Never attended a conference before? You are not alone. But if you are going to make the most of the business you are in, it is time to get started. To help, we have put together a list of 6 things you need for every conference you attend.

6 Things You Need for Every Conference

1. Current Business Cards

Conferences are for learning, yes, but they are also for networking. And your greatest networking tool at a conference is your business card. Be sure to have all your contact information on it, including social media handles, and make sure everything is current. Do not simply scratch out old information, and don’t hand out older, damaged cards even if the information is still correct.

2. Devices

How many devices? We recommend three: your phone, your tablet, and your laptop. You need your phone so you can quickly save the contact information of the people you connect with and you need your tablet so you can document your time at the conference with ease. As for your laptop, this is the device you can choose to leave behind, but we still think it is good to keep back at the hotel room.

3. A Quick and Simple Pitch

You will be meeting a lot of people for the first time, and you need to be ready to sell your business and abilities. But you cannot drone on and on. Come up with a simple pitch that makes you sound great, but can be delivered in 30 seconds or less.

4. Conversation Starters

Once you ask someone their name and what they do, where do you go from there? Usually, you go into awkward silence, and miss the chance to make vital connections as a consequence. To prevent this from happening, come up with some simple conversation starters that you can use in most any situation.

5. A Purpose

Why are you attending this conference? You need to know this in advance, otherwise you will simply find yourself wandering aimlessly. Do your research in advance so you know what the conference can offer you and tailor your approach to ensure you get what you want from the experience.

6. Someone on Your Side

Power in numbers applies in many situations, including conferences. With a friend in the same industry by your side, you can brainstorm together and work the room together. By the time the conference is over, you will have made twice the connections.