We get it. In-person conferences are not for everyone. Convenience, location, logistics - life is pretty complicated - there are countless reasons but no fear, HATCH Online is here (sorry about that rhyming…) We believe our conference boasts some of the best content around, from some of the most talented and influential designers so it’s important to us that we make it as accessible as possible.

Conferences have long been seen as valuable platforms to bolster professional learning, knowledge sharing, and for making strides forward in your career progression. With that in mind, we prepared a quick cheat sheet that will help you maximise your online conference experience and stay ahead of the game, from the comfort our your own home!

Making the most of a digital conference

Design conferences have long been a valuable platform for professionals to expand their knowledge, network with like-minded individuals, and stay up to date with the latest trends in the industry. With the rise of virtual events, attending design conferences from the comfort of your own home has become more accessible than ever before. In this article, we'll explore some key strategies to help you get the most out of attending an online design conference, from networking effectively to accessing exclusive content and staying ahead of the curve.

Plan ahead and set clear goals

Before the conference begins, take some time to review the event schedule, speaker lineup, and session topics. Be clear with yourself what you want to get out of the conference. What was your reason for attending in the first place? Naturally, the reason for attending can vary wildly from designer-to-designer - Want to fill some holes in your knowledge? Improve on some of your weaknesses? Keep up-to-speed with the industry’s latest trends? Or build your professional network? Whatever your motivation, it’s important to identify the sessions and speakers that align with your interests and goals. By setting clear objectives, you can prioritize your time and focus on the most relevant content, ensuring you get the maximum value from each session you attend.

Make a conference profile before the event

While attending a virtual conference may limit in-person interactions, there are still ample opportunities to connect with fellow attendees and industry experts through a conference profile. Leading up to the conference, we recommend building a profile that represents you well and communicates to others your interests, and future career goals. This doesn’t need to take long and the payoff is well worth the effort! A profile will also maximise other online conference features including virtual chat rooms and discussion boards. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share your insights to build connections and expand your professional network. When available, sign up do your homework ahead of time

Get involved by joining online workshops

Watching a talk is one thing but actively working on your learning does wonders for your development. Many online design conferences offer exclusive content such as workshops, so make sure to explore these offerings and take advantage of any materials provided. Participate in interactive sessions, engage with presenters, and ask questions to enhance your learning experience. If you have a particular topic of interest, think of some burning questions you wish to ask before and what you hope to get out of the talk itself. Remember it is always a good idea to capture valuable insights and key takeaways by taking notes.

Block out important sessions in your calendar

We know online attendees are often balancing the conference with work commitments but we suggest you do yourself a favour and schedule time in your calendar so you can focus on the sessions or workshops that are truly important to you. With this, you can maximise your conference experience and give it your full attention away from Slack pings or last minute meeting invites.

Share your take and takeaways with others

Nothing brings you closer to the community than actively participating with the discussion on social channels. Did a particular slide from a speaker inspire you or change your longterm thinking about a certain topic? Or do you have a hot take that you’ve just got to share?! Then share your thoughts with the conference community and be at the centre of the discussion. Also - sharing key insights or takeaways with your colleagues is a sure fire way to boost team learning and delight your managers!

Attending an online design conference can provide immense value and help you gain a competitive edge in the industry, all from the comfort of your own home. Planning ahead can pay dividends to your conference experience, help build an effective network, reach your conference goals, and accelerate professional growth.

If you are looking to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving world of design, then you can sign up for HATCH Online and purchase your ticket today!