SourceCon Atlanta is right around the corner and it is all SourceCon on my mind until I leave next week to cross the country. We have an awesome program that I think everyone in attendance will really enjoy.
The exciting news is that more of you will be there to share in all that is SourceCon. We’re breaking the record attendance that we had in Dallas (that broke the previous record that was made in Atlanta).
With more people attending, it is easier to get lost in the crowd though. We don’t want that! SourceCon is all about connection. So how can you get the most from your SourceCon experience?
1. Be prepared
When you fly into Atlanta, the two days will just fly by and you will miss something you wish you hadn’t. Maybe it is a conference session you wanted to hit or someone you wanted to connect with. Either way, preparation is going to be a huge help just like it is in sourcing.
If you are looking to connect with others at the conference, check out the LinkedIn group and my post for those attending. Also, connect on Twitter and use the hashtag #SourceCon to find the latest on what’s happening. Don’t be afraid to give a shout out to some people on Twitter, either.
2. Be a sponge
The conference itself is a lot to take in. A super-cool venue? Yep. Too many interesting and smart people to meet? Check. Lots of cool topics (sometimes 3-4 at a time if you count interesting discussions in the hallway)? Sure.
I spend a majority of SourceCon listening, enjoying company, taking notes and then following up later on. That’s what I do with a lot of conferences but I obviously have a very keen interest in SourceCon. Your brain can breathe over the weekend. SourceCon is for challenging it.
3. Connect
It is a busy day for me but, with a little effort (and being prepared), I am able to meet many people at every conference I attend. The same holds true at SourceCon as well. If you’ve been connected with someone on LinkedIn or Twitter for a long time but never met in person, it is a cool experience to meet. And if you just find someone just standing alone, go up and introduce them and tell them what you do. Especially if it is me.
These connections will help you keep in touch in between conferences and get togethers so that when you do call or e-mail out of the blue with a question, it won’t be so weird.
4. Share
SourceCon came about because this community of sourcers thought it was important to share what they learned with one another. Sourcing is still an emerging and ever-changing field. I am partial to you sharing that knowledge here on SourceCon.com but I don’t really care where you share it: your own blog, Twitter, LinkedIn groups, with your company or with a networking group.
But I’d really like to see even more contributors to SourceCon.
We’re really looking forward to hosting you all. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out before, during or after the event.