Complete List of Business Conferences, Seminars, and Expos in the Philippines

Last Updated on – Feb 28, 2023 @ 5:47 am

Attending conferences, seminars, and expos is a great way to update and enrich your knowledge and skills in your field.

It gets you out of the daily work grind, exposes you to different perspectives, and lets you form professional relationships with people in the same industry

There’s so much value in joining live events. While webinars and online courses have become increasingly popular these days, nothing beats the kind of interactions you get on a face-to-face basis. 

Keep reading if you want to know more about conferences and other similar events and how they can help you achieve your personal, business, and career goals.

What is a Business Conference?

A business conference is a gathering of professionals working in the same industry to discuss new trends and opportunities in a particular business aspect, such as manufacturing, marketing, sales, customer service, and human resources management.

Typically, business conferences have several resource speakers who are experts or known personalities in the related field. 

What is a Seminar?

A seminar is a type of conference that equips attendees with new knowledge or skills on a certain topic. 

Seminars are often confused with workshops. While there are events that combine both in one setting, a seminar is different from a workshop. 

Seminars are more of the lecture-type events where various speakers give a talk or presentation about different subtopics under an overall theme. The objective of a seminar is to inform. 

Workshops offer a more hands-on and interactive experience for participants. These events consist of demonstrations and group or individual activities where attendees are expected to contribute their ideas or insights. 

What is an Expo?

An exposition or expo is a large event where a variety of companies from a specific industry participate to network with potential stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and prospective job candidates. 

For visitors, an expo offers an opportunity to discover options when it comes to brands, products, services, suppliers, or distributors in a particular industry.

Also called trade fairs or trade shows, expos typically feature product displays, live demos, discussion sessions, seminars, and sponsored booths. An expo may be held as part of a conference that runs for two or more days.

What is a Convention?

Generally speaking, a convention is a large annual gathering of people with a common interest or delegates representing various groups.

Conventions held in the Philippines can be classified into career-oriented and hobby-oriented events. 

There are formal conventions that gather professionals in a particular field like engineering, science, and technology. 

On the other hand, some conventions are geared toward enthusiasts in areas like comic books (aka Comicon), anime, cosplay, pop culture, or gaming. These events usually feature activities like meet and greet, presentations, Q&A sessions, and booths.

What are the Benefits of Attending Conferences, Seminars, and Expos?

There are at least six good reasons attending events like conferences, seminars, and expos is worth your time and money.

1. Learning Opportunities

People attend conferences mainly for its educational aspect—to gain new knowledge and enhance skills.

In a conference, attendees are exposed to new industry trends and best practices that can spur their career and/or personal growth, or improve their business operations. 

Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran in your field, you can learn something valuable from a conference.

It could include insights from thought leaders, new techniques and strategies, lessons from an individual’s or company’s success or failures, and more.

2. Gaining New Ideas and Approaches

Conferences spark innovation by starting an exchange of new ideas and approaches.

They also enable participants to gain a fresh perspective through learning at a different venue—away from the usual office cubicle—which is critical for thinking outside the box.

3. Networking with Industry Experts and Peers

Conferences are a venue for meeting new people in your field, so attending them can help build your professional network and form collaborations in the future.

Who knows, you might meet your future customer, supplier, employer, mentor, or even life-long friend in the next conference you’ll attend.

Attending conferences also allows catching up with like-minded peers you haven’t connected with in a while.

Is a conference speaker someone you admire? It’s also a perfect chance to meet and talk to the expert or influencer you’re looking up to—and even take a selfie with!

4. Discovering New Products or Partners

Visiting trade fairs is a good idea if you need to find the best suppliers and service providers for starting or growing your business, or if you just want to explore your options.

Some companies that join trade shows are also on the lookout for prospective employees.

So if you’re considering to change careers or employers, then you can increase your chance of getting hired when you drop by the booths of those companies.

5. Seeing What Your Competitors are Doing

This is a good but less talked about benefit of joining expos as a visitor.

Such events expose participants to the different players in the industry they’re in, so entrepreneurs can get a glimpse of their competitors and observe how they do business.

6. Investing in Your Growth

Ultimately, all the benefits of attending conferences and similar events lead to one thing: self-development.

When you go to a conference, you’re investing in yourself, your company, and your career.

List of Business Conferences, Expos, and Seminars in the Philippines (2019 – 2020)

Event NameCategoryScheduleVenueRegistration FeeWebsite
PSE’s FREE Stock Market 101 SeminarInvestingSaturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.6F PSE Tower,5th Ave. cor. 28th St.,BGC, TaguigFreewww.eventbrite.com/e/pses-free-stock-market-101-seminar-metro-manila-tickets-35530978112
Makati: Young Investors Club SeminarInvestingSaturdays, 5 to 8 p.m.IMG Financial Center, 9F King’s Court Bldg., Chino Roces Ave.,MakatiFreewww.facebook.com/phfinancialseminar
The Secret to Saving & Building Your Future SeminarInvestingDaily (morning and afternoon sessions)IMG Financial Center, 9F King’s Court Bldg., Chino Roces Ave.,MakatiFreewww.eventbrite.com/e/the-secret-to-saving-building-your-future-tickets-76795153371?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
COL Financial Stock Market SeminarsInvestingMultiple datesCOL Training Center (24F East Tower, PSE Centre, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center,Pasig) and other sites nationwideFreewww.eventbrite.com/o/col-financial-20211800107
Startup Drive: How to Hire and Motivate Your First Employees SeminarBusinessNovember 6, 2019Clock In BGC at Bonifacio High Street, 3FC2 Bldg., TaguigFreewww.eventbrite.com/e/startup-drive-how-to-hire-and-motivate-your-first-employees-tickets-76764258965?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Maritime Forum 2019: Beyond the HorizonMaritimeNovember 6, 2019Sofitel Plaza Walkway, Pasay CityDCCP members: Php 2,000
Non-members: Php 2,500
Walk-in rate: Php 3,000
dccp.ph/2019-maritime-forum-beyond-horizon-looking-future-philippine-maritime-sector
Reader’s Odyssey: Travel the World Through Reading SeminarHobbyNovember 6-8, 2019UP Town Center, 216 Katipunan Ave.,Quezon CityPhp 2,500www.eventbrite.com/e/readers-odyssey-travel-the-world-through-reading-tickets-58433943498?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
PHILCONSTRUCT (Philippine International Construction Equipment and Building Materials Exhibition)ConstructionNovember 7 to 10, 2019SMX Convention Center Manila andWorld Trade Center Metro ManilaRegular rate: Php 200/day
Student rate: Php 100/day
philconstructevents.com
Learn to Earn Online (LEO) SeminarBusinessNovember 9, 2019ILAW Center Multipurpose Room, 4F Paz Adriano Bldg., Miriam College,Katipunan, Quezon CityPhp 900www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-earn-online-leo-3rd-run-tickets-75994410327?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
iBlog: The 15th Philippine Blogging Summit BusinessNovember 9, 2019Malcolm Theater, UP College of Law, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon CityFreeiblogph.org
Rocket Boosting Your Business thru Digital TransformationBusiness and ITNovember 11, 2019Luxent Hotel, 51 Timog Ave., Quezon CityPhp 3,500www.eventbrite.com/e/rocket-boosting-your-business-through-digital-transformation-tickets-76696981737?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
FASHION CONNECT: A Reverse Trade FairFashionNovember 11, 2019Philippine Trade Training Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd., PasayFreewww.eventbrite.com/e/fashion-connect-a-reverse-trade-fair-tickets-77259869349?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Social Media Week ManilaBusinessNovember 11-12, 2019Day 1: 2F Estancia at Capitol Commons, Ortigas, Pasig
Day 2: Samsung Hall, SM Aura, BGC, Taguig
Student rate: Php 3,000
Gold rate: Php 6,000
VIP rate: Php 9,000
www.smwmanila.com
9th Philippine SME Business Expo & Conference (PHILSME)BusinessNovember 12-13, 2019SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayExpo: Free online registration / Php 100 walk-in registration fee
Conference: Php 1,800 (regular rate) / Php 1,200 (student rate)
www.philsme.com
Managing a Successful Sales Team SeminarBusinessNovember 13, 2019Philippine Trade Training Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd., PasayPhp 2,500pttc.gov.ph/pttc_trainings/managing-a-successful-sales-team-9
8th Customer Experience Management Conference 2019BusinessNovember 14-15, 2019Tower Club, Philamlife Tower, Paseo de Roxas St., MakatiEarly bird rate: Php 18,977 + VAT
Walk-in rate: Php 20,977 + VAT
www.customerlovefest.com
Manila Auto SalonAutomotiveNovember 14-17, 2019SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayPhp 150www.facebook.com/madaboutstyling
Techtonic Summit 2019BusinessNovember 15-16, 2019SMX Convention Center Aura BGC, TaguigGeneral pass: Free
Conference pass: Php 1,300
All-access VIP pass: Php 10,000
techtonicsummit.com
Getting Married Bridal FairWeddingNovember 16-17, 2019SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayFreewww.gettingmarriedbridalfairphils.com
3rd Day8 Conference for Entrepreneurs: Prosperity and PurposeBusinessNovember 19, 2019Carlos P. Romulo Theater, 4F RCBC Theater Plaza, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, MakatiMSME rate: Php 1,288
Non-MSME/Walk-in rate: Php 2,288
day8.org/index.php/page/conference
VIP Experience: Greg Secker Exclusive Live EventInvestingNovember 20, 2019Shangri-la The Fort,30th St. cor. 5th Ave., TaguigOnline registration: Free
VIP rate: Php 2,099.80
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/vip-experience-greg-secker-exclusive-live-event-tickets-75993118463?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Effective Selling and Negotiation SeminarBusinessNovember 20-21, 2019Philippine Trade Training Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd., PasayPhp 3,000pttc.gov.ph/pttc_trainings/effective-selling-and-negotiation-3
Affiliate Conference & Expo (ACE) 2019BusinessNovember 21-22, 2019Solaire Resort & Casino – Shuttle Bus Depot,1 Aseana Ave., Parañaque $271.09www.eventus-international.com/ace
Leaping the Gap: Philippines 4.0 Skills Forum and ExhibitionEducationNovember 21-22, 2019Philippine Trade Training Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor, Roxas Blvd., PasayPhp 3,500 – Php 5,000https://workshop.thames.edu.ph/event/view?eventId=72&fbclid=IwAR3nGq2rwZJEGu7OerDYTY51YyJb6KaXitOOkY4WHw90CUm07pUdLGLBmGY
TESTCON 2019 ManilaITNovember 22, 2019City Garden GRAND Hotel, 8008 Makati Ave. cor. Kalayaan Ave., Makati$101.99 – $141.32
www.eventbrite.com/e/testcon-2019-manila-tickets-70441122293?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
The Profitable Personal Brand SeminarBusinessNovember 23, 2019Villa Virtual Coworking, Jupiter St., Makati
Early bird rates: Php 2,495 (solo) / Php 3,495 (buddy)
Regular rates: Php 3,995 (solo) / Php 5,995 (buddy)
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-profitable-personal-brand-tickets-75991473543?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Payoneer Forum 2019: Building a Successful Global Business Outsourcing BusinessBusinessNovember 23, 2019Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, 5th Ave., 28th St., Taguig
Freewww.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-payoneer-forum-manila-tickets-73153200191?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Before I Do: Wedding and Debut FairWeddingNovember 23-24, 2019Megatrade Hall 3,5/F Building B, SM Megamall, MandaluyongFreewww.beforeidobridalfair.com
Balikbayan Finance SummitBusinessNovember 25, 2019Marquis Events Place, Rizal Drive, BGC, TaguigEarly bird rate: Php 7,500
Regular rate: Php 9,500
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/balikbayan-finance-summit-tickets-77856762673?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Search Engine Optimization SeminarBusinessNovember 27, 2019Philippine Trade Training Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd., PasayPhp 3,000pttc.gov.ph/pttc_trainings/search-engine-optimization-5
Mutual Funds 101 SeminarInvestingNovember 30, 2019A. Wood Training Room, 2F Sun Life Centre, 5th Ave. cor. Rizal Drive, BGC, TaguigFreewww.eventbrite.com/e/mutual-funds-101-seminar-tickets-73529271029?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Introduction to Forex Trading SeminarInvestingDecember 1 and 2, 2019Training Centre of Excellence, 2F W Office Building, 28th St., cor. 11th Ave., BGC, Lane O, TaguigFreewww.eventbrite.com.au/e/introduction-to-forex-trading-bgc-taguig-tickets-78132298809?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
2019 PhilEd ConferenceEducationDecember 3-4, 2019SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayNCR: Php 6,000
Outside NCR: Php 5,500
philed.peac.org.ph
Philippines Garment Industry & Fabric Expo 2019FashionDecember 5-8, 2019SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayFreephglf.com/en
Crisis Management and Business Continuity Planning SeminarBusinessDecember 10 and 12, 2019AIM Conference Center Manila, Benavidez cor. Trasierra St. Legazpi Village, MakatiPhp 13,999 + VATwww.fmi.com.ph/events/crisis-management-and-business-continuity-planning-seminar-2019
Transformational Leadership Communication SeminarBusiness2019 schedule: December 12-13
2020 schedules: March 30-31 | June 8-9  | September 14-15 | December 7-8
Suite 1503A, West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Bldg., Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, PasigEarly bird rate: Php 8,500 + VAT
Regular rate: Php 9,500 + VAT
businessmaker-academy.com/l-leadershipcommunication.html
Lamudi Housing FairReal EstateDecember 14, 2019SM Mall of Asia, Music HallNo info yetwww.lamudi.com.ph/housing_fair
International Conference on Engineering & Technology, Computer, Basic & Applied Sciences (ECBA- 2020)IT, Engineering, and ScienceJanuary 11-12, 2020H2O Hotel, Luneta, ManilaEarly bird rate: $150 – $250
Regular rate: $200 – $300
academicfora.com/ecba-manila-philippines-january-11-12-2020
Life’s Big Events Expo 2020WeddingJanuary 11-12, 2020SM Mega Fashion Hall, Megatrade Hall, 5F Mega B, SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong CityFreethemesnmotifs.com/events/LBEE20/home
B2B Marketing ForumBusinessJanuary 16, 2020KMC Solutions, V Corp. 125 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, MakatiPhp 2,000www.eventbrite.com/e/b2b-marketing-forum-manila-tickets-69057417595
Instagram Marketing ForumBusinessJanuary 17, 2020KMC Solutions, V Corp. 125 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, MakatiPhp 2,000www.eventbrite.com/e/instagram-marketing-manila-tickets-69101641871
Weddings and Debut ExpoWeddingJanuary 25-26, 2020PICC Forum, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., PasayFreewww.weddingsnbeyond.com
6th Digital Marketing 101 Seminar for Beginners 2020BusinessFebruary 11-12, 2020Megatrade Conference Center, 5F SM Megamall, EDSA MandaluyongStudent rate: Php 3,000
Regular rate: Php 6,500 – Php 8,000
www.neotrade.co/p/blog-page_31.html
The Wedding Library’s Bridal Fair 2020WeddingFebruary 14-16, 2020Megatrade Halls 1-3,5F Building B, SM Megamall, MandaluyongFreeweddinglibrary.com.ph/articleview/158/286
EduTECH PhilippinesEducation and ITFebruary 19-20, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayFreewww.terrapinn.com/exhibition/edutech-philippines/index.stm
Digital Marketing SummitBusinessFebruary 20, 2020AIM Conference Center Manila, Benavidez cor. Trasierra St., Legazpi Village, MakatiEarly bird rate: Php 20,780
Standard rate: Php 25,988
marketingglobalevent.com/digitalmarketing/manila
2020 Digital Hospital Transformation Conference PhilippinesHealthcare and ITFebruary 20, 2020Manila Mariott Hotel, 2 Resorts Drive, PasayNo info yetasiahospital.escom-events.com/5th-hms-philippines-2nd
Art Fair PhilippinesArts and CraftsFebruary 21-23, 2020The Link, Parkway Dr., MakatiPhp 350artfairphilippines.com
SENIA 2020 ConferenceEducationFebruary 21-23, 2020International School Manila, Taguig$327.62seniaconference.org
Hackin’ Ka na Lang 2020ITFebruary 22, 2020University of the Philippines Los Baños, Pedro R. Sandoval Ave.,Los Baños, LagunaPhp 944.91 – Php 1,049.90www.eventbrite.com/e/hackin-ka-na-lang-2020-los-banos-tickets-75812474151?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
10th HR Leadership ConferenceHRFebruary 27-28, 2020Businessmaker Academy, Unit 1503A 15F West TowerPhilippine Stock Exchange Bldg.,PasigSuper saver rate: Php 7,500 + VAT
Early bird rate: Php 8,500 + VAT
Regular rate: Php 9,500 + VAT
hrleadershipconference.com
PHILAUTO 2020 (Philippine International Auto Parts, Accessories, Service & Repair Equipment Expo) AutomotiveFebruary 27-29, 2020Enderun Tent at Azuela, Davao CityNo info yetwww.philauto.org
Filipino Franchise & Business Expo (FFBEX) 2020BusinessFebruary 28-March 1, 2020World Trade Center, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., PasayFreeaffi.com.ph/ffbex2020/
Public Safety Philippines 2020Public SafetyMarch 2-3, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayOnline registration: Free
Walk-in rate: Php 100
publicsafetyphilippines.com
11th Baby, Kids & Family Expo Summer EditionFamily and ParentingMarch 7-8, 2020Megatrade Hall 2,5F Building B, SM Megamall, MandaluyongFreewww.babyexpo.ph
Philippine International Furniture ShowArts and CraftsMarch 12-14, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayPhp 500www.pifs.ph
ASEAN Gaming SummitGamingMarch 17-19, 2020Shangri-La at the Fort, 30th St. cor. 5th Ave., BGC, TaguigStarts at $895aseangaming.com
Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX)ConstructionMarch 18-22, 2020World Trade Center, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., PasayFreeworldbex.com
Franchise Asia Philippines ExpoBusinessMarch 25-29, 2020SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayOnline registration: Free
Walk-in entrance fee: Php 100/day
www.franchiseasiaph.com
Manila International Auto Show (MIAS)AutomotiveApril 2-5, 2020World Trade Center, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay Php 100manilaautoshow.com
15th Philippine Food Expo 2020Food and BeverageApril 17-19, 2020SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayNo info yetwww.philippinefoodexpo.com
Philippine OpenGov Leadership Forum 2020ITApril 23, 2020New World Makati Hotel, Esperanza St. cor. Makati Ave., Ayala Center, Makati$995www.eventbrite.sg/e/philippine-opengov-leadership-forum-2020-tickets-62188507500?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
HRD National HR Summit PhilippinesHRApril 29, 2020Manila Mariott Hotel, 2 Resorts Drive, PasayNo info yethrsummit.com.ph
Philippine Building and Construction Exposition (PHILBEX) – DavaoConstructionMay 7-10, 2020SMX Convention Center,SM Lanang Premier, J.P. Laurel Ave, Agdao, Davao CityFreephilbexdavao.com
The Future Energy Show Philippines 2020EnergyMay 18-19, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayNo info yetwww.terrapinn.com/exhibition/power-electricity-world-philippines/index.stm
Cyber Security Philippines 2020Business and ITMay 20, 2020Manila Mariott Hotel, 2 Resorts Drive, PasayNo info yetinfrastructure-asia.com
Traders Fair & Gala NightFinanceMay 23, 2020Makati Shangri-La, Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., MakatiOnline registration: Free
VIP rate: $199
philippines.tradersfair.com
Aquaculture Philippines 2020AgricultureMay 28-30, 2020World Trade Center, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay No info yetwww.aquafisheriesexpo.com/philippines
World Digital Economic EXPO 2020Business, Finance, ITJune 8-9, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay€53.21 – €105.44digicon2020.com
Manila AI and Blockchain SummitBusiness and ITJune 8-9, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay No info yetmanilablockchainsummit.com
Philippines International Beauty ShowBeautyJune 9-11, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayPhp 100www.philbeautyshow.com
25th Graphic Expo 2020BusinessJune 11 – 13, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayNo info yetfmi.com.ph/graphicexpo2020
Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX)Food and BeverageJune 17-21 2020World Trade Center, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., PasayPhp 100mafbex.com
Philippines Marine (PhilMarine) 2020MaritimeJune 18-19, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay Freephilmarine.com
7th Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo (EFE)BusinessJuly 3-5, 2020Megatrade Hall 2, 5F Building B, SM Megamall, MandaluyongOnline registration: Free
Walk-in rate: Php 50
www.efe.ph
PHILAUTO 2020AutomotiveJuly 9-11, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayNo info yetwww.philauto.org
Philippines Bus and Truck Show(PHILBUS & TRUCK 2020)AutomotiveJuly 9-11, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayNo info yetbusntruckexpo.com/PHILBUSTRUCK
IFSEC PhilippinesPublic SafetyJuly 22-24, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayFreewww.ifsec.events/philippines
World Food Expo (WOFEX)Food and BeverageAugust 5-8, 2020SMX Convention Center Manila andWorld Trade Center Metro ManilaNo info yetwww.wofex.com
PHILIPPINES LAB 2020Science and HealthcareAugust 12, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayFreephil-lab.com
Medical Philippines Expo 2020HealthcareAugust 12-14, 2020SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, PasayFreephilmedical.com
11th Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs’ Expo (PBEX)BusinessSeptember 4, 2020Megatrade Hall 2,5F Building B, SM Megamall, MandaluyongFreewww.philippinebusinessentrepreneursexpo.com
AsiaFood Expo (AFEX) 2020Food and BeverageSeptember 9-12, 2020World Trade Center, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., PasayNo info yetwww.afex.com.ph

14 Tips on Attending Conferences, Seminars, and Expos

You or your company spend money and time for conferences and other events, so it’s important to ensure that you make the most out of your every attendance. 

Here are tips to help you maximize the benefits of attending conferences, seminars, or expos.

1. Know your goal

What do you want to get out of the conference? Is it to learn from the speakers? Build partnerships with potential clients and suppliers for your company? Meet a specific keynote speaker?

Set your agenda before you leave for the conference, so you can make a plan on how you’ll approach the event and which people to talk to.

2. Do your research beforehand

Coming unprepared is a waste of your time and money you’ve paid for the conference.

It may also cause a lot of hassle, confusion, and embarrassment. 

Days before the event, check the organizer’s website or Facebook page for the important details such as the topics to be covered, venue, schedule, and background on the resource speakers. 

3. Register early

Slots in some of the more popular events get filled up pretty fast. So as soon as you can, register for a conference, seminar, or expo that you want to attend.

Early registration can also save you money. Most event organizers offer early bird rates (which are significantly lower than on-site/walk-in fees) to those who sign up months before the actual event.

4. Book your flights and/or accommodation in advance

If the event is in Manila and you’re coming from a faraway province like Cebu or Davao, make arrangements for your flights and hotel accommodation as early as possible. 

Preparing these essentials early on will save you from the stress and hassle of finding available flights and hotels on the day of the event.

Nowadays, it’s quick and easy to find and book travel needs online, so you should be able to take care of them before you leave for the event.

5. Let people know you’ll be out of the office

Especially for events that run for more than two days, you need to set an out-of-office reply so that your colleagues or clients know why you won’t be able to respond immediately.

If possible, refer them to a colleague for urgent concerns.

Doing so not only shows professionalism but also prevents you from losing your focus and getting distracted and pressured to reply to email messages. 

6. Bring some business cards

When networking at a conference, handing out a calling card is a lot faster and more convenient than writing down someone’s contact details on paper or entering their number on your phone.

Don’t forget to bring a couple of business cards (at least 10) with you to a conference. 

7. Dress appropriately

In most conferences and similar events, guests are expected to come in business or smart casual attire. That means you won’t be allowed to enter if you’re wearing sleeveless tops, shorts, or slippers. 

To avoid embarrassment and wasting your time, know what the dress code is.

If the event website doesn’t specify anything about the required attire, check its photo gallery to see what the attendees wore in the past event.

8. Steer clear of distractions

If you’re sneaking in some work during the coffee break or while the speaker is talking, you’re missing out on the opportunity to learn and network in a conference. 

Resist the urge to check your work email or phone during the event. If you have to live-tweet about the conference, limit the time spent on your phone for a few minutes or so.

Ideally, put your mobile phone in silent mode to avoid distracting other attendees. If you have to take an important call, quietly step out of the room.

9. Write down notes, but only when necessary

Event organizers usually provide soft copies of the speakers’ presentations to the attendees after the conference. So you don’t have to take down notes of everything the speaker is saying—just the key takeaways will do. 

Also, refrain from taking pictures of powerpoint slides too often, as it will be distracting to your fellow attendees.

10. Engage with other participants and speakers

No matter how introverted you are, it pays to spend some time mingling with the people around you at a conference. Network with people before the session begins and over lunch and coffee break. 

How do you do that exactly? Start by introducing yourself and describing what you do. Then ask the other attendee about himself/herself. 

Also, don’t be afraid to stand up and ask questions during the open forum or Q&A session.

Apart from getting your question answered, you can also gain some exposure (both for yourself and your company) when you introduce yourself before asking your question.

11. Be an active participant

Some conferences and seminars have group activities, from serious brainstorming sessions to fun ice-breaker games.

Don’t hesitate to speak up and contribute your ideas—and even crack some light jokes when appropriate. 

12. Use social media for networking

Boost your networking efforts by being active in social media conversations (i.e., live-tweeting, using and following the event hashtag, liking and commenting on posts, etc.) about the conference.

It’s a great way to reach out to and get noticed by industry peers.

13. Share your learnings

When you get back to work, make time for sharing what you’ve learned from a recent conference with your colleagues. You can share it in an upcoming team meeting or simply via email.

This way, you’re helping others with the new knowledge you’ve gained and establishing yourself as a proactive team member.

You can also post about your learnings on social media. If you have a blog, consider writing about your experience, realizations, and thoughts about the latest conference you attended.

14. Create an action plan

After putting the things you learned in writing, you’re now ready to develop a plan for applying them to your work, business, or personal life. 

For example, how do you plan to implement the new strategies you’ve picked up from a conference with your team? What will be your goals?

Regardless of what you plan to do, be sure that you’re getting the most out of your learnings from the conference and putting them into good use.

About Venus Zoleta

Venus Zoleta is an experienced writer and editor, specializing in personal finance and digital marketing.

She has been a regular columnist for some of the biggest business & finance publications in the Philippines, such as MoneyMax.ph and Filipiknow.net.

Hoping to retire early, she started investing and bought a home in her early 20s. This crazy cat mom eats ramen like there's no tomorrow.

Education: University of the Philippines (B.A. Journalism)
Focus: Personal Finance, Personal Development, and Entrepreneurship

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *