Whether you are a first time attendee or have been attending for years, it’s important to properly prepare for NAPE South before arriving. This ensures you will make the most out of your time at the conference and allows you to leave with the resources and learning needed to excel in the industry over the next year.
Preparation Tips
Here are five tips to help you properly prepare for NAPE South:
- Justify Your Attendance - If you aren’t able to justify your attendance at the expo, you may not be able to attend at all. You need your employer’s support and encouragement. You can usually do this by offering to prepare and deliver a presentation to your colleagues upon returning from the event. You will also want to explain what value you will gain from the experience, as well as what your employer can expect to gain. If expenses are an issue, offer to share a hotel room and use complimentary hotel shuttles.
- Do Your Research - Once you’ve been given the clearance to attend, it’s time to start researching the event. Know who is attending, what seminars and booths interest you, and set goals for what you want to accomplish. Are you looking to network, learn about new technologies, or study the competition? Your research and goal development is key to getting the highest ROI for your time at NAPE South.
- Don’t Overbook - With so many resources at your fingertips, it’s easy to overbook yourself. Resist this temptation and be realistic. You need time to eat, sleep, and relax, so don’t schedule meetings for every spare moment.
- Prepare to Network - Undoubtedly, one of the biggest advantages of attending NAPE South is the ability to network with peers. Prepare for this opportunity by bringing along business cards, company brochures, and other information. It’s also a good idea to practice introducing yourself and explaining your value.
- Plan Travel Wisely - People often make the mistake of flying in right before the expo starts and leaving right as it concludes. Build in time buffers to allow for breathing room. After a long day of travel, you may want some rest before the expo starts. After the expo concludes, it’s sometimes valuable to have a few hours to mingle and network with new connections.
Before attending NAPE South, properly prepare for the event. By following these five tips, you can ensure your time will be well spent and productive.
And make sure to stop by the CourthouseDirect.com booth and learn more about how online records can help you with your land research. Can’t make it this year? Follow CourthouseDirect.com on Twitter at @CHDirect for the latest updates from NAPE South August 20-22 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
