To gain a competitive edge, it’s important to make learning and development an ongoing part of your professional development. Attending a conference like Deltek Insight provides a short and practical opportunity to learn new information, gain additional knowledge, and make valuable contacts.
Yet, attending a conference can be a costly and time-consuming experience. If you are planning on taking a day or more out of the office to attend Deltek Insight, a bit of preparation will ensure that investment pays real dividends for your personal development. Here are 5 things to know (and do) before you go:
1. Why
It is important to understand ‘Why’ you want to attend Deltek Insight in the first place. Ask yourself these three basic questions:
- Am I trying to learn something new?
Insight offers various program tracks – Discover the track that best fits your interests whether it is Costpoint, Costpoint Foundations & Essentials, Vision, etc. and create your own unique experience. - Do I want to meet people that may benefit my career?
There are networking opportunities around every corner from the welcome center, expo hall, to private events. Take the time to meet and mingle with fellow Deltek users and experts. - Am I attending because I’ve been told to?
We hope not, but even if your boss is making you attend; make the most of the conference by expanding your knowledge and contacts.
2. Before
INSIDER TIP: Before you go download the Deltek Insight app – See what companies are attending, plan which sessions and expo hall booths you want to visit! Visit us at Booth 16!
The Deltek Insight App is your key to unlocking all the conference has to offer - It will aid you in all aspects from creating and building your agenda, interacting with fellow attendees, and even navigating the hotel. As you meet new people, you can connect with them via the App, and keep your conversations going. It is also the fastest and easiest way to look up session and meeting rooms. The app will be your best asset and the secret weapon to help you gain the most from attending Deltek Insight.
3. At
INSIDER TIP: At the conference expand your knowledge by adding a Pre-Conference Workshop during registration to maximize your Insight experience!
Like most conferences, Insight is a mix of keynote events and breakout sessions that will require you to choose between various topics and tracks.
Go through the program list and take note of the activities that correspond closely to your interests – sometimes this will be content-based, but it could also be based upon on a connection you have with the speaker.
Consider attending a few sessions outside your wheelhouse. It can be a bit of a gamble, but you may stumble across something new that you can apply to your current role.
It’s likely you will miss out on something you were interested in attending, but you can always reach out to the track managers to receive a copy of the slide deck from that session – it may make your planning process easier to know you can catch up on the less relevant content later.
4. During
INSIDER TIP: During the conference set goals for yourself, company, and team.
While at Insight you should set a list of goals for yourself, company, and team - this will allow you to track the value gained from attending the conference. Your goals should include:
- Things you want to learn
- Issues you want to solve
- People you want to network with
- Expert advice you want to take home
- Connecting with companies you want to do business with
Never underestimate the power of goal setting - It will help you better enjoy the conference and allow you to justify the cost and time you spent at the conference. Plus your boss will love it when you return and share your goals!
5. Lastly
INSIDER TIP: Lastly, enjoy yourself! RSVP – Kinetek Private Reception @ Deltek Insight
Join us on Tuesday, November 6th from 7-11PM on the Atrium Patio for a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Go to Celebrate Insight! Dance Through the Decades on Wednesday, November 7th at Gilley’s in downtown Dallas. Come dressed in your favorite era and enjoy food, drinks and entertainment as we travel through time in six themed rooms including the 60s Revolution, a 70s Disco, I Love the 80s, Smells Like 90s Spirit, and Y2K Tech Nerds. Plus, R&B legends Kool & The Gang will be headlining the event with a special live performance!
Final Thoughts
Insight is a multi-day conference, you’re likely to get burned out. If a session isn’t for you, take a break. It’s important to know and be true to your own limits. You’re at the conference to learn, connect, and grow but don’t be afraid to have fun with peers and new contacts.
Don’t feel obligated to talk shop all the time – ask people general questions about their lives as well and share information about yourself.
Just remember to do everything in moderation – at the end of the day, you’re still representing yourself and your company as a professional.