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5 Tips To Get The Most Out Of A Virtual Conference

The virtual world certainly exploded onto the scene and is here to stay.  The rise in virtual conferences continues!  They are a bit different from a live event experience, but they do bring some real advantages to the table.  Applying some basic practices, using the right framework and making subtle adjustments, you will certainly get the most out of your virtual experience.  Here are just a few simple steps to get you started.

# 1  Make your game plan

Typically you gain access to the platform a few days before the event.  Spend time getting comfortable with the platform and all the areas available.  There’s typically a wealth of information right at your fingertips.  Carefully review the agenda.  Map out your time and add sessions into your calendar, especially your “can’t miss” picks (the reasons you registered).  Draft some key questions you’d like to pose to speakers.  No microphone needed.  You have the front row seat and easy access.  Take advantage of that function.  Read through all the information you were sent previously from the event organizer. A lot of time goes into planning these, so make sure you don’t miss any important details or features available to you.  Occasionally there’s incentives for attendees to log in early – prizes, information & a bit of fun. 

# 2  Be “game day” ready

Just as you would a live event, change up your surroundings.  A different vantage point will offer you a fresh perspective.  Get comfortable.  After all, it is one of the perks of virtual. Listen to your body.  Move around on occasion.  Stretch if needed.  You are not in a hotel ballroom with “eyes” on you or the worry about any sound you make that could be distracting.  AND – Avoid the temptation to “multi-task”.  Notify your team members.  Put “out of office” on your email.  You made the time commitment & investment, so you owe it to yourself to truly dedicate yourself to this experience.   

# 3  Take advantage of the recordings!

One major benefit of virtual platform is the access to recordings.  Most virtual platforms have a blend of live & recorded sessions and make all sessions available to attendees for an extended period of time. (If that’s noted in your registration, make note of the expiration date!)  Make it a point to watch the segments you may have missed.  Schedule time to watch your favorite sessions again. So many times in the live event, you miss poignant points that were made.  It does take a few times for takeaways to sink in.  Binge watch.  It’s a thing!

# 4  Connect with other attendees

This is a big reason you attend conferences, right?  Make the most of your time.  Take advantage of every opportunity the platform offers to interact with other attendees.  Networking is typically built into the agenda. Be deliberate and set those into your calendar.  Reach out to those you know.  Make it a point to connect with some that you may not (similar industry, background, title perhaps).  Lastly, if you know someone in your circle that is also attending, schedule time to connect with them after the event to discuss takeaways and share inspiration.   

# 5  Make time to visit the sponsor area

Sponsors are typically hand-picked to compliment the overall theme and the audience’s objectives.  They are very much an integral part of your community/industry and bring real, genuine solutions to the table.  They may understand your business better than you do, with access to research and the latest industry news available to you.  The virtual platform allows each sponsor to also bring their top notch thought leaders along as well.  Take advantage of that kind of access. The virtual platform makes visiting that area super easy and guilt free.  You can visit on your own time and gather the information that is top of mind for you. No line.  No waiting.  And – they may even have some fun swag to offer.  Who doesn’t love swag?!?

 

A New Hope, our 11th annual conference is a 3-day virtual experience.  Learn more below.  But first a nod of thanks to all our event partners and special one here to our Silver & Bronze level.  Each of our partners are carefully selected to ensure they bring valuable solutions to the CFO’s table.  We encourage you to review each of their solutions.  It will be time well spent!    All of these sponsors will have real solutions & actionable insights available for you –  right at your fingertips on our conference virtual platform.  Can’t attend the entire program?  You’ll have complete access beginning June 2nd and for two weeks after our 11th annual conference, A New Hope, June 7-9, 2021 ends. 

silver

Your business is evolving. And the way you plan and report on your business should evolve too. Prophix helps mid-market companies achieve their goals more successfully with innovative, cloud-based Corporate Performance Management (CPM) software. With Prophix, finance leaders improve profitability and minimize risk by automating budgeting, forecasting and reporting and puts the focus back on what matters most – uncovering business opportunities. Prophix supports your future with AI innovation that flexes to meet your strategic realities, today and tomorrow. Over 1,500 global companies rely on Prophix to transform the way they work.

Select Promo Code: Prophix49 at registration for a $49 discount.

Unfortunately, not all companies can hire a General Counsel or a legal department. Although, they need a dedicated team of business-minded go-to legal counsel who knows their business. The answer is Santomassimo Davis LLP’s Outside General Counsel Solution.  Our firm becomes your virtual legal department, and we have deep experience in all of the areas that mid-cap businesses need each day. 

The spectrum of our experience spans the gamut, from contracts to employment law; from managing customer disputes to managing global trademark portfolios; leasing, acquiring and disposing of commercial and industrial real estate; and commercial litigation and trials, to name just a few.  

We have experienced General Counsels with “Big Law” experience who serve sophisticated global companies, and we bring that experience to mid-cap companies with fixed fees and other cost-effective engagements that give clients 24/7 access to the help they need to manage their risk without breaking the bank.  Our team approach is what sets us apart from other firms that claim to offer a similar service.

Select Promo Code: Santo49 at registration for a $49 discount.

Bronze

A home for forward-thinking accounting teams! FloQast is the leading provider of accounting workflow automation created by accountants for accountants to work smarter, not harder. By automating common accounting workflows and helping to streamline and make them more efficient, FloQast is the place where accounting teams want to work so they can focus on what matters most, even when that’s just going home on time.

Select Promo Code: Floqast49 at registration for a $49 discount.

The perfect blend of technology and service, now arriving!  TripActions is a modern corporate travel and spend solution that combines modern technology with high-end service. The single-platform solution seamlessly manages travel booking, itinerary management, corporate payments and expenses using the latest AI-driven technologies backed by unrivaled global inventory. Seasoned, local travel agents support each client with a mixture of experience and technology, providing a superior grade of proactive, tailored service.

Select Promo Code: TripActions49 at registration for a $49 discount.

About A New Hope

Our 11th annual CFO Leadership Conference, A New Hope is being held June 7-9, 2021.  A virtual 3-day experience with a theme of breakout energy, forward progress, growth & achievement! This year’s conference is about the initiatives CFOs are taking on as they face off to today’s new reality.  CFOS are moving quickly to position their finance function and company for success. Our conference will bring to you the finance executives who are undertaking these initiatives and executing on them flawlessly with success. They will share their stories in leadership.  Reserve your spot today!  www.cfolc.com/conference

All Conference Sponsors are offering a $49 discount.  Be sure to grab one.  Click here to get started.

 

 

About The CFO Leadership Council

What began as a personal experiment back in 2006 has evolved into a prominent community, 2000+ members strong, across North America.  The CFO Leadership Council offers both in person and online options featuring expert panelists and interactive sessions that foster meaningful connection and drive practicable outcomes. Our collection of resources, similar to this article, contain pragmatic insights and advice created directly by our members and industry experts.  Recordings of CFOLC webcasts are made available to our current CFOLC Premium & Virtual members. For a full list of programs, visit www.cfolc.com.

Want to Continue the Conversation?

We’d love to hear from you. Post a comment about your experiences or provide feedback below to continue the discussion about how creative leadership in the current climate.  Or contact Kristin Todd, Vice President of Marketing, [email protected].