Industry Conference & Event Preparation, Embry-Riddle Career Services

1. Industry Conferences &
Events
By Sandi Ohman
Career Services Office
Prepare for Success

2. Step 1- Research
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Organization/Conference website
Agenda
Special Speakers bios
Companies/Exhibitors Attending
Presentations & Socials Available to Attend
Etiquette for Attending Conferences
– Search for Conference
Etiquette on Internet
http://www.advancedetiquette.com/blog/business/conference-attendingetiquette/

3. Step 2 - Plan Your Strategy
• What events will you attend?
• Receptions & Socials, Professional Development
Sessions
• Who do you want to meet?
• Company Reps, Special Speakers
• Set a Goal
• What do you wear for different events?
• Different Events require different outfits
• Overall Goal of Event

4. SWE & SHPE
• These are recruiting events
– If you are seeking an internship or job have
resumes for targeted companies
– Have an elevator speech prepared – self
promotion
• Take advantage of opportunities to interact
with employers
• Volunteer Opportunities!
• Do your research!

5. NBAA
• This is NOT a recruiting event
– Have an elevator speech prepared for self
promotion
• Research companies attending & take
advantage of opportunities to interact with
employers
– Ask about hiring, tips for applying
• Attend Student day and sessions
• Research Volunteer Opportunities – great
way to meet others!

6. Conference Do’s
• Padfolio or
• Portfolio
– Resumes, Transcripts, Letters of
Recommendation
– Project Summary
sheets, Accomplishments, Certifications
– CSO website for more info
• Business cards
– Duplicating, QRC, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Name Tags

7. Conference Do’s
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Business Casual for most events/sessions
Wear suit(s) when talking to companies
Wear comfortable, but nice shoes
Ask for business cards and send thank
you/follow up letters/email – LinkedIn?
• Listen to what the recruiters/speakers say
and ask good questions
• Be respectful to speakers during sessions

8. Conference Don’ts
• Forget the event begins in Daytona and doesn’t
have to end when you are back in Daytona
• Drink too much at events, on the airplane, or if
you go out
• Go unprepared, look or act unprofessional
• Grab goodies and run, do TALK to recruiters first
• Sleep during the sessions
• Use Cell Phones during sessions
(texting, internet)

9. What to Wear
Check conference website!
Business Casual
• Dress pants or skirt, Suit jacket (optional), dress
shirt, Cardigan sweater & shell
• Comfortable dress shoes, stockings if wearing skirt, belt
(for pants)
• Conservative makeup, perfume, and jewelry
Considerations:
• Keep clothing conservative, nothing too low or tight, or
too big

10. What to Wear
Semi-Formal to Formal
• Cocktail dress (knee to tea length)
• Full-length formal gowns
Considerations:
• what travels better
– Dry cleaner bag trick!
• heel height for dress and comfort

11. You’ll get out of what you put
into it!
Questions?