How can insurance agents get the most out of virtual conferences?

Be proactive on social, research sponsors and speakers in advance, formalize your schedule, and collaborate and network outside the platform through one-on-one meetings or team channels.

What should you do before a virtual insurance event starts?

Look for event hashtags and follow key participants such as organizers, keynote speakers, and sponsors to stay informed about important sessions, prizes, giveaways, and ongoing conversations.

Why should you review sponsors ahead of a virtual event?

Sponsors provide valuable information about improving your agency, workflow, and technology stack, and virtual events require you to research sponsors and their offerings ahead of time.

How should attendees manage their time during a virtual event?

Treat the conference like an in-person event by formalizing your schedule: select sessions ahead of time, block them on your calendar, set reminders with direct links, and allocate time to visit vendors and sponsors.

How can you keep networking connections after the event ends?

Reach out to schedule one-on-one meetings during or after the event, and if attending with a team, set up a Microsoft Teams or Slack channel to share information and strategize.

5 Tips for Attending Your Next Big I Virtual Conference and Tradeshow

The article offers five detailed tips for insurance agents to effectively engage in virtual conferences and tradeshows by proactively using social media, researching sponsors and speakers beforehand, prioritizing and scheduling sessions, and extending networking beyond the event platform to maximize learning and professional connections.

Virtual events in the insurance industry are becoming increasingly common. They offer insurance agents the chance to receive timely advice, network with peers, and stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies—all with the added benefit of being able to attend from anywhere. To make the most of these opportunities, it's important to adapt your approach. Here are five tips to help you maximize your experience at your next virtual conference or tradeshow:

1. Be Proactive and Get on Social

Get involved early by engaging on social media. Before the event starts, look for event hashtags and follow key participants such as organizers, keynote speakers, and sponsors. This will help you stay informed about important sessions, prizes, giveaways, and ongoing conversations with other attendees.

2. Review the Sponsors

Sponsors are present to provide valuable information about improving your agency, workflow, and technology stack. Unlike in-person events where you might stumble upon interesting sponsors, virtual events require you to research sponsors and their offerings ahead of time. Seek out those that align with your interests and needs.

3. Check Out the Speakers

Virtual conferences can be just as busy as in-person ones, with multiple sessions happening at once and some limiting attendance. Research sessions and speakers in advance to identify topics that will benefit you most. Engage during live events by asking questions and providing feedback.

4. Prioritize Your Time

Treat the virtual conference as you would an in-person event by formalizing your schedule. Select preferred sessions ahead of time, block them out on your calendar, set reminders with direct links, and take steps to stay organized and focused. Remember to allocate time to visit vendors and sponsors as well.

5. Collaborate and Network Outside the Platform

While virtual event platforms often provide communication tools, these may not be available after the event ends. If you find a speaker, vendor, or fellow attendee you'd like to connect with, reach out to schedule one-on-one meetings during or after the event. If attending with a team, consider setting up a Microsoft Teams or Slack channel to share information, divide sessions, and strategize for maximum benefit.

Looking for More Independent Insurance Agency Tips?

Virtual events may continue to be the norm, so it's wise to take advantage of their offerings. For more tips and guidance on navigating the post-COVID-19 landscape, consider following relevant industry resources on social media.