Software Conferences

Software Store

1. Branded Shirts
Conferences are a great place to establish and wear your company or product brand. Consider branding shirts with your company or product logo and name. On demand companies like CafePress will produce branded shirts in small quantities at a low cost ($ 8.99 for T-shirts, $ 16.99 for polos).

If you have a large staff or are interested in providing T-shirts as promotional giveaways, you will want to use a promotional company. If you require a small quantity, on-demand branders will provide the best value.

Small Quantities on Demand:
CafePress Make Your Own Stuff

The process is very simple, simply select the article of clothing you wish to brand, upload a graphic with your logo and position it on the clothing item that you selected. CafePress will provide a preview of the clothing.

If you are producing large quantities of promotional wear, you will receive quantity based discounts. Locate a local promotional company that you can work with, this will help minimize shipping costs.

2. Research Vendors
Do your homework prior to the conference. View the list of vendors and attendees (if available) and visit their websites. If you see any partnership or networking opportunities jot down some notes prior to the conference, about what you would like to discuss.

3. Make Appointments
For critical networking opportunities schedule appointments to meet at the conference. Send the person you are meeting an agenda one week before the conference so that they can be appropriately prepared.

4. Attire
Take a look at photos of previous year's conferences to determine the appropriate level of attire required at the conference.

5. Promotional Items
If you are a conference sponsor, consider offering a promotional item or bag stuffer to attendees. A cool giveaway is an easy way to attract attention to your product or service. It is also a great way to build brand.

6. Extra Bag
Consider packing an extra bag for the conference, invariably freebies are aplenty and it is a shame to leave things behind because your space is limited.

7. Climate
Even if the conference is held in a warm climate or during summer months, the hotels and conference centers tend to be kept on the "cool" side, be sure to bring a blazer or sweater to layer if necessary.

8. Bring Business Cards
Be sure that you bring business cards that include appropriate and current contact information. Today's business cards should include a web address, email address, phone and fax number. You can also include an instant messaging address or a skype number.

1. Wear Name Badge
Wear your name badge in an obvious location so that attendees will not have any difficulty locating you or identifying you.

2. Take Notes
Take notes on the back of business cards to "remind" you of what was discussed with the card's owner. Make a note if you promised to send them material or product information.

3. Seek Out
Look for attendees with whom there is synergy. Be open to new ideas and listen to what others have to say.

4. Not a Time to Be Shy
Avoid clinging to the same group of people you know, make an effort to reachout and meet new people at a conference or trade show.

5. Speak Up
When asking questions realize that not everyone attending will be a native English speaker, slow down your diction and articulate. When networking be sure that you speak loud enough to be understood.

6. Avoid Controversy
Business is business do not alienate potential partners or clients by discussing controversial or political issues in a business setting.

7. Best Behavior
At the conference be on your best behavior, remember that the biggest benefit to conferences is usually the networking opportunities. Sometimes it is not who you know, it is who they know. Do not risk alienating someone by thinking they have no value, it could come back to haunt you.

8. Participate
Networking is by far the most beneficial aspect of attending a conference. In order to make the most of networking be sure to participate in all the conference events.

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