26
F E AT U R E
How to Network at a Conference
BY ANDREA OBSTON, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, CLDA
Conferences, like the CLDA Annual
Meeting present unique oppor-
tunities to build your business
network. With over 400 shippers,
carriers and vendors available to
you during the conference’s three-
days, there are so many opportuni-
ties waiting for you.
But where do you start? How do
you make the most of these three
jammed packed days, here are a
few tips:
1. GO WITH A PURPOSE - You can’t
talk to everyone at a conference, so
it’s a good idea to go in knowing
what you want to get out of it.
Many of the members of our asso-
ciation went are in Orlando to meet
shippers looking for local carriers.
Others want to connect with other
delivery companies to widen their
footprints. Still others are looking
to pick the brains of other carriers
experienced in verticals you are con-
sidering getting into.
By knowing that purpose (or pur-
poses) ahead of time, you can narrow
down the list of people you want to
meet; pick the panels you want to
attend and go into the receptions
with looking for specific people you
want to meet. Remembering your
purpose for attending the confer-
ence will help you plan out your
time so you’re utilizing each hour
to work toward your goals.
2. BE OPEN TO OTHER PEOPLE’S
PITCHES - Remember that you’ll be
more successful if your goal is to build
relationships instead of spending you
time trying to push your own agenda
on people. Getting to know people is
a good goal in all by itself. This kind
of attitude sows the seeds of long-
term relationships. It beats handing
out business cards like you’re playing
Texas Holdem in Las Vegas.
Research those who will be there - It’s
important to know who your fellow
attendees will be and what geography
they cover, what verticals they serve
and what kind of services they offer.
You’ll want to check the app for the
Annual Meeting to see who will be at
the meeting. And, while we’re talking
about that, remember to fill out your
own profile on the conference app
Customized Logistics and Delivery Association | Summer 2017