Attending conventions is a great opportunity to speak to new potential customers and investors, and can open up new doors for you and your business. Get the most out of attending with some of our suggestions:

1. What are your goals?

First things first—define your goals for the convention. It's important that you know what you want to accomplish so you can take the steps to achieve those goals. Here are a few paths you can strive for:

• Networking with other businesses in your industry
• Increasing exposure to customers & investors
• Building your contact list
• Learning from others in your industry
• Using the convention to boost your social media

2. Choosing the right convention

Choose the right convention for your company. Consider the audience that will be going, as well as other businesses that plan on attending. Here are a few things to look out for concerning the convention:

• Active social media channels
• A professional website
• Potential exposure

3. Start preparing

Once you’ve decided on the right convention, give yourself three months to start preparing. It can take a lot longer than you might think, so don’t be afraid to start planning early! Consider these things during your prep time:

• Evaluate the competition
• Acquire good signage
• Order printed marketing materials
• Get the media list
• Let your audience know you’ll be there

4. Time for the convention

Now it’s time for the convention to get started—and this is the fun part! The two most important things to do while you're there are meeting new people and posting on social media. Stay connected with your current audience while investing time in new ones.

5. The aftermath

Once you’ve returned from your trip, the work is almost over but there are a few more things to do. Make sure you advertise your time there and follow up with all your business leads.

Conventions are a great opportunity for businesses to grow their customer base and gain new exposure. Have a great time marketing your business and networking with new people!