Conference-Goer Series: Before The Conference

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Hey hey everybody! 

Today I'm really excited to share about something I'm extremely passionate about: how-to get the most you possibly can out of a conference! Let's get real here. Conferences are expensive. They are an investment in your future, your career, your marriage, YOU name it. But I believe in the power of separating yourself from your regularly scheduled programming (i.e. - life) and focusing in on a goal, a career path, a relationship, etc.

Recently, I attended the She Speaks Conference in Charlotte, NC that is produced by Proverbs 31 Ministries (the organization that Lysa Terkeurst leads, New York Times Best Selling Author of Made to Crave, The Best Yes, Uninvited and many more!). It is a powerful event for women who feel a call to write, lead or speak in some way. Let me tell you somethin': it was unreal. It was the second time I have attended and I can't think of anything more powerful than being in a room of 800 other women focused on how to make Jesus famous in their ministry and on their platform.

As amazing as it was, there was a lot of prep work that went into my experience being a great one. Here are a few things that I found helpful (and I think would better prepare anyone leading up to a big event or conference):

1. Get to know the website. There's probs some photography from last year's event that will give you an idea of what to wear, what the environment is like and possibly the layout of the venue.
2. Stalk their social platform. Chances are, if it's a big event you're attending, the organization has plugged it on social media. Read their captions. Look at their pictures. It will help prepare you.
3. Buy. Business. Cards. Ok entre-fam. I shouldn't even have to tell you this one. But please don't attend a conference without having business cards. You will meet people who you will want to exchange info with but time simply doesn't allow for swapping of cell #'s. 
4. Decide what breakout sessions you're going to go to (if that's a "thing" at your event). This can be reaaaal stressful if you go into a big event without a game plan. Also, have a "backup" breakout session. (Sidenote: I'm sure no large event planner would be super happy with me suggesting this idea)  Reality is not every session of your event will knock it out of the park. What if you sit down and realize the content isn't quite what you're looking for but you don't even realize that there's a session next door that's not full that speaks to EXACTLY something you're facing. You don't want to miss it! Have a backup plan in case you want to switch sessions if possible.
5. Study the floor plan of the venue if they provide you a map. Often, you'll have about 15 minutes to walk from session to session. If you're networking with someone, you don't want to be late and/or have no idea where you're going.
6. Buy the charger block, trust me. I'm using this as an example, but really, if you think, "I wonder if I will need that?" just go ahead and grab it. Your experience will be better for having to not worry about technology, having enough gum, etc. 
7. Pray. Pray for the leaders of the conference, that they would be encouraged and share the wisdom on their hearts. Pray for the attendees, that it would be a fruitful time of learning and networking. Pray in anticipation of what He will reveal to you through conversations and sessions.

If you're reading this, I'm so excited for you and thrilled that you've chosen to invest in yourself! That is something to celebrate. There is SO much more I can and will share at a later date on how to get the most out of a conference by preparing beforehand, but my prayer is that you'll put these tools to use and it will help make your next event experience go much more smoothly.

Your biggest cheerleader,
​Rebecca

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Prayer for the entrepreneur:

Jesus, thank You for like-minded people who love to create as much as I do. You intimately wired me to do, create, launch and dream. Thank You for the gift of sharing that passion with others. As I prepare for the event, help me focus my eyes on what You have to teach me through the main stage, conversations and divine appointments. Prepare the heart of wisdom in each speaker and may they bring the content that would best fit the needs of their audience. 

Give me an extra dose of energy and stamina for the long days and the conversations that take place. May I always point conversation to You and show others Your love as I encourage them in their journey.

In Your name,
Amen