So, you got the green light to attend a senior living conference — now what? 

After attending many state and local conferences as both an attendee and a vendor, I’ve put together key areas to help you plan your trip for maximum success. Whether it’s engaging with vendors, learning from industry experts, or networking with peers, these strategies will ensure you leave the conference with valuable connections and information benefiting both you and your team.

1. Meeting with 3rd-Party Providers

• Research in Advance: Identify key third-party providers and schedule meetings before the event. Are the people and providers you want to meet with attending? Don't hesitate to reach out before the conference to schedule a time to chat with them while you're there.

• Prepare Talking Points: Focus on what you need — partnership opportunities, product demos, or specific solutions. Conferences can have very packed schedules so planning your conversation points can help you maximize your time.

• Follow-Up Strategy: Collect contact information and plan post-conference follow-ups to keep conversations going. Emails to connections you made at the conference can help keep conversations flowing.

2. Selecting Speakers to Listen To

• Review the Agenda: Prioritize speakers that align with your growth goals and interests in the senior living industry. Most conferences post their agendas beforehand, so you can pre-plan which events to attend while you’re there.

• Balance Learning and Networking: Attend several critical sessions each day to stay informed without overloading your schedule. You'll want to save time each day to walk around and chat with other attendees.

3. Engage With The Conference:

• Use Social Media: Make sure you share your experience on social media. Many conferences have their own hashtag so you can engage in conversations online with other conference attendees and expand the reach of your participation.

• Take Pictures: Have you and your team take pictures while you're at the conference to share online during and afterward. This can help you continue conversations and reinforce connections online with conference attendees you met in person.

4. Time with Your Team

• Coordinate in Advance: Assign goals and tasks to your team to cover more ground at the conference. 

• Check-ins vs. Independent Networking: Plan brief daily check-ins with your team while encouraging independent exploration. Make sure you have a way to communicate with each other during the conference.

5. Networking with Assisted Living Companies

• Targeted Networking: Attend relevant industry events and be open to impromptu networking during breaks. If there are attendees you want to chat with at the conference, email them ahead of time and schedule a meet up. 

• Elevator Pitch: Have a concise, effective introduction ready.

• Follow-Up: After the event, send personalized follow-ups to the people you met.

6. Gathering Merchandise and Gifts

• Vendor Swag: Make time to visit vendor booths and collect merchandise. These items make excellent giveaways for your frontline staff or residents, helping them feel involved and appreciated after your return.

7. Gathering Information for Non-Attending Team Members

• Ask for Input: Before attending, ask non-attending team members what they would like to learn more about within the senior living industry.

• Get Relevant Information: Be sure to gather notes, resources, or contacts that will provide answers to their questions or help them grow.

These conferences are a valuable opportunity for learning, networking, and strengthening relationships with both industry peers and your team. By planning ahead, engaging with the right vendors, gathering useful information for your colleagues, and bringing back thoughtful giveaways for your staff, you’ll make the most of your time and ensure the conference has a lasting impact.