Few things will provide as good a reference source as a good network of contacts in your field. Cultivating and maintaining these contacts is one of the best reasons for attending a conference. A safety or environmental professional s job can be a lonely position in many organizations. There are often few internal personnel that you can discuss plans and programs with to get opinions. A network of outside contacts can fill this gap.
Planning can extend to networking also.
List several challenges you are currently facing at work. For seminars, this list should be more specific. Prepare a detailed list of questions regarding the specific topic of the seminar. Keep the list handy during the seminar to remind you to ask any questions that the general presentation doesn t answer. Make appointments to visit with key contacts who will be attending the event or who are located in the area of the event.