As a management consultant, if I see strategic value (opportunities for networking with potential clients) at a conference, I attend it. The cost of attending it is simply something that the bean-counters in the office worry about. But recently I have learned something else -- all conferences are not the same. There are dozens of conferences that I have regretted attending after spending thousands of dollars. The food was horrible, the hotel was overpriced, the speakers simply tried to sell me something, and the attendees came on short vacations paid for by their employers rather than to engage in intellectual discourse on business models and competitive strategy.
But then there are others that I have enjoyed attending and basically spent the price of a business lunch. This weekend I attended a conference at Harvard Business School that costs just $50. Not only did I learn how to develop a market entry strategy for India, I met some people who have actually done it. Yeah, they gave me packed lunch and there were not enough chairs to sit on during panel discussion, but who cares when you are listening to visionaries.
Similarly, I attended TieCon East, a conference that brings together venture capitalists, tech executives, and entrepreneurs-in-making. Don't expect gourmet food or Amelia Island style views, but you are guaranteed to get your arms around on what is brewing in the world of technology. You can brush shoulders with the leading VCs on east coast and get their thoughts on that new business idea that you have had for years but your employer doesn't even want to hear about it. The cost -- what you might spend on a business dinner. (Related article: TieCon East brings together venture capitalists and entrepreneurs)
How to decide which conferences to attend?
- Reach out to your network of contacts and ask for their opinion. Specifically, ask for input on caliber of speakers and attendees.
- Don't judge a conference by its price. In many cases, the high fee simply reflects the cost of hosting it at The Ritz, not the quality of attendees or speakers.
- Don't sign up early even if it is cheaper, particularly if there are hefty cancellation charges. As you approach the conference, you will get a better idea of who is really speaking. And since conferences rarely get sold out these days, if you call (instead of signing up online) and negotiate the discounted price, chances are you will get it.
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