Whenever we attend events let’s be “great” delegates. How hard can this be?

It is easy to assume that conference delegates know what to do when they attend your event. Of course some attendees do know how to make the most of their time, however, most of our attendees could do with some more support from the event planner. Even good delegates need support to be “great” delegates.

For every conference we organise we send out a document called “How to be a GREAT delegate” and here’s what we say.

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How to be a great delegate

The great news is that being a GREAT delegate is actually as easy as it is rewarding. Just doing half the things on the list below, really will change your experience at our conference for the better. If you become a great delegate four wonderful things will happen:

• It will enhance the conference experience of every participant
• It will make the conference more successful for the organiser
• It will help your network gain from your attendance
• And, most importantly – it will give you, the participant much more value

1. Tweet from the event

It is good to share content. Our speakers are of a very high standard and they have a lot to say. They have taken a lot of time to attend and to present. So let’s share some of that wisdom; but don’t go Twitter mad. Maybe 10 to 20 tweets throughout the day. Retweet, favourite and comment: engage online.

2. Introduce an attendee to someone you know

It’s nice to be nice. A huge part of a conference should be about participants extending their networks; so do all you can to help other attendees.

3. Introduce yourself to everyone

We have built time into the programme to allow you to say hello to those you sit next to. The main room is laid out in natural clusters allowing you to feel quite cosy with a smaller group of attendees.

4. Think about your objectives for attending (our event)

Sometime this week take the time to sit down and list your objectives for attending the event. Be precise and detailed. Do it at a time when there are no interruptions. It should only take 10 minutes (seriously, that is all). List a few objectives that you want to achieve from your time at (our event). Let us know afterwards how you got on.

5. Find out who is attending and make sure you meet the people you want to meet

The list of attendees is on our website / app and we have a list of all of the participants twitter handles. Highlight a few people you want to speak to and make sure you say hello.

6. Take notes and forwarded them to people who didn’t attend but would like the content

The content at (our event) will be fantastic. After the event, why not write up a blog or report and share what you’ve learned. Maybe send it to someone else in your organisation. If that isn’t appropriate, how about sharing it with someone in your network? If the content is fantastic everyone involved in the event wants you to share it!

7. Sit somewhere else for the afternoon sessions

After lunch, why not sit back in the main room in another cluster. Look for a cluster where you haven’t met anyone and drop yourself down. Then repeat point 3.

8. Fill out the electronic evaluation form

We have spent quite a bit of time designing and tailoring the electronic survey. So please fill it in.

9. Follow and connect with the other people on social media

You will feel a bond with other people who tweet at the event. These people tend to have better and wider networks than those who don’t engage in social media. So take advantage of that.

10. After the event take the time to write your action points

While (our event) is still fresh in your mind write up your actions. You might find that you have perhaps five actions from the day. We want the time you spent at this event to be of as much value as possible and noting down your actions will help.

11. Read the pre-event material

As you’re reading this, you can tick this one off already!

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A document like this is easy to include in your pre event communications. It’s even easier if you just cut and paste from here! It really will help your attendees make the most of your conference. And after all, that is what it is all about isn’t it?