Conferences for Strength and Conditioning: Part I - Preparation

I've been to a few S&C conferences. Sometimes as an attendee, other times I have served as interpreter, and still yet as a presenter myself. I find there are a few ways to make the most of the experience, and when prepared, use it to springboard into more meaningful interactions afterward.

Know what you don't know

Going into a conference with self-imposed scripts (strong assumptions about what you do and don't know) around topics like data, testing, training transfer, or even coaching will ruin your experience. The same is true for assumptions about ignorance. The root of the issue is a sense of insecurity about what other coaches will or will not know compared to you. The crux of the issue is that you won't seek out meaningful interaction with coaches for fear of judgement, or because you don't feel like you can learn from them. Being bold in starting conversations is a big deal in my experience, and it starts with being real with yourself. Some events I have attended are filled with young coaches who are grinding out CEU's. Other conferences are filled with veteran coaches who are doing the same thing! I have taken impactful lessons for my coaching philosophy from chatting with both types of attendees. I know what I don't know and seek out interactions which can fill those gaps. For example, I certainly don't know the names and experiences of all the other coaches in attendance. Seeking to actively fill that gap often leads to more meaningful interactions on S&C topics.

ask first, then listen, then ask again

I have made the mistake of wanting to be heard. Entering a conference situation with the intent to hold the court of conversation is certainly one approach. However the mind of the learner seeks to ask and be answered, rather than speak and give answers. So naturally, taking the opposite approach lends itself to not learning much at all. If you have been selected as a presenter, designated a teacher, there are certain expectations around how much you speak. If you are electing to attend as a learner, I find it much more fulfilling to expect to ask and listen much more than talk and he heard. Additionally, potential employers (and employees) will find you more attractive if you show a genuine interest through asking questions about them and what they know. Pursuing a learner's approach might lead you to get to know a little more about the people who are attending the conference with you prior to heading off to the event. Know where presenters are working before you approach them. The classic undergrad "What is your role?" kills valuable time you could be asking more meaningful questions. I like to hone-in on specific details of presenters to learn more about their experiences. For example, "How was it for you, being coached by Charles Poliquin himself?", or "in the article you published this spring, how did you decide to do XYZ?" This approach will get you going on some more useful questions, and then the real conversation can begin. If all else fails and everyone is a complete stranger it never hurts to start a conversation with some self-deprecating humor and then to simply introduce myself and ask, "what's your name?"

making the connection

Often, the destination of making a network contact is more about the journey than the actual connection itself. Doing the work of getting someone to give you their business card is actually not that hard. It's much harder to get that person to remember you and care enough to text you back the week after the conference. Here are three simple rules I like to apply when working a room for contacts at an S&C Conference:

Read the Room - Often, the temptation to go and speak to someone is brought on by the crowd of other coaches surrounding that person. If someone is being mobbed, give them some space. Wait for the room to cool off before heading over to chat with them. Because you have done your homework, look around the space for other coaches you recognize who are available to answer questions. In the unlikely event that every presenter and attendee is being mobbed, you can always look for the event organizers. These people are often strength coaches as well, who have valuable experiences to share.
Be Real - If someone is obviously a researcher who does half marathons for fun, don't shuffle your hulking powerlifter frame over and pretend to be interested in their data analytics thesis. There's nothing wrong with making an introduction and small talk. However, if you don't have a legit question don't waste their time. What I mean by that is this; could you likely answer the question you have by googling it? That's my barometer anyways.
Smile - Make a good impression by showing a smiling face. It's basic psychology that happy people are more attractive, easier to talk to, more intelligent, and generally more likeable. For an ugly idiot like me, this is an invaluable advantage I can't afford to not take advantage of!

put it all together

Conferences and networking are headed to the same place. Improving your resume and your skillset should be approached as a journey. I made the mistake early in my career of trying too hard to just get this part out of the way. By trying to learn new things, connect different philosophies, and challenge the ideas you hold central to your training strategy you can improve both skillset and resume. Conferences season is a great way to do this, particularly if you have done a little preparation first.