You are all signed up for IFPG Retreat 2018…GREAT! Our goal is to help you build relationships, establish new friendships and have a great time while doing it. We have put together some tips to get the most out of your networking experience at IFPG Retreat 2018 in Hollywood FL.
Before You Arrive in Paradise
Research the Attendees
IFPG Consultants, the exhibitor list is updated weekly HERE. Take some time researching the IFPG Franchisors and Vendors that are attending and formulate some questions for them. Remember our speed networking runs in ten minute increments, so if you have questions prepared, you can maximize your time with each of them.
Exhibitors make use of your IFPG Membersite’s local chapter! Send a message to others in your area and see if they are attending the event too. This is a great way to start a conversation and begin building rapport before you even walk into the Margaritaville!
During IFPG Retreat 2018
Introduce Yourself
From the moment you walk into the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, you have a chance to make a personal connection. Whether it’s the person in front of you at the hotel check in or someone with whom you’re riding the elevator, be friendly and introduce yourself. Chances are if they are at the resort, they are attending IFPG Retreat. Keep your introduction short and sweet, make eye contact, smile and give them a firm handshake. Invite them to have a drink with you at the welcome party…drinks are on us anyway!
LISTEN
To be good at networking; you have to be a good listener. When you ask a question you want to focus on their answers and not get distracted by the others all around you. Remember networking is a great way to get to know someone and be able to connect on a personal level. So sit back, listen and enjoy the conversation. People are more likely to want to work with others that they feel connected to.
Play Along!
Every event at IFPG Retreat is designed for maximum interaction. Play our welcome party game…it’s a secret. Wear your lanyard and take a look on the back! You will find your seating assignments for meals (IFPG Consultants your starting tables for speed networking sessions are on there as well). Make sure you join us on the Grand Floridian for dinner on Oct 24th, the vibe is even more laid back and you can truly take your time talking to everyone, especially if your 3 hour tour runs a little longer than expected. 🙂
Take Notes Appropriately
Our goal is that at some point at IFPG Retreat you will get to meet every single attendee. So, chances are, you will not remember the details of every single conversation you have. It can be extremely helpful to write down some notes. After each event, take a minute and look at the business cards you have exchanged. Write down what event you met them at and what you can remember about the conversations you had. This will make following up with them after, much easier. Unless you are meeting them during speed networking, DO NOT write notes while they are talking.
What’s Next?
Stay Awhile
Our main event ends after lunch on October 25th, but the party continues! Join the staff of the IFPG at the 5 o’Clock somewhere Bar and Grill, directly across from the Margaritaville Resort, for a fun game of corn hole and maybe some paddle boarding.
SocialMedia
Whether you’re on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram use the power of social media to connect with attendees you met and let everyone know that #IFPG2018 was the best event you ever attended!
Space Is Filling Quickly!
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
Contact: Kelly Falkena
1.888.977.4374 x107
kelly@ifpg.org
