President’s Message: Set Your Conference Goals Early
By Karen Klein
In April I will attend my 18th consecutive AIIP Annual Conference. Wow! I vividly remember my first AIIP Conference in Tucson, Arizona. I joined AIIP in December 2004 after taking a two-year professional hiatus following the birth of my daughter. I had explored many different options for a flexible work schedule that would use my education, build upon my corporate experience, and be something I enjoy.
After months of toying with ideas, I had a eureka moment. Working independently as a business researcher ticked all the boxes, and, most importantly for long-term success, it was something I was excited about. I eventually discovered AIIP and decided to register for my first AIIP Conference.
I remember my excitement and mild trepidation when I stepped into the opening reception. Any qualms dissipated immediately as I was warmly welcomed by everyone I met.
Before this first conference, I set several goals that helped me take control of an unknown situation:
Introduce myself to specific people
There were a number of people whose contributions to the AIIP email discussion list struck a chord with me, and I wanted to meet them. They were unfailingly gracious and generous, allowing me to pick their brains.
Benchmark my skillset
A few of the conference sessions featured examples of how the presenters took a challenging project and successfully navigated it to completion, or how they had a project go haywire and found a way to recover. These relatable situations bolstered my confidence and assured me I had the tools to take on similar engagements.
Build my network
I set a goal of meeting five people with whom I could connect after the conference. Mission accomplished. There happened to be a number of attendees from the greater Philadelphia area, and we met periodically in person after the conference.
Those intentional steps led to a rewarding conference experience and planted the seeds for long-standing professional and personal relationships I hold dear to this day.
Although I am no longer the new kid in the room, I continue to set goals before each conference:
Review the program
Well in advance of the conference, I read the program and make a note of the speakers, topics, and what I want to learn. If there are multiple sessions scheduled for the same time, I select the one that’s most relevant and watch the others later, if recorded, at my convenience.
Preview the event space
During an in-person conference, I walk around to get a lay of the land, preferably the day before the event, noting where the plenary and break-out sessions will be held. This gives me confidence that I won’t be aimlessly wandering around before the first session. You can achieve the same comfort level at a virtual conference by attending an orientation session. AIIP will host a virtual orientation on Friday, April 22nd.
Play musical chairs
During an in-person conference, I force my introverted self to sit at a table with people I haven’t met. Breaking out of my comfort zone invariably leads to serendipitous conversations. During a virtual conference the software sometimes gives you the option of selecting where you sit or randomly placing you. I took advantage of letting the virtual platform “surprise” me.
Connect after conference
Whether it’s an old acquaintance or someone I met for the first time, I am more likely to hold up the “We should chat” intention if we actually set a date and time to connect after the conference.
Build my brand
A conference is the perfect time to share who you are, what you do, what you stand for, and how you operate. I am mindful that my interactions reflect how I want to be seen. I have been pleasantly surprised to hear from fellow AIIPers who invite me to collaborate on a project thanks to conversations we had during the conference.
My business matured and continues to flourish largely due to the professional development opportunities and connections I’ve made at AIIP’s annual conference. I encourage you to attend this year’s virtual conference April 27-29, 2022 and meet like-minded professionals with info-centric businesses, including researchers, writers, investigators, knowledge managers, and content creators.
Check out the conference program and register before January 31 to take advantage of the early bird pricing. And, whether this is your first conference or your 20th, make sure to set those goals.
I look forward to meeting you in April!
Karen Klein serves as AIIP’s 2021-2022 president. She started Fulcrum Information Resources in 2004 and provides companies with customized research results so they can make strategic decisions. Karen also conducts data audits, voice of the customer surveys and shepherds special projects from inception through completion. Although she works with all industry sectors, she has an affinity for advanced manufacturing.
