5 Tips for First-Time Attendees at the RMAI Annual Conference
Attending the Receivables Management Association International (RMAI) Annual Conference for the first time can be overwhelming but very rewarding. There is so much packed into three short days. Between the many education sessions, networking events, and other private functions, if you do not already know some people, it can be difficult to initiate new connections and participate. To help you, we’ve assembled some tips to help you get the most out of your Annual Conference experience.
1. Meet Your Ambassador
One of the best ways to begin your first conference is a stop at the Ambassador’s table. First-time attendees are encouraged to talk with Conference Ambassadors, available at the Ambassador table and identified by their “Ambassador” badge ribbons throughout the conference. While some may take this conference mentorship for granted, Ambassadors can help you through introductions as well as answering any conference questions about how to get the most from your conference experience. Before conference travel begins, first-time attendees receive an Ambassador email and are encouraged to reach out with any questions prior to the event. A mistake that some new attendees make is not taking advantage of your Ambassador’s experience and knowledge.
2. Don’t Skip the Networking Events
Don’t miss out on the many networking opportunities that the conference provides. You may be exhausted between travel and time zone changes and see the networking events as an optional social part of your day, but in reality, these events are where most people connect and form new relationships, both personal and professional. Pre-Conference provides important sessions to begin your path towards certification, Opening Reception connects you with the like-minded professionals with whom you will be spending the conference, the First-Time/New Member Lunch introduces you to other first-time attendees/new members so you can meet and get to know professionals from various facets of the industry, and Suite Crawl is a more casual environment for strengthening newly forged and established relationships. Make sure you bring plenty of business cards; if you are willing to be open to conversation, you will meet many people, and, maybe even find your next client!
3. Talk with Exhibitors
When the exhibit hall is open, and during networking events, make sure you stop and talk with the exhibitors. The RMAI Annual Conference draws vendors from all sections of our industry. From small to large and emerging to established, if you need a product or service, chances are you can fulfill that need on the exhibit floor. Or, you may meet an exhibitor whose product or service fills a need that you didn’t even know you had. Also, talking with exhibitors is an easy way to meet people and create new opportunities for yourself that will grow your business.
4. Become A Member
If you are not yet a member, become one. Attending the RMAI Annual Conference is a jumpstart to building strategic industry relationships, but it doesn’t hold extended value unless you become a member. RMAI Membership provides you with ongoing valuable benefits like complimentary webinars, discounted pricing for conferences and events, and access to the member directory, stay current with the latest news, connect with leads, get involved with your community, and strengthen your business by becoming a member.
5. Sponsor and Advertise, Get Your Name Out There!
Are you seeking to increase your exposure within the receivables management industry? Sponsoring the Conference and advertising with RMAI puts your brand front and center with potential clients and partners. There are numerous opportunities to market yourself and your company while supporting the association.
For first-time conference attendees, the RMAI Annual Conference holds endless possibilities, as long as you are willing to seize the opportunities available to you. Learn as much as you can, meet as many people as possible, and make sure you get involved!
For more information about RMAI and upcoming events, visit rmaintl.org
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