12 Tips for Getting the Most Out of ACA’s Spring 2019 Compliance and Performance Conference

ACA’s Spring 2019 Compliance and Performance Conference is just around the corner and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the most of your time. Below are just a few ways to maximize your conference experience.

How do I prepare for the conference?

ACA’s Spring 2019 Compliance and Performance Conference is three days of knowledgeable speakers, breakout sessions, and networking events. To make your experience as stress free as possible, try the following before traveling to Miami.

1. Review the Agenda
   When reviewing the agenda, consider your personal and professional goals to better prioritize your time. With over 40 sessions covering various topics in compliance and performance, you can design a personal conference experience to meet these goals.
    
2. Clear Your Schedule
   Tie up loose ends before you leave the office so you can focus on the conference. Yes, we all know you’ll check your email throughout the conference, but don’t forget to set your out-of-office reply to let people know you may be delayed in responding to messages.
    
3. Update Your LinkedIn Profile
   Put your best foot forward and be prepared to see an increase in LinkedIn profile views after the conference – especially if you’ve been networking! Make sure your profile is current with the most up-to-date information and make sure to follow ACA Compliance Group for alerts, upcoming webcasts, and more.
    
4. Be App Ready
   Download the conference app before you arrive to get a sneak peek at attendee lists, personalized agendas, speaker bios, and more! Registered attendees will receive instructions for downloading the app via email.
    
5. Prep Your Tech
   Do you have all your electronics and charging devices? Create a checklist of all your technology, chargers, and cords to make sure you won’t run out of battery halfway through the day. ACA will also have charging stations available for you to charge your devices in the Exhibitor Hall.
    
6. Bring Extra Business Cards
   Never attend a conference without business cards! You never know how many people you’re going to meet and want to connect with after the conference. If you don’t have business cards, make sure you collect as many as possible so you can follow up with everyone after the conference.
    
7. Dress to Impress
   Be sure you look good, feel good, and are dressed to make a great first impression. Business casual is appropriate attire for this conference. Although we try our best at maintaining a comfortable temperature, conference rooms are known for being cold. Pack layers so you can adjust what you’re wearing and remain comfortable throughout the day.

What do I do at the conference?

You made it... now what? The next few days will be a whirlwind of learning and fun, but don’t worry! You’re armed with a goal, a plan, and everything you need to succeed. Just a few additional items to keep in mind to help you make the most of your time.

8. Divide and Conquer
   Are you attending with coworkers? Split up sessions to maximize how much information you’re able to bring back to your firm.
    
9. Build Your Network
   Nothing beats face-to-face interaction! Our conferences include multiple breaks and networking events to give you plenty of opportunities to connect with over 300 like-minded peers. 
    
10. Stay Organized
    Write down at least one key takeaway and action item from each session or conversation. You’re about to walk away with more notes, names, and numbers than you can possibly remember. Include details that will jog your memory a day or even a week after the conference. 

What do I do after the conference?

Take a little time to decompress after you arrive home... but not too much, you’re not done yet!

11. Stay Connected
    As you’re traveling home, make a list of follow-ups and jot down important details while they’re still fresh in your mind.
    
    Connecting with attendees and speakers you met during the conference is best done in the days immediately following your return. It’s also a great way to keep the resources flowing long after the conference is over. Send quick follow-up notes and LinkedIn requests referencing a topic you discussed to continue the conversation. Remember, networking is only as good as your ability to keep the conversation going.
     
12. Pay It Forward
    You’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and connections from the conference. One of the best things you can do now is set time aside to share those resources with your team and devise a plan to apply some of the things you’ve learned firm-wide. Share what you learned now and perhaps your colleagues will reciprocate the next time they go to a conference you are unable to attend.

Attending a conference is an investment. Of course, there is the expense of the actual conference, but also the investment of your time and energy. That said, it’s also an opportunity to absorb new information, make new connections, and strengthen old relationships. With these tips, we hope you’ll feel more prepared and ready to have an unforgettable conference experience. See you in Miami!

Register Today!

Not registered yet? There's still time to sign up. Learn more here and join us in Miami on May 8-10.

About the Author

Brigitte Nickel is the Marketing Manager for ACA Performance Services, a division of ACA Compliance Group. Her primary responsibilities include overseeing the marketing strategy for the performance division and ACA's internal communications. Prior to ACA, Brigitte was the Director of Marketing at Ashland Partners & Co., LLP. Brigitte earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from Portland State University and an M.B.A. from Southern Oregon University.