Benefits of attending conferences for career advancement

Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, attending conferences can be a powerful way to enhance your skills and accelerate your professional growth.

These events provide a unique platform for gaining fresh insights, building meaningful connections, and staying ahead of emerging industry trends.

According to AIM WA Chief Learning and Development Officer Drew Mayhills FAIM, conferences benefit individuals in many ways – from new learning to professional growth.

“Attendees can discover and adopt new approaches, access contemporary research and apply practical insights upon returning to work," he said. 

“A worthwhile conference will often challenge and expand the audience’s thinking through engaging presentations, panel discussions and experiential sessions. 

“The dedicated time away from operational demands helps to enable meaningful reflection. 

“Importantly, conferences can foster a sense of community within industries and sectors, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing and networking. 

“Through attending – and starting a conversation with a stranger – attendees can strengthen their professional networks, which often leads to organic opportunities to support one another.”

Preparing for a conference

To maximise the value of a conference, Mr Mayhills recommends starting with thorough research before attending.

“Being well prepared helps you get the most out of your conference,” he said.

“Researching speakers or attendees you admire enables you to ask informed questions and engage in meaningful conversations – and can leave a lasting impression. 

“Being familiar with industry trends and challenges positions you to contribute thoughtfully to discussions, particularly in networking settings." 

Doing your research and setting goals for desired outcomes will provide a more enriching experience, allowing you to be present and attentive in conversations with other industry professionals at the conference.

“Preparation also equips you to identify gaps in your knowledge and seek specific insights, helping you to grow personally and professionally,” Mr Mayhills said.

How to engage in networking

Attending conferences provides invaluable networking opportunities by bringing together professionals, industry experts, and thought leaders.

This dynamic environment fosters meaningful connections, encourages the exchange of innovative ideas, and creates pathways for collaborations that can elevate your career.

“Networking is invaluable for career development, opening pathways to new opportunities, collaborations and knowledge sharing,” Mr Mayhills said.

Yet to get the most out of the experience, Mr Mayhills recommends taking the initiative to get involved.

“Approach networking with equal parts generosity and curiosity. Listen attentively and ask thoughtful questions which show you’re genuinely interested,” he said. 

Mr Mayhills suggests setting small achievable goals, such as introducing yourself to one new person at three key points during the conference.

“Start conversations with open, curious questions such as, ‘What are you most interested in hearing about today?’ or ‘What was most useful to you in that panel discussion?’,” he said.

“Simple gestures, such as introducing yourself at a table or connecting to people you meet, create a positive impression and foster meaningful connections.

“Identify and offer ways to help – such as being willing to make an introduction to someone else you know, sharing ideas or providing resources – without expecting anything in return.” 

While it’s important to remain approachable and open to new connections, Mr Mayhills says remaining intentional about how you share your contact details is crucial.

“For example, if someone asks the best way to stay in touch, offer to share your details and let them guide you on the most suitable way to connect,” he said.

“Avoid indiscriminately handing out business cards – doing so can detract from your personal and organisational brand." 

“Thoughtful, authentic interactions always leave a lasting, positive impression.”

How to approach professional introductions 

Effective introductions are key to making a positive first impression and fostering engaging conversations.

When preparing your introductions, avoid getting bogged down in the nitty-gritty details of your job to help invite conversation, rather than leave the room confused and overwhelmed.

“For example, a recruiter might say, ‘I help people transition into roles where their skills are valued, and they feel connected to their workplace culture’,” Mr Mayhills said.

“An information technology professional might describe their role as ensuring workplace technology runs seamlessly so teams can focus on their core work.

“Tailor your message to spark interest while remaining succinct and relatable.”

The importance of personal branding

Personal brand is equally critical when making an impression - both in your professional role and networking.

“Actively engaging with content through active listening, thoughtful questioning and participation in activities amplifies both your learning and visibility,” Mr Mayhills said.

“Every question you ask or every activity you join is an opportunity to enhance your personal brand among peers. Some individuals find that writing their questions down helps with formulating them – making it easier to speak up confidently.”

Conferences that include practical, hands-on learning can be particularly valuable for skill development, as they provide opportunities to actively engage with new concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios.

“Seek out experiential learning sessions which allow for hands-on application of ideas – these are increasingly popular in modern conferences and offer invaluable opportunities to deepen your understanding and refine your skills,” Mr Mayhills said. 

Stepping into leadership

Your personal brand can also be enhanced by taking advantage of leadership opportunities at a conference.

“Conferences provide a platform to demonstrate leadership by addressing complex or contentious topics thoughtfully and respectfully,” Mr Mayhills said.

“If you challenge a policy or highlight a tension in the conversation, frame your input respectfully and constructively. 

“If you are drawing on a specific example, make sure these are appropriately anonymised to avoid bringing individuals or organisations into disrepute in a public forum."

“When we ask questions which inspire collaborative thinking and problem-solving, we encourage others to reflect on how they too can drive positive change – everyone benefits.”

Meeting with other industry leaders not only provides valuable insights into how they engage with others but also offers a chance for self-reflection on your personal leadership style and aspirations.

“Engaging with industry leaders is an opportunity to share your workplace successes while maintaining a balance that avoids self-centredness,” Mr Mayhills said.

“Focus on collaborative efforts by highlighting the contributions of your colleagues and the collective outcomes achieved through teamwork. 

“Frame your insights in a way that reflects humility, emphasising your organisation's achievements and its broader impact on the people and communities you serve, rather than personal accolades. 

“This approach fosters genuine interest and appreciation from others but also encourages thoughtful reflection on how shared efforts drive meaningful achievements in your field.”

Where to from here?

In 2024, AIM WA introduced a series of one-day conferences designed to deliver first-class learning experiences tailored to specific professional demographics. 

“These events combined diverse and compelling keynote speakers, panel discussions and experiential learning activities to address emerging trends and developments within targeted industry segments,” Mr Mayhills said.

“Additionally, they fostered a sense of community among participants, particularly those often overlooked or underserved by existing market offerings. 

“The conferences, which focused on psychological safety, the unique needs of executive assistants, and the increasing importance of diversity, belonging and inclusion in the workplace, were highly successful and well received by those in attendance."

The AIM WA 2025 Conference Series offers a unique opportunity for professionals to gain cutting-edge insights, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and enhance their leadership capabilities.

With eight dynamic one-day conferences spanning topics such as AI in the workplace, leadership development, change management, and employee engagement, each event provides valuable perspectives tailored to address modern workplace challenges.

“AIM WA is looking forward to growing these offerings in 2025 and taking the lessons from our 2024 series forward to deliver a compelling series of conference experiences,” Mr Mayhills said.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your leadership skills, navigate workplace change, or build resilient teams, the AIM WA Conference WA Series is the perfect place to connect with industry experts, innovators, and like-minded professionals.

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