This past October, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted its annual ICON conference in Nashville, Tennessee. This was the first conference I had the pleasure of attending alongside other PRSSA and PRowl students.
While I learned remarkable information regarding the industry, I also discovered how to maximize my learning outcomes for future conferences.
#1: Be an Active Listener
It’s one thing to sit and listen to a speaker and another to fully absorb their words and relate them to your professional life. Active listening helped me grasp speakers’ expertise most effectively. This can be achieved through actions such as note-taking, thinking of potential questions to ask afterward, and ensuring your body language is directed toward the person talking.
#2 Set Your Learning Intentions
Your first conference can be overwhelming. With so many opportunities, you might need help figuring out where to begin. Setting some pre-conference intentions can help you accomplish your learning goals while you take in all kinds of information. If you don’t know your goals, use the time after the conference to think about what you liked and disliked. This can be a significant first step in discovering how to make your dreams a reality.
#3 Don’t Be Afraid to Say Hello
As many Public Relations students and professionals know, networking is key. This is for a reason, as a simple “hello” can form a professional relationship of high value. For example, when we Temple students were waiting for the train to get home from the PHL airport, a Temple University alumnus approached us at the conference and introduced himself. At the end of our conversation, we received his business card, and one student landed an internship at the agency he works for. You never know the outcome of a quick conversation, and the more you introduce yourself, the more comfortable you’ll get with it.
#4 Everyone’s Path Looks Different
It’s natural to compare your journey to those around you. One encouraging thing I learned is that if you’re being authentic, you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be. Public relations is diverse in its career opportunities, which means you obtain plenty of freedom to try different pathways when you feel lost. As you meet people whose jobs interest you, try to take inspiration from them and get curious. You have the power to see how what is possible for them can be for you as well.
#5 Stay Comfortable
Conference days can be long, meaning you want to feel comfortable and be focused on things other than uncomfortable shoes. Checking the weather of the conference location, packing snacks, and dressing in appropriate and comfortable clothing can ensure that you feel confident and ready to amplify your experience.
Conferences are full of exciting moments and opportunities. These tips help you to utilize your time best as you indulge in moments of learning and networking.
Celia Wolk, Account Associate
prowl-pr.com 