Make a (Better) Plan When You Attend Your Next Conference
Dear Women Leaders,
Attending conferences and leadership events is an incredible opportunity to learn, network, and grow. But too often, we rely on the conference agenda and forget to set personal goals.
We show up, move from session to session, collect a few business cards, and wonder if it was worth the time, money, and energy. Sound familiar?
Here’s your invitation to change that narrative. Let’s be more intentional.
Don’t Just Attend—Arrive with Purpose
When the schedule is already set for us, it’s easy to assume you’ll get value just by showing up. But intention transforms the experience.
Before your next event, ask yourself:
Who are the new people I want to meet? Be specific. Look at the attendee list or speakers and plan who you'd love to connect with. Reach out via LinkedIn and see if you can schedule time to meet for coffee or a drink.
Which old colleagues or friends do I want to reconnect with? It feels good to reconnect, and those folks might have an introduction or two for you.
What sessions will truly bring me value? Choose based on what you need now, not just what looks sparkly.
Prepare for the Follow-Through
Conferences create momentum, but without a follow-up plan, connections and excitement can quickly fizzle.
How will I retain what I’m learning? Take notes that make sense to you—voice memos, a dedicated notebook, or even a blog recap. Shoot for ONE takeaway per session to make action more realistic when you return to the office.
Do I have a simple way to share my contact info? Business cards still work, but a digital card, LinkedIn QR code, or even a personal landing page can make a bigger impact.
When will I follow up? Block out time before the event ends to follow up with new connections while your energy and memory are still fresh.
Take Care of Your Body
Travel and back-to-back sessions can take a toll. Leadership doesn’t mean pushing through exhaustion—it means sustaining yourself to show up fully.
Plan ahead:
Prioritize rest even in a packed schedule.
Scout out the hotel gym or walking paths when you arrive at your hotel.
Pack snacks and stay hydrated. When the conference puts snacks out, grab a few even if you're not hungry. Sometimes they run out, or they’re put away before you need them.
Leadership is in the Details
Your time, energy, and resources are valuable. Investing a few minutes in thoughtful planning can turn a conference from “just another event” into a meaningful experience that propels you forward.
So before you head into your next event, pause and plan. You’re not just attending—you’re leading.
Sincerely,
Your Leadership Coach
P.S. Want more intentional leadership strategies like this?
👉 Explore the blog or book a discovery call to learn how coaching can support your growth at every stage.
Rebecca Malotke-Meslin is the founder of Pleasantly Aggressive Coaching & Consulting, where she helps women working in independent schools and non-profit organizations to lead more confidently, authentically, and unapologetically. Rebecca combines a background in social research with 20 years of sales, marketing, communications, and school leadership to create an in-depth and engaging experience for her clients. Rebecca is also the co-host of the Confidently You: Women in Leadership Podcast.
