Defence conferences provide a unique opportunity for delegates to get up close and personal with government decision makers. These events feature overviews of upcoming contracts, programmes and frameworks that could be beneficial for military personnel and contractors alike. Not only is this a great networking opportunity, but it’s also an excellent way to learn more about projects coming down the pipeline. Keep reading to find out how you can make the most of your defence conference experience. 

What you can expect at a defence conference  

At a defence conference, you will get valuable insights into future opportunities. Here, you’ll find a wide range of specialists who can provide advice on how to best position yourself in order to take advantage of potential contracts. This includes networking with fellow delegates and learning about their own experiences in the field. You’ll hear from experts on the various aspects of defence contracting such as legalities, regulations and requirements.  

Understanding upcoming contracts  

At defence conferences, delegates will have the chance to learn more about upcoming contracts related to various programmes in simulation, education and training. This is a great opportunity for those who are looking for potential partners or suppliers to complete different types of contracts. It’s important to remember that not all contracts are created equal; some may require specific criteria to qualify as a supplier or partner. Being well-informed about these requirements before attending the conference will help ensure that you are able to make the most of your time there.  

Make the most of your time at a defence conference  

Attending a defence conference is an excellent way for business owners in the sector to stay up-to-date on industry trends and prepare for upcoming projects or tenders. Delegates will have the chance to engage with decision makers from various governments who are looking for potential partners or suppliers in order to complete contracts related to their respective training and simulation programmes. When attending seminars or workshops, take notes throughout so that you have something tangible to refer back to when necessary.  

Insights you need to know 

Learning about upcoming contracts also helps delegates understand the structure of government procurement processes better, allowing you to strategise when it comes to submitting bids on future projects. By understanding how different organisations approach tendering and awarding contracts, delegates can anticipate any changes that may occur during the process and be prepared if anything unexpected arises. This knowledge is especially useful for those involved in simulation and training as it allows them to adapt quickly should any changes arise during the commissioning of a project. 

Defence conferences allow you to keep up with trends in the industry  

Defence conferences provide attendees with an opportunity to stay up-to-date on trends in the industry. Delegates can hear from thought leaders about what’s going on in the world of defence today, as well as get exclusive previews into upcoming products or services that could be game changers for their business or organisation. This kind of information can give them an advantage when it comes to preparing for future projects or staying ahead of their competition – two things every successful business needs. 

Attending defence conferences can be beneficial for those who wish to stay informed on upcoming contracts related to military training and simulation projects. Not only do they offer an understanding of what’s coming down the pipeline soon but they also provide lots of networking opportunities – both locally and internationally – which can result in valuable industry insights being shared by delegates, exhibitors and speakers alike. 

Connect with like-minded professionals in the Defence, Simulation, Education and Training industries at DSET 2023. Register to attend here.

Do Your Research  

Before attending a conference, it is essential that you research the topics that will be discussed and the speakers who will be presenting them. This will enable you to have a better understanding of the topics and ensure that your time at the event is well spent. Additionally, researching ahead of time can give you an idea of which sessions to attend and which ones to skip based on your specific interests.  

Be prepared  

When attending any type of conference, it is important that you come prepared with everything that you need. Make sure that you bring along all necessary documents such as identification cards or other forms of proof of admission. It is also important to bring along writing materials so that when something interesting comes up during a session, or when someone says something particularly insightful, you can take notes and remember it later on.  

Plan your Trip Ahead of Time  

Defence conferences tend to move quickly and are often packed with events and activities. To make sure you don’t miss out on anything important, plan your trip ahead of time. Take some time to go over the event agenda in advance so you know what topics will be discussed and which sessions you would like to attend. This will give you an idea of what type of discussions you can expect to have when networking with fellow delegates. It will also help ensure that you don’t miss any important talks or events during your stay. 

Post on social media  

During sessions where photography/videography is allowed, take photos or short clips throughout and post them on social media with relevant hashtags that will draw attention to both your work and that particular session. You can also tweet out key points from presentations or discussions taking place during the breaks between sessions – this helps build up interest in what will be discussed next and provides viewers with useful insights into what goes on behind closed doors at these events. And don’t forget about LinkedIn – joining professional groups related to defence conferences is a great way to find like-minded individuals who are interested in subjects important to you. 

Top Tip 

Follow and engage with DSET’s Twitter and LinkedIn Communities. These platforms allow members to network with other professionals in their related field, exchange ideas, participate in relevant discussions and share industry research. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to connect with likeminded individuals or become more informed about defence security or military simulation topics. 

Take advantage of networking opportunities  

One of the best ways to make the most out of your conference experience is by taking advantage of networking opportunities with industry leaders and like-minded individuals alike. Take every opportunity presented in order to learn from others as well as share your own experiences and knowledge with them.  

Get to know the speakers 

Ask questions during sessions; reach out via social media before and after sessions; exchange contact details with those who may have similar interests; join discussion forums; be proactive in engaging with experts – these are all great ways to get the most out of your time at a defence conference.  

Stay connected after the defence conference 

After making initial contact at the conference, it’s important to follow up as soon as possible via email or social media message. This will ensure that your new contacts remember who you are and provide an opportunity to build further rapport. Ask questions related to topics discussed during your initial conversation and include additional information (such as links) that may be of interest or benefit them. This could be anything from articles related to their research interest or even upcoming events they may be interested in attending.    

Visit the exhibition to get “hands on” 

Most defence conferences feature a full-scale exhibition, where various vendors and industry experts demonstrate their products or services in detail. Not only is this an excellent opportunity to learn more about cutting edge technology, it also provides an easy way for delegates build relationships with industry professionals. Look out for demonstrations of military simulation software and equipment that will give you hands-on experience using these items in practice. Virtual reality (VR) demonstrations allow you to gain practical experience with operating military simulation software or equipment through interactive simulations or games.   

A valuable experience 

As a defence conference delegate, this is your opportunity to make meaningful connections with other delegates and gain valuable insights into the industry. With a little preparation and forethought, you can make the most of this experience and get the maximum benefit out of attending. 

Connect with like-minded professionals in the Defence, Simulation, Education and Training industries at DSET 2023. Register to attend here.

Do your research ahead of time  

Before going to any defence conference, it’s important to do your research ahead of time. You should know who will be attending and what topics will be discussed. This allows you to target specific people that you want to talk to and makes it easier for you to come up with thoughtful questions and conversations starters. Additionally, it’s also important to read up on the latest news and trends in your field so that you can bring something interesting and unique to the table when talking with others.  

Reach out beforehand  

Make sure to reach out to other attendees before the conference begins. You can do this through professional networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or even through email if you have access to contact information. This will give you a head start in forming connections and making contacts during the event. Plus, it can also make it easier to spot familiar faces when you arrive. 

Introduce yourself first  

When you enter a room full of strangers who all have something in common, it can be intimidating. But if you take the initiative and introduce yourself first, you can set the tone for the rest of your interactions throughout the event. This will also help break down any barriers that may exist between you and other delegates.  

Active listening 

It often seems like talking is the most important part of networking, but listening is just as essential. Pay attention to what people are saying and ask questions so that everyone in the conversation has an equal chance to share their ideas and stories. This type of active listening can help foster more meaningful relationships between attendees and give everyone an opportunity to learn from each other.   

Have your questions to hand 

It’s important to think about potential questions that you want to ask those around you so that you can take advantage of any potential opportunities for discussion or collaboration. Having a few interesting topics or stories prepared beforehand will help keep conversations lively and engaging for everyone involved.   

Exchange contact information 

Once a conversation has been established between yourself and another delegate, exchange contact information such as social media contacts, business cards or emails so that further discussion can take place after the event is over. This will deepen the connections you make – and when it comes time to follow up with potential connections after the conference concludes, it will be easier to develop that relationship. 

Networking matters in defence 

Mastering the art of networking is critical if you are in the defence industry. By attending defence conferences and networking with key players in the defence sector, you can form valuable connections easily. 

Become a part of the DSET community to network and grow your knowledge at DSET 2023. Register to attend here.

Defence conferences provide delegates with unique opportunities for learning and growth both professionally and personally while also giving them experiences they would not normally have access to outside of attending such an event. By doing some research ahead of time and familiarising yourself with the conference programme, speakers and topics, you’ll be able get the most out of your defence conference experience.  

A wide range of topics  

At a defence conference, there are typically many different topics and areas of discussion that will be covered. These include national security, international relations, cyber security, military technology, and much more. Be sure to do some research ahead of time so that you can be familiar with all the topics being discussed at the conference. This will allow you to get the most out of your experience since you’ll already have an understanding of what’s being discussed.  

High-level speakers  

At any given defence conference, there will likely be speakers from various backgrounds who have expertise in different areas related to national defence and security. These speakers may include military personnel, government officials, academics, and industry experts who are knowledgeable in their respective fields. Not only will these speakers provide invaluable insight into current issues related to national security but they may also offer advice on how best to address them going forward.  

“It is only by bringing together top minds from both the public and private sectors can we hope to develop innovations in defence, simulation, education and training.”

Military simulation demonstrations 

In addition to discussing topics related to training and education, the best defence conferences also incorporate military simulation demonstration into their program. These simulation demos allow delegates to the handle technology and understand how defensive strategies, tactics, weapons systems are employed.  

Networking opportunities  

One of the best parts about attending a defence conference is the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field. You will have the chance to meet and interact with experienced military leaders and industry professionals who can give you valuable insight into the latest developments in defence technology and methodologies. This is also an excellent opportunity to make connections that could lead to future collaborations or job opportunities.  

Immerse yourself 

A defence conference is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about military simulation and training. Once you arrive at the event, get ready to immerse yourself into a stimulating environment full of engaging conversations, interactive activities, and meaningful connections with like-minded people who share similar passions and interests as yours.  

Read more on this Make lasting connections in the defence industry with networking

Become a part of the DSET community to network and grow your knowledge at DSET 2023. Register to attend here.