It’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day rhythm of your role. That’s why it’s so important to break away and invest in yourself

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Forbes

Attending an industry conference can be one of the most powerful ways to expand your knowledge, build your network and reinvigorate your career. But showing up isn’t enough. To make the most of the experience, you need to be intentional before, during and after the event.

Get Ready Before You Walk Through the Door

A successful conference starts with solid preparation. The night before, take a few moments to pack everything you’ll need so you’re not scrambling in the morning. Think of what will keep you comfortable, energised and ready to engage. Conferences can be long, and you’ll want to stay focused, so take care of the practical things in advance.

Your digital presence deserves attention too. Since you’ll be meeting new people – and some of them might look you up afterward – your LinkedIn profile should be current and professional. A sharp profile photo, a concise and relevant bio, and clarity around your current role or career aspirations can make a lasting impression. If you’re open to opportunities, say so. Give people a reason to remember and connect with you.

One last, often-overlooked detail: your out-of-office email. You won’t absorb much at the conference if your mind is still in your inbox. Let your colleagues know you’ll be away and unavailable. Freeing yourself up, mentally and logistically, lets you focus fully on the experience.

Make the Most of Your Time on the Ground

Once you’re at the conference, be present. Don’t just sit back and passively absorb the content – get involved. Join the Q&A sessions, take part in breakout discussions, raise your hand in workshops and engage with the ideas being presented.

If you’re not naturally outgoing, you don’t have to force anything. Just keep your eyes open. If you see someone sitting alone during lunch or waiting in a quiet hallway between sessions, that’s a perfect moment to introduce yourself. A short conversation could lead to a new friend, mentor, collaborator, or even a future employer.

Don’t underestimate the power of real-time sharing. Posting thoughtful updates or reflections on LinkedIn while you’re still at the event can amplify your presence. Whether it’s a quote that resonated with you, an insight that challenged your thinking, or just a quick note about how the day is going, sharing your experience signals that you’re actively engaged in your field. Tag speakers or fellow attendees where appropriate – it opens the door for future dialogue.

After the Conference: Turn Inspiration into Action

Attending a conference is the easy part. The hard part is what you do after it ends. Once you’re back in your usual routine, take some time to review your notes while everything is still fresh. Identify the ideas, tools, or frameworks that could make a difference in your work. Consider what you want to explore further and what you can implement right away.

Reach out to the people you connected with, thank them for the conversation and keep that door open. Relationships built at conferences can turn into long-term collaborations if you nurture them. Most importantly, don’t let the energy of the event fade away. Share what you learned with your team, bring new ideas into your workflow, or schedule time for further learning. A single conference can spark months of growth if you let it.