenties!!
Paula
chefjwr
- 619
I just went to the lake--a few days before a family trip attached to my flight to Conference. What do you think I forgot to take to the lake????? Underwear and Coffee. Oh my goodness. Don't let this happen to you. I had to wear my no butt husband's underwear while mine where washing. Not good!! Don't forget underwear. TMI right?
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for my first conference?
Be sure to pack comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll be on your feet a lot. Bring a notebook and pens for taking notes during sessions, as well as business cards to network with other attendees. Don’t forget any necessary materials related to your Pampered Chef business, such as product catalogs or samples.
How can I make the most of networking opportunities?
Introduce yourself to fellow attendees and engage in conversations about your experiences with Pampered Chef. Attend social events and breakout sessions to meet new people. Follow up with those you connect with after the conference to build lasting relationships.
What sessions should I prioritize attending?
Focus on sessions that cover topics relevant to your goals, such as sales strategies, product knowledge, and personal development. Look for workshops led by successful Pampered Chef consultants who can share their insights and tips for success.
How can I stay organized during the conference?
Before the conference, review the agenda and highlight the sessions you want to attend. Use a planner or digital app to keep track of your schedule, notes, and contacts. Set reminders for important events and allocate time for breaks to recharge.
What is the best way to follow up after the conference?
After the conference, reach out to the people you met via email or social media. Share your key takeaways from the conference and express your interest in staying connected. Consider scheduling follow-up calls or meetings to discuss potential collaborations or support.
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