This document provides guidance for attending industry conferences and events. It outlines three key steps: 1) Research the conference agenda, speakers, companies attending, and etiquette; 2) Plan your strategy by choosing which events to attend, who to meet, and what to wear; 3) Follow tips for what to bring, how to interact with employers, and what not to do at the event. Attendees are advised to dress appropriately, conduct research on companies and speakers, prepare materials like resumes and business cards, and take advantage of opportunities to network with potential employers.

1. Industry Conferences &
Events
By Sandi Ohman
Career Services Office
Prepare for Success

2. Step 1- Research
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Organization/Conference website
Agenda
Special Speakers bios
Companies/Exhibitors Attending
Presentations & Socials Available to Attend
Etiquette for Attending Conferences
– Search for Conference
Etiquette on Internet
http://www.advancedetiquette.com/blog/business/conference-attendingetiquette/

3. Step 2 - Plan Your Strategy
• What events will you attend?
• Receptions & Socials, Professional Development
Sessions
• Who do you want to meet?
• Company Reps, Special Speakers
• Set a Goal
• What do you wear for different events?
• Different Events require different outfits
• Overall Goal of Event

4. SWE & SHPE
• These are recruiting events
– If you are seeking an internship or job have
resumes for targeted companies
– Have an elevator speech prepared – self
promotion
• Take advantage of opportunities to interact
with employers
• Volunteer Opportunities!
• Do your research!

5. NBAA
• This is NOT a recruiting event
– Have an elevator speech prepared for self
promotion
• Research companies attending & take
advantage of opportunities to interact with
employers
– Ask about hiring, tips for applying
• Attend Student day and sessions
• Research Volunteer Opportunities – great
way to meet others!

6. Conference Do’s
• Padfolio or
• Portfolio
– Resumes, Transcripts, Letters of
Recommendation
– Project Summary
sheets, Accomplishments, Certifications
– CSO website for more info
• Business cards
– Duplicating, QRC, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Name Tags

7. Conference Do’s
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Business Casual for most events/sessions
Wear suit(s) when talking to companies
Wear comfortable, but nice shoes
Ask for business cards and send thank
you/follow up letters/email – LinkedIn?
• Listen to what the recruiters/speakers say
and ask good questions
• Be respectful to speakers during sessions

8. Conference Don’ts
• Forget the event begins in Daytona and doesn’t
have to end when you are back in Daytona
• Drink too much at events, on the airplane, or if
you go out
• Go unprepared, look or act unprofessional
• Grab goodies and run, do TALK to recruiters first
• Sleep during the sessions
• Use Cell Phones during sessions
(texting, internet)

9. What to Wear
Check conference website!
Business Casual
• Dress pants or skirt, Suit jacket (optional), dress
shirt, Cardigan sweater & shell
• Comfortable dress shoes, stockings if wearing skirt, belt
(for pants)
• Conservative makeup, perfume, and jewelry
Considerations:
• Keep clothing conservative, nothing too low or tight, or
too big

10. What to Wear
Semi-Formal to Formal
• Cocktail dress (knee to tea length)
• Full-length formal gowns
Considerations:
• what travels better
– Dry cleaner bag trick!
• heel height for dress and comfort

11. You’ll get out of what you put
into it!
Questions?