Three Tips to Get the Most Out of Any Conference

Every professional in every field grapples with how to extract genuine value from a conference. 

The same thing is true for investors going to, say, a conference on real estate. It’s easy to see why. The sheer volume of information can be paralyzing, and being immersed in the busy and highly engaging conference setting only compounds that feeling. 

If you don’t set your expectations properly, you might end up feeling like a small fish lost in a vast ocean, swimming aimlessly among the multitude of choices and opportunities in front of you—unfortunately seizing none. 

But what if you could go into any conference with a game plan and specific outcomes in mind? What if every moment you spend there is aligned with your goals? 

To prevent any overwhelming feelings, go into a conference with a defined plan and set of expectations. It’s like plotting your course before taking a big trip. But instead of planning to hit specific places of interest or eat at certain restaurants, you will be scoping out the networking events, sessions, exhibitions, and presentations. 

Let’s craft a one-two-three gameplan by considering three essential tips to ensure you walk away from any conference—virtual or in-person—with value and clarity. It’s time to get the most out of the conference experience. 

Table of Contents

TIP 1 – Make One Great Connection

Your network is your net worth. Make it a priority to come away with at least one great connection. I cannot emphasize this enough. Conferences, be it virtual or in-person, offer a unique opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and potential collaborators. 

You may be thinking, “It’s easy to connect at an in-person conference, but what about virtual ones?” Don’t let that be an obstacle. Virtual conferences have chat rooms, breakout sessions, and networking tools that can help you initiate conversations. So, whether you’re shaking hands or sending a direct message, the idea is to be proactive. 

Why just one connection and not many? Because genuine, meaningful connections often require time and effort. Quality over quantity. Too many connections will spread your efforts thin, and there’s a chance none of them will develop. And remember, the connection you do make can lead to new projects, investment opportunities, or even lifelong friendships. The potential upside is limitless. 

I’ll never forget my first real estate conference. Between sessions and during a coffee run at the cafeteria, I made a connection. Initially, we talked about our lives and goals, and we found that there was commonality. We set up a meeting to talk after the conference, and in the years since, that connection has resulted in at least six-figures of extra income opportunities. Connections create value.

TIP 2 – Acquire Two Valuable Resources

What do I mean by “valuable resources”? It’s not simply pamphlets. Think broader. Maybe it’s a new software tool that will help streamline your operations. Or perhaps it’s an insightful book or podcast that resonates with your current situation. It could even be an unfinished connection with a conference sponsor or exhibitor that would like to continue a conversation with you after the conference.

Virtual conferences have a slight edge here. With downloadable content, links, and web-based tools, you can quickly gather resources without the physical baggage. Regardless as to whether you’re bookmarking a website or tucking a book into your conference bag, acquire resources with usability and relevance to your personal growth and professional goals. 

I make it a point to meet as many of the sponsors and operators as possible, then set up some calls for after the conference. Maybe only one or two might become investment partners, but those resources help me get to where I want to be—generating more passive income as I work toward financial freedom. 

And again, like with connections, it’s about quality over quantity. Don’t make it a habit to collect resources for the sake of it. Instead, find ones that will genuinely make a difference in your life and practice.

TIP 3 – Define Three Actionable Steps

The energy and inspiration from conferences can wane quickly once you’re back in your daily routine. To ensure you’re maximizing your conference experience, it’s essential to leave a conference ready to hit the ground running with new, actionable steps. 

I’m always talking to my communities about the importance of actionable steps. Educating yourself is one thing; taking action is something else entirely. In order to grow and achieve your dreams, you must take action. Therefore, make it a priority to leave a conference with three actionable steps. Pushing yourself further, make it your goal to take those actions within the first-week post-conference. 

What might they look like? Maybe one is reaching out to that great connection you made. Or prioritize a resource—finish that book while the conference ideas are fresh in your mind. I like to listen to resource books on Audible on my way home from the conference. Here’s another idea: If a new tool or idea you learned about could be implemented to make your practice more efficient, set up a meeting with your team to get that process started. 

For virtual conference attendees, you might again have an advantage here. Sessions are often posted on the conference webpage to rewatch. You could make it an actionable step to review them and define your next moves. 

Create a list of possible next steps, whether your notes are on your smartphone or scribbled in a notebook. They can be big or small things—but they should provide progress. From that list, prioritize the top three and then jot down notes before you leave the conference about how you will get them done. Then, check them off as you accomplish each. In other words, be proactive and intentional about your post-conference actions. 

If you’re super ambitious, try to complete one actionable step before you even leave the conference!

The Magic of Serendipity

Next time you approach a conference, use this one-two-three gameplan to make the most of your experience. 

And in any endeavor, the richest rewards often come from the least obvious places. It’s not always the loudest keynote speaker or the shiniest booth that brings the most value. Instead, it’s the quiet conversation in the corner, the unplanned meet-up, or the unexpected resource that turbocharges a growth opportunity. 

While planning and setting intentions for the conference, keep in mind that there’s also magic in serendipity. Expect the unexpected, and be open to it. As you venture to your next conference with our three tips in hand, leave a little room for spontaneous magic. Every corner of a conference can unlock valuable experiences.

And speaking of valuable experiences, I’d like to extend an invitation to you. Join us at our hybrid conference, PIMDCON, geared toward physicians interested in entrepreneurship and real estate investment. It’s a blend of in-person and virtual experiences that presents a wealth of knowledge, connections, and yes, those unexpected moments of magic. Details are available on our website, and we’d love to see you there. 

Continue your pursuit of knowledge and growth! Along the way, we here at Passive Income MD are here to support you on your journey.

Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.

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