What Do Conferences And Appearance Have In Common?
Greetings!
Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a weekend conference. I was asked to be a speaker, vendor to sell my books, and conduct a live airing of my internet show The Magnolia. I was delighted to do so.
So what does the title of my blog have to do with this conference? The answer is image and impact.
When I arrived at 8am to get everything set up for the 8:30am opening of the conference, I saw name signs at the various vendor tables of banks, retail businesses, and major corporations. I thought to myself, this is going to be beneficial. Then I saw some of the people representing those companies in outfits that should have only been worn in the yard working in the dirt. People were dressed entirely too casual for a business setting and the impact was certainly not positive. Maybe they thought since it was Saturday they could get away with it. I thought at one point of the movie The Mask where Jim Carey yells out something like “Somebody please HELP me!” I could not believe they were wearing flip flops, t-shirts, and shorts.
When participating in a conference or convention, no matter the role, remember you are representing your company and you. Dress appropriately for the event…there will be plenty of other times to wear that yard outfit!
What have you seen of appearances at conferences, conventions and/or trade shows that had a poor impact? Any tips to share?
Enjoy the weekend,
Nyda