One of my favorite aspects of my role with Neighborly is the ability to travel all over the world for conferences, trade shows, conventions, and retreats. These trips are not only enjoyable, but impactful as they allow me to develop my skills and deepen my knowledge and connections within my industry.
Conferences provide valuable networking opportunities, both for you and the brand you represent. They allow you to learn and become educated on developments within the industry, and if you are a speaker, gives you an opportunity to share your knowledge and wisdom with others. These events can have an everlasting impact on your relationships with your colleagues and peers. Because the environments are relaxed and laid back, they allow you to meet professionals on a personal level to establish trust and deeper connections as you build your network.
With all of the events I’ve attended over the years, I’ve learned a few lessons along the way about how to get the most out of such experiences. Here’s what you need to know about attending conferences…
Lesson #1: Introduce Yourself
Conferences are an opportunity to meet others in your shared industry or field. Never miss out on an opportunity to introduce yourself to someone you do not know. You never know who you will meet and what you might have in common!
Franchising conferences allow me to connect with a variety of people from other industry leaders to prospective franchise owners, brokers and consultants, and everyone in between. IFPG Annual Retreat, the largest franchise broker event, is a standout conference for me with great networking opportunities with top consultants. Franchise Leadership and Development Conference (FLDC) is another great opportunity to network and learn from the franchising industry’s leaders about trends, forecasts, and strategies for franchise development.
Lesson #2: Share Your Expertise
Conferences also present opportunities for you to share your expertise with your community, whether on an official panel or presentation or even just a small gathering at the bar. Being recognized as a thought leader in the industry strengthens your personal brand.
The annual IFA Convention is a great learning experience with a variety of panels and educational sessions – including ones I’ve been a part of – in addition to networking opportunities with industry leaders. Events such as the Multi-Unit Franchise Conference (MUFC) allow owners and prospects to explore franchise concepts and learn more about franchising through speaking with those in the industry.
Opportunities to speak to large groups at conferences give you a chance to share your passions as well. I had the opportunity to attend several Franchise Canada Show events hosted by the Canadian Franchise Association last year. During the exhibition in Vancouver, I was able to be on two different panels to speak on topics including diversity and franchising. I am thankful that my role with Neighborly provides me with such platforms to share my experience, knowledge, and passions.
Lesson #3: Have Fun in The Process
From networking to presenting, and enjoying fun events along the way, conferences provide invaluable opportunities to grow your skills and passions. I’m looking forward to providing that same experience to the Neighborly network at our Reunion next month.
Last year, Reunion highlights included Daymond John’s presentation on how to be successful, authentic speeches from the Franchisee of the Year winners, and a concert at Grand Ole Opry. The event provided learning opportunities from experts and each other, and the benefits cannot be overstated. This year, I’m looking forward to connecting with owners I haven’t met before, networking with other Neighborly team members, and of course, having fun in the process. Reunion gives our network a chance to experience the best conferences can offer, with insightful lessons specific to the way we operate and the chance to build relationships within our family of brands.
Whether attending a company event or an industry-wide conference, events like those allow you to develop your skills and expand your knowledge, as well as make a name for yourself in your field. If approached with the right mindset, the lessons learned from conferences can be truly career-transforming.
Written By Brian Woods, Group VP, Franchise Development.