Welcome to iFLEX at The Car Wash Show 2021! Over this past year and a half, we have all faced tremendous hurdles, trying to figure out how to achieve some semblance of normalcy while navigating the uncertain world that has resulted from COVID-19. While we know these times have tried us each in different ways, we are here now, together, in-person. All of us fellow attendees are drawn together with the common vision of seeking ways to better accomplish our professional goals.
With that in mind, here are a few key tips to making the most out of your time at the conference.
Understand your educational goal(s).
Successfully running your business means understanding your strengths as well as your weaknesses. With all the materials you will be getting at the beginning of the show, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the offerings. Use this to understand where your time will be best spent to further grow your business, either by expanding your competitive advantage, addressing your business’ shortcomings, or both.
Think about networking.
As you know, an effective network moves your business forward, but establishing that network can be difficult. Just as we recommend planning your educational goals, we also recommend planning your networking goals. Think about what your business needs and avoid the helicopter approach of just moving around the show. Move with purpose and engage with those who are most likely to become solid connections. Having multiple networking contacts in mind is useful so that you are not just waiting for one person’s schedule to open up. Your time here is finite, make the most of it.
Bring information back.
You are coming to the show to become better at what you do. The positive effects of your
experience will be amplified if you bring back the information you have received to those with whom you work. Try to find ways to make this a communal experience so your entire organization benefits. Some find a presentation of key ideas useful. Some find informational brochures more helpful. Think about what information would best be shared with your co-workers as well as the most effective way to share your experience. Sharing the information helps strengthen your work’s communal bond to a common goal.
Have fun.
As stereotypical as it is to end on the “have fun” note, we do not think it could be any more applicable than this year. Your fellow attendees are your industry peers. You all have common experiences that bind you together, and as we have seen, the ability to engage with people should not be taken for granted. We are happy to have you as an attendee this year and again, enjoy the show!
