Our International Conference Directors have had the opportunity to write a series of blog posts for Progressions, PRSSA’s National blog. They wrote on a variety of topics, including how to prepare for the International Conference. It is best to show up prepared to Conference in order to maximize the amount of learning and networking you are set to do. Communications Director, Isabella Garcia, best summarizes the top three things you should do to prepare for International Conference:
Create or Update LinkedIn.
Make sure you create or update your LinkedIn account before attending the Conference. LinkedIn is a crucial tool to manage your professional identity. By having an account, you can build up your network and engage with many other professionals in the industry. Ensure your bio is up to date as well as your headshot. Also, check that your position descriptions have no grammatical errors or typos. Lastly, maintain professionalism throughout your account; the last thing you want is professionals not to take your profile seriously enough because it is reminiscent of a Facebook account.
Pro tip: After attending a session or networking reception, immediately send an invite to any professionals you met or chatted with.
Download the LinkedIn App.
Just like most companies in the 21st century, LinkedIn now has an app! We recommend you download the app before the Conference to get used to playing around with it. This year the Conference will offer a LinkedIn scan code. The scan code will make it easier for you to add presenters and speakers from the Conference rather than having to search up their name. Also included in the app is a Bluetooth feature so that you can find people near you.
Pro tip: Anytime you send an invite to someone, be sure to include a personal note so that they remember where they met you or what you both talked about.
Business Cards
In our opinion, there’s nothing better than carrying business cards around. If you don’t have business cards yet, we strongly encourage you to invest in some before the International Conference. When creating them, make sure you use your preferred name on them along with your phone number, email, your field of study and the college you are attending. You want to make sure your business cards reflect you and your personality but are also a professional representation of you.
Pro tip: Think about adding a QR code to your business cards that will send people to your online portfolio or LinkedIn account!
Don’t miss out on the amazing opportunity to attend International Conference this year, especially since it is located in sunny San Diego. The early registration has been extended until September 13th, so make sure to register and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
