The DevLearn Conference and Expo 2019, based in Las Vegas, is all about the latest innovations in learning technologies and showcasing the future of L&D. With more than 150 exhibitors, 3,500 attendees and 250 learning activities, industry events such as DevLearn can be overwhelming – especially if this is your first one! Whatever your role is, it’s important to know how to get the most out of your first visit to a conference and return with great results.
1. Set goals and plan ahead
Before attending an L&D conference and exhibition, it’s important to define your goals. Are you exhibiting and wanting to create new business? Are you attending to simply view the latest learning technologies on offer? Either way, attending the event with clear objectives will help you achieve what you need to.
Planning ahead is particularly important for visitors – DevLearn has a wide range of keynote speakers and interactive sessions spread across three days, so plan your days out and make notes of what will be most beneficial to attend. This year’s event includes DevLearn’s first ever robot keynote speaker, Sophia, an advanced humanoid. She will be talking about rapid changes in the workplace and how technology, like her own, will become embedded in our everyday lives – a must-see!
2. Grow your network
An event on the scale of DevLearn means one thing: excellent networking opportunities! Before attending, check out who is in the online community for the event – there is a DevLearn Linkedin group and a hashtag (#DevLearn) on Twitter where frequent updates are posted.
Reach out to new people, and also see if old colleagues might be there as well. Keeping up to date with social media is a great way to do this and you can even create your own invite on various platforms. There will be endless opportunities to network with new people at the event and gain inspiration, particularly during pre-conference workshops and the ‘Morning Buzz’ early bird sessions.
3. Explore!
With over 150 exhibitors, there will be no shortage of stands to explore in the Mirage. Alongside these, DevLearn will have designated stage areas spread across the hall for different speakers and sessions. Downloading the exhibition floor plan will allow you to explore the venue properly on the first day and identify which exhibitors you want to visit. You might also want to identify quieter areas which could be used for remote work and calls.
Other simple tips include:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as attending an exhibition means you’ll be on your feet all day.
- Following the designated event hashtag on social media throughout the day is also essential for sharing your experiences and striking up conversations with others.
- Remember your portable charger to stay connected throughout the day!
- Finally, take advantage of events happening after the exhibition. This could involve an informal dinner or a drinks reception after the conference has finished. Don’t miss out on additional networking and sharing your experience with others!
Wranx will be located at Stand 819, where you can view a live demonstration of our platform. Come along and learn how we utilise Spaced Repetition and Certainty Based Marking to create effective learning that increases employee knowledge retention. We’ll also be doing a giveaway – test your knowledge of The Beatles and if you get the most impressive score, you can win a Bose speaker!
If you haven’t already secured your space at DevLearn, you can do so here. We hope to see you there!
