The Perks of Bringing Business Cards to a Conference

You should never leave for a networking event without a few promotional items and a large stack of business cards. In fact, business cards are an essential item for any conference or trade show. Technology may be taking over other parts of your life, but business cards are still the number-one way to exchange contact information. Here’s why you should always bring a stack of business cards to a conference.

Nothing Beats Paper

In an age where technology reigns supreme, people still prefer business cards. Even tech-savvy networkers still need a business card to input the appropriate information into their business card apps. Without your signature calling card, you’ll be easy to forget. So don’t leave home without your business cards, and be sure to keep the business cards you collect in a safe place. Update relevant contact information on your emailing system and follow up with the connections you make.

Spread Brand Awareness

Business cards aren’t just for passing out your contact information. They are also a direct representation of your brand. Design business cards so they not only give out information about you, but they tell what your business does as well. Business cards that don’t fall in line with brand standards often fall by the wayside. The last thing you want is to prepare for a conference, dress for success in your best custom business casual attire, and then let your card fall flat on delivering information about your actual business. So be sure to have a complete branding package before networking at a conference.

Network Effectively

Business cards enable you to network in an effective manner. Strike up a conversation, make a genuine connection, and then close out the interaction by exchanging cards. It’s a simple yet effective way to connect with fellow conference-goers and other like-minded people. Without a business card, there’s no way to remain in contact afterward, so don’t forget your handy cards! No one wants to be the person who has to explain why they forgot their business card and hope that the other party decides to send a follow-up later on.

Collect Data

Half the fun of bringing your business card is to exchange it with others. You’ll often find yourself collecting a variety of business cards from other people. How do you keep track of everything and everyone at a conference? Bring along a custom company notebook to write down notes about who you meet. Simply put their name, company, and a few quick notes about what you talked about and how you would like to connect after the show. It’s that simple. After the conference, don’t forget to carve out time to circle back with everyone. Make notes of any digital introductions you think might be necessary. The more you try to help others, the more they will help you in return.

Combine With a Giveaway

If you’re running a booth or speaking at a conference, use this as an opportunity to give away promotional swag along with your business card. Create a simple gift basket with items such as custom company mugs with coffee or other relevant yet universal gifts that people will love. This is a creative way to give away your card and a few key promotional items to people who may seek you out. Always have your business cards handy so that you’re approachable to others.

Work With Others

Don’t just use your business cards for yourself during a conference, but use them to connect with other people. One of the best rules of business is to help others. If you meet someone who would be interested in a connection that you have, it’s always a good idea to help connect people. You can’t always be self-serving. You never know, both parties may return the favor down the line and introduce you to your best client yet. The point of attending conferences is to learn and connect with others, so share the connection.

Overall, business cards are an essential item to bring to conferences. You’ll be able to leave a token that increases your chances of making genuine connections. Without your business cards, you’re just a face in a crowd. Leverage your discussions by taking notes, exchanging cards, and leaving lasting impressions on the people you meet.