VIBE Conference attracts some of the biggest names in the beverage business. And while many attendees have worked together for years, there are always new faces joining the community. Attending an established event as a first timer can be intimidating, no matter who you are. That’s why we’ve prepared tried-and-true networking tips to make your time at VIBE Conference the most rewarding it can be.
If you haven’t reserved your space at the industry’s top educational conference, reserve your space before the event sells out. Early Bird pricing is available through August 2nd, register here. VIBE Conference 2021 is held at the beautiful Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. We look forward to seeing you there!
RELATED: Early Bird Registration for VIBE Conference Operators is Now Open!
Know Your Why
When you’re totally wrapped up in the minutia of your business, it’s easy to forget the big picture. It’s worth taking some time to remember things like why you started, and why you wanted to attend VIBE Conference. Go a step beyond the ‘why’ and think about the ‘who’ / ‘what’ / ‘where’ / ‘how’ of your business too. Who do you serve, what do you do, which markets do you serve and how do you fill necessary gaps in the market. Going back to basics will help remind you of your purpose, and give you a clearer direction when you get to the event. You don’t need to work all of these elements into your introductions, but having a strong sense of brand identity will help when introducing yourself to new people.
RELATED: What to Expect at VIBE Conference 2021
Take Advantages of Opportunities
VIBE Conference builds networking opportunities right into the schedule – use them to your advantage! This is no time to be shy. Everyone is here to connect and learn. Most people at VIBE are natural networkers – they know how to work the system to their full advantage and are eager to grow their network. That means, they’re excited to meet new people like you, too! But if the thought of approaching someone seems daunting, plan a few ice-breakers in advance so you can easily strike up a conversation without any awkwardness. Don’t be afraid to ask one of the VIBE Conference coordinators for an introduction.
RELATED: Q&A with Charlotte Voisey, VIBE Conference Emcee
Do your Research
Part of taking advantage of networking opportunities is doing some research before the conference. Our website lists all of the conference sessions, the speakers and all of the sponsors that will be onsite this year. Take some time to go through the available information and make a list of people that you’d like to connect with, and why. Does their business model inspire you? Did you read something about their latest acquisition that was exciting? Did you love the book they wrote but had a question about one of their points? One of the best ways to connect with people is to ask them questions about themselves. Coming prepared with a few questions that go beyond the standard “What did you think of that session?” will pique their interest and open up communication.
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Follow Up
You came, you saw, you networked - congratulations! The hard part was over. But how do you turn someone you met at a conference into a valuable part of your network? You keep in touch. Within a week of the conference, go through the business cards you collected and reach out through email or LinkedIn. Avoid generalized messages, as they’re less impactful. Personalize each note with something related to your conversation. Once you’re connected, make an effort to reach out a few times a year. It can be as simple as commenting on a LinkedIn post, or sending them an article that may be relevant. The best networks are strong networks, and strong networks take time and effort to build.
Keep checking barandrestaurant.com and vibeconference.com for show updates and all the latest news. Don't miss a moment of VIBE Conference, sign up for the exlusive newsletter today. We look forward to welcoming you to VIBE Conference 2021 this September 27 – 29th at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. Early Bird Registration is open now through August 2, 2021, register here.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Bruns at [email protected], Charlie Forman at [email protected].
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