Going to a conference soon where you need to make a good first impression? First impressions can really set the tone for professional business relationships, and therefore future success. First impressions should therefore not be overlooked. After all, this recent study by Princeton showed that people make judgments within 1/10th of a second of seeing someone’s face. This may make you wonder if there’s any point in actively trying to make a food first impression- if people make their judgements before we even get a chance to open our mouths- however these initial judgements are further shaped by context and our interactions. Effort is thus important, and can make all the difference when attending a conference. Here are some tips for how to make a good first impression:
1. Prepare Ahead: For example, know the schedule, key speakers, and any sessions you’re interested in. Have your elevator pitch ready! This includes summarising who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking to get out of the conference- all in the time it would take to ride in an elevator/lift.
2. Dress Appropriately: Aim for business casual unless the event specifies otherwise. Looking polished and well-groomed shows you’re serious but also approachable.
3. Be Confident and Approachable: Smile, make eye contact, and have a firm handshake. Show genuine interest in others by actively listening and asking questions. Pay attention to your body language. Open body posture (avoiding crossed arms), leaning in slightly when listening, and using positive gestures can convey confidence and approachability.
4. Network Strategically: Don’t just hand out business cards. Focus on building meaningful connections by finding common interests or talking about the conference content. It’s tempting to network all the time, but don’t forget to take the time to absorb the content too. A balance of both will make you seem like you’re there for the right reasons.
5. Show Enthusiasm: Express excitement about the event or sessions you’re attending. Enthusiasm is contagious and makes you more memorable.
6. Stay Engaged: Attend sessions actively, participate in Q&As, and engage with the speakers or fellow attendees. Stay off your phone unless it’s to take notes or connect with others. The more you engage with the content, the more you’ll be able to add value in conversations. Attending the sessions attentively and reflecting on key points will give you something to discuss with other attendees later.
7. Follow Up: After the event, connect with the people you met on LinkedIn or via email, referencing your conversation to remind them of your interaction.
8. Be Helpful and Offer Value: If you have knowledge or insights that could help someone else, share them. Helping others, even in small ways, can make a positive impression and create goodwill.
TOP TIP: Remember Names: It might sound small, but people really appreciate it when you remember their name after you’ve met. A good trick is to repeat their name in conversation, which can help commit it to memory.
The key is to balance professionalism with approachability. Showing genuine interest in both the content and the people around you.
But how does this all relate to Push Promotions? Well we provide teams of registration and support staff to conferences around the UK. This means that our staff create the first impression of a conference, and represent the organisation running the event. Our staff are the first people that guests meet once they come through the doors.
Push’s staff therefore follow all of the above tips and tricks to create a warm, personal, and positive first impression at all of the conferences that they work. They are professional, friendly, and effective, successfully balancing the aforementioned professionalism with approachability. We have worked at conferences around the UK. For example we provided a team of staff to work at Specsavers conference in Birmingham, and to the European Society of Clinical Virology’s conference in Manchester. You can read in more detail about our work at these conferences here.
