Are you attending DECA ICDC or another professional conference soon? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve started collecting pins like a pro, there’s more to the conference experience than a weekend getaway. With the right preparation and a few tips, you can turn a few days of networking and workshops into a launchpad for your future.
From leaving a good impression on exhibitors to meeting new people during networking sessions, here are a few tips to help you ace your next professional conference!
1. Get to Know the Exhibitors
The exhibit hall is an exciting place, but you should focus on substance over swag. Who knows? Making a great impression on an exhibitor could lead to an impactful internship down the road.
Before you go, spend some time researching the exhibitors. Scroll through an organization's homepage or social media feed, and then consider the following questions:
- What does the organization do? What is their mission statement?
- Which organization(s) appeal to you, and why?
- What kinds of opportunities might they be able to offer?
As you do your research, think of some open-ended questions for organizations that align with your career goals.
These can be questions like:
- “I saw your company works with financial literacy programs — how could a high school student get involved?”
- “I’m interested in sports marketing. Does your organization offer internships or entry-level roles in that field?”
Next, prepare (and practice!) your elevator pitch.
Saying, “Hi, I’m [your name]. I’m a [freshman, sophomore, junior, senior] at [your high school], and I’m passionate about entrepreneurship — especially anything that blends tech and business” is a great way to start a conversation at a booth.
And when you’re interacting with exhibitors, show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the work they do. People love to talk about their work!
Finally, remember to collect exhibitors’ contact information, too. Get their business card, send a thank you note and stay in touch via social media—you never know where a connection can lead!
2. Workshop and Networking Etiquette 101
Workshops and conference networking sessions can be a powerful way to improve your industry knowledge and skills. Specifically, they can help you learn new trends, develop practical skills or make new connections.
For a successful workshop experience, you should:
- Arrive on time (or slightly early!)
- Silence your phone and leave it in your pocket or bag
- Participate respectfully and ask relevant questions
- Take notes on the presentation
While the presenter is speaking, don’t:
- Engage in side conversations
- Interrupt the presenter
- Scroll on your phone
- Leave the workshop early unless you have an emergency
Secondly, you don’t need to be a people person — or even an extrovert — to network effectively. You just need to be present, polite and genuinely curious about others!
When you meet someone new:
- Make eye contact, smile and offer a firm handshake
- Ask open-ended questions, e.g., “What’s been your favorite part of the conference so far?” Or, “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned?”
- Use active listening techniques, such as positive body language (e.g., nodding), asking good questions and avoiding judgment.
- Exchange information and follow up after the event to turn a conversation into a lasting connection
While networking, don’t:
- Dominate the conversation or interrupt others
- Be overly aggressive, negative or pushy
- Disengage from the conversation and scroll on your phone
- Forget to follow up after the event
Remember, workshops and networking events are what you make of them. Showing up with curiosity, respect and a little preparation can open the door to new ideas, opportunities and even friendships that last well beyond the conference. So take a deep breath, be yourself and make the most of every moment — you’ve got this!
3. Travel Like a Road Warrior
Whether you're flying across the country or taking a bus to the next city over, a little preparation goes a long way.
Before you go, make an event itinerary. Know your travel times, hotel information and conference and workshop schedule. Organize your travel documents, and carry digital and physical copies of your ID, tickets, reservations and event passes. Be sure to have important phone numbers saved both on your device and in a physical location, such as a note card in your wallet.
Compile your packing checklist early! Here’s what we recommend:
- Identification and travel documents
- Professional clothing
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk a lot)
- Hygiene items and medications
- Comfortable tote bag or backpack
- Electronic devices and chargers
- Small notebook and pen
- Event schedules and map
- Water bottle and portable snacks
Pro tip: Roll your clothes, don’t fold them! You’ll save space and cut down on wrinkles.
A professional conference is more than just a break from class — it’s a chance for you to invest in your future. DECA ICDC (or any professional conference) can be a life-changing experience. Be curious, be confident, and most of all, be professional. Whether you leave with a new internship lead, a fresh idea or just a ton of inspiration, you’ll be way ahead of the game and ready for whatever comes next!
Stukent CTE provides turnkey, hands-on courseware and Simternships for high school CTE classrooms. Learn more about our innovative resources at cte.stukent.com!
