Stronger Together: How Group Attendance at Conferences Boosts Success

Attending conferences is a great way to network with like-minded individuals, gain industry insights, and learn new skills. But, have you ever considered the benefits of attending a conference as a group? WiM’s SUMMIT 2023 is taking place September 25-27, 2023 at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego, CA and virtually, and what better way to make plans to attend than with others? Whether you take part in a conference with your colleagues or a group of industry peers, group attendance is bound to enhance your conference experience in several ways.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is a core benefit of attending a conference and as a group you can divide and conquer, attending different sessions and meeting different people. You can then introduce each other to new contacts and make even more meaningful connections. By networking as a group, you increase your chances of making valuable introductions, leading to new business opportunities, partnerships, and career advancements. At SUMMIT, more than 1,000 attendees are expected to participate from more than 250 companies and 45 states, giving you plenty of opportunities to expand your network.

Learning

Have a long list of workshops you’d like to attend at a conference but can’t see how you’ll fit them all in? Attend a conference as a group and you’ll have the chance to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives. Strategize so that at least one of you is attending each workshop that interests your group. At SUMMIT you can expect more than 50 speakers including 5 keynote presentations, 28 educational sessions, 10 plant tours, roundtable discussions, and social events. At the end of the day, gather with your crew for dinner to discuss and share what you've learned from the different sessions, workshops, and speakers, gaining new insights along the way.

Cost-effective

Attending conferences can sometimes be expensive, particularly when you factor in registration fees, accommodation, and travel costs. However, attending conferences as a group might lighten that financial burden. By sharing accommodations and travel costs, you have the chance to reduce your overall expenses. Additionally, many conferences, such as SUMMIT, offer group discounts or special rates, which can further reduce costs. By attending conferences as a group, you can maximize your return on investment and get the most out of your conference experience.

Motivation and Support

Attending conferences can be overwhelming, particularly if you're attending for the first time. However, attending conferences with friends or coworkers can provide motivation and support. You can encourage each other to attend specific sessions, participate in activities, and engage with other attendees. Additionally, having a group can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Walking into a crowd of unfamiliar faces can sometimes be intimidating. Having an acquaintance by your side to get the ball rolling on striking up a conversation with someone new can be all it takes. By attending conferences as a group, you provide each other with the encouragement needed to make the most out of your conference experience.

Team Building

Attending conferences as a group can serve as team-building activities. It provides an opportunity for team members to bond and get to know each other outside of the workplace, which can improve communication, collaboration, and teamwork. By attending conferences together, team members can work on team-building skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Additionally, attending conferences as a group can provide an opportunity to align team goals and objectives, which can improve overall team performance.

From networking opportunities, learning from each other, cost-effectiveness, motivation and support, and team-building, the benefits of attending conferences as a group are numerous. You can enhance your conference experience and gain lasting benefits for yourself and your team. So the next time you're considering attending a conference, consider attending as a group to maximize your return on investment and make the most out of your conference experience.

We can’t wait to explore new horizons with you at SUMMIT 2023. Click here for registration details.