Today, I want to share some practical considerations for why and how you should attend these events, as well as the benefits they bring as part of your professional development, networking, and client acquisition strategy.
Why should you attend Industry events?
To stay updated with industry trends
To benefit from networking opportunities
To improve your skillset
To develop your business
When I started to leave my comfort zone (aka, my office) to attend events, you could easily find me in a corner during coffee breaks, scared to my stomach of engaging with other people. And that was okay; I was learning to walk before committing to a run!
It gets easier.
You start recognizing familiar faces from previous events (and vice versa), you get more at ease with the dynamics of these events, and before you realize it, you are actually enjoying yourself and truly interacting with attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and other relevant stakeholders.
And that’s why you should leave your comfort zone:
Exposure to new ideas and perspectives: Stepping out of your routine and engaging with a broader community exposes you to diverse viewpoints and innovative approaches.
Professional growth: Challenging yourself to learn new skills and knowledge keeps you competitive. Engaging in unfamiliar topics or technologies can significantly enhance your expertise and adaptability.
Enhanced visibility: Attending and actively participating in events raises your profile within the industry. This visibility can lead to increased recognition and respect among peers and potential clients.
And the thing is that – when you know where to look – there are many events that you can attend:
Academic seminars and symposiums are hosted by higher education or healthcare institutions, presenting the latest research findings, innovations, and clinical practices. They are often free to attend or require a low registration fee.
Workshops and training sessions are offered by national bodies focusing on specific aspects of regulatory compliance, clinical trial documentation, and scientific dissemination.
Pharmaceutical conferences are hosted by companies to present new research, product launches, and clinical trial results.
Professional networking events are organized by potential clients, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare start-ups. These can be local or regional meetups organized by professional groups or industry bodies related to potential clients.
Webinars and virtual events are hosted by private companies or academic entities on emerging trends in healthcare, regulatory updates, and best practices.
But you need to keep in mind that you won’t leave the event with lots of business cards from clients who need your services (I recently onboarded a client with whom I've been crossing paths at events over the last two years!).
It does happen; these events are a treasure trove of collaborations. But it takes time.
And, if you think about it, there are many returns that are not directly related to the event itself:
You gain access to information, which is invaluable for staying current and producing high-quality work.
You establish connections with other professionals, which can lead to new job opportunities, collaborations, and referrals.
You are seen at important industry events, which signals to your clients and peers that you are a dedicated and serious professional.
I’m sure I'm not telling you anything new, right? Maybe the real question is:
What should you do to get the most out of these events?
Before the event: PREPARE
Research: Look up the event program, speakers, and attendees. Identify sessions and individuals you want to connect with.
Set goals: Define what you want to achieve, whether it's learning about a specific topic, meeting potential clients, or exploring new tools.
During the event: ENGAGE
Participate in sessions: Take notes, ask questions, and join the discussions.
Work the room: Introduce yourself to fellow attendees. Join smaller breakout groups or networking sessions. Be prepared to introduce yourself briefly, including what you do.
Interact with exhibitors: Visit sponsor booths, request information, and express interest in their products.
Leverage your social media: Post about your attendance and share your key takeaways using event-specific hashtags.
After the event: FOLLOW-UP
Stay connected: Follow up with new contacts and connect on LinkedIn.
Share your experience: Write a blog post or article about your experience and what you learned. This will not only reinforce your own knowledge but also showcase your engagement with your network.
Contact directly: Reach out via LinkedIn or email. For speakers, reference their session and express your interest in their work. For people you met, reference your discussions and suggest continuing the conversation. For other attendees, ask if they enjoyed the event and exchange ideas.
For medical writers and translators, attending healthcare industry events is a strategic investment. Events provide a platform to meet other professionals, including potential clients, collaborators, and industry leaders. Building a robust professional network can open doors to new projects and partnerships.
By stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging fully, you can significantly enhance your skills, expand your network, and open doors to new opportunities.
Stay informed, be proactive, and make the most of every event you attend.
What do you think?
Have you attended any industry events recently, or are you planning to?
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