Get the most out of TUG CONNECTS 2023: Tips for a successful conference

Now is the time to plan ahead for TheUserGroup.org’s annual gathering of Infor Distribution users set for June 5-8, in Palm Springs, Calif.

As we prepare for TheUserGroup.org’s annual TUG CONNECTS 2023 conference, now is the time to plan ahead and make the most of this event. Attending TUG CONNECTS, the ultimate Infor Distribution user event, provides you the opportunity to dive into emerging issues, disrupters, and best practices at the forefront of the industry. The theme of this year’s event, Synergy, is all about how we can work smarter and more efficiently by combining our resources and collaborating with one another.

To ensure that you have a successful conference experience, we’ve put together five tips for getting the most out of TUG CONNECTS 2023:

Plan ahead

With a jam-packed agenda and so many incredible networking opportunities, it’s essential to plan ahead to make the most out of your experience. Download the conference app and get comfortable using it before you arrive. Review the agenda and create your schedule in advance using the “My Sched” feature. Don’t forget to put keynote presentations and networking events on your schedule. Additionally, find out who else is coming to the conference, what their roles and companies are, and browse to virtually get to know your peers and TUG members.

Set a goal to “Bring Back 5”

Our second pro tip for TUG CONNECTS attendees is to set goals for your time at the event. Setting goals is an effective way to ensure you bring back valuable knowledge and connections. With the Synergy theme in mind, set goals that align with the idea of working together to achieve more significant results. Aim to “Bring Back 5” by creating a running list throughout the conference. This list could include five new connections with people you met, five things you can implement right away in your current environment, five new ideas you want to explore with others, five things that could make TUG CONNECTS a better conference, and five ways you could get involved with TUG.

Engage

Engaging with other attendees is often the most impactful thing you can do, especially if you are a first-time attendee. Attend networking events and be brave enough to start conversations. Share your story, ask questions, give valuable feedback on sessions, and share your experience and knowledge. Talk to sponsors in the marketplace and understand their offerings and why they came to TUG CONNECTS. Remember to dance, laugh, play games, and have fun. By engaging with others, you can find new opportunities to work together and achieve more. See what Northwest Drive Train has to say about the value they have found in engaging with the TUG community.

Attend the keynote presentations

The keynote presentations are an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights and inspiration in the industry. Research the speakers ahead of time to give yourself some perspective and connection to the speaker. Take notes to highlight take-aways to explore after.

Follow up

One of the most important things you can do after attending TUG CONNECTS 2023 is to follow up with your new contacts and goals. Write a letter to your boss or colleagues sharing all the great things you learned, the value you gained, and things you want to explore for the company. Follow up with people/contacts, your goals list, and put together a short plan to accomplish some of the lessons learned. Don’t wait too long to send an email to your new contacts, make another connection, and communicate that it was a pleasure to meet and follow up on shared interests and ideas.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the most out of your TUG CONNECTS 2023 experience. As Robin McGuire, CIO at Reinders, and TUG Board Director at Large, notes, “Attending a conference is not just about showing up and sitting through sessions. It’s about engaging, learning, networking, and following up on the valuable knowledge you gain.” By embracing the Synergy theme, attending TUG CONNECTS 2023 is an excellent opportunity to learn, engage, and grow in your industry. With planning, goal setting, engaging with others, attending keynote presentations, and following up afterward, you can ensure that you get the most out of your experience. Good luck and enjoy!