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.
Top Tip: Make sure to introduce yourself to others during breaks at the event – this is an excellent way for getting insights into different topics within your sector as well as making connections with potential employers or business partners.
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.
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