As a content marketer, you spend the whole year constantly catering to customers’ needs. But a few times during that year you find an opportunity for self-improvement in the form of a marketing conference. Are you really willing to let it go? (Hint: the answer should be no.)

Which is why we have chosen to break down that experience for you. First, let’s take up some basic queries you may have regarding the same.

What should I expect from a content marketing conference? 

Most conferences invite speakers who either represent themselves or various brands. These speakers share key highlights from what their experience has taught them. These can be in the form of case studies or just an interesting story format.

Speakers won’t only talk about what has worked for them. Some may share their experience about a particular strategy or two that didn’t work and what they did to bounce back from the failure.

Should I go and will it be worth it?

The answer to this question is very simple. Attending a marketing conference is definitely worth it because you will always meet new people, no matter how the conference goes.

There’s no denying you will find something new to learn, but there’s more to it. Remember, when you’re in the marketing industry, networking is key, and these conferences present to you an opportunity to meet people from the industry.

So, which are some conferences you should attend?

1. DigiMarCon

DigiMarCon or the Digital Marketing Conference is held every year; the next event will be accessible to India live and on-demand during 19^th and 20^th September 2019.

Digital strategy, content marketing, and conversion rate optimisation are just a few of the topics that will be discussed. You will be able to gain insight into emerging strategies, the latest innovative technologies, and best practices of digital marketing at DigiMarCon.

Online streaming means that attending the event does not involve the hassle of travel.

If for some reason you can’t attend the live session, you have the option to download the recordings and watch them later. But make sure you register!

2. e4m Content JAM Conference

The e4m Content JAM Conference was last held on 7^th September this year and was followed by the Indian Content Marketing Awards 2018.

‘Content First’ was the theme this year, and the keynote sessions and panel discussions covered topics such as the contribution by regional content to India’s digital landscape, the importance of content in a marketing strategy, the maximisation of video content monetisation, and the divergence of content with emergent forms of technology.

A one-day conference proves to be an ideal middle ground between online sessions and multi-day events, making attendance easy.

3. Content Marketing Summit, Asia

This summit is all about content marketing – its importance, how to create a content strategy, how to implement it, and the best global content marketing practices. The next event for South Asia will be held in Mumbai in May 2019.

While the program schedule hasn’t been announced yet, you should definitely register for this summit considering the pace at which content marketing is growing.

4. Marketing Analytics Summit

This event takes it a step further from just discussing marketing strategies. The conference revolves around the impact and role of data as well as technology when it comes to marketing.

This is because brands are increasingly beginning to concentrate on digital marketing and 88% of marketers employ a data-driven approach to understand their customers better.

This summit, therefore, discusses marketing analytics models, techniques, etc. The second Marketing Analytics Summit will be held in New Delhi later this year, on the 20^th and 21^st of December.

5. Content Marketing World

Last held on 3^rd September 2018; this conference boasts of something for everyone, regardless of their level of experience or extent of knowledge. The organisers structure the event to ensure specialised sessions for consumer-driven companies, non-profit associations, B2B companies, and small businesses.

This year’s conference was spread over four days, striking the perfect balance between recreation and learning.

Gaining from networking

Apart from the learning, a marketing conference can also be useful for growing connections and enhancing your professional presence online. Here’s how:

• Come early and/or stay back – By coming early and/or staying back after a conference, you get the time to actually talk to people. This also gives you the chance to introduce yourself or catch up with one of the speakers. At the same time, don’t shy away from an after-party every once in a while. It is definitely an informal setting, but you’ll be surprised how quickly your contacts can grow even through casual conversations.
• Exchange cards – Remember to stay in touch with the connections you make at a conference and build a relationship with them. Asking directly for contact details can be a little awkward; in such cases a business card is your saviour. It ensures you get the contact details you need while keeping the nature of the conversation formal.
• Follow connections on social media platforms – The third thing you can do is use social media platforms to your advantage. For example, the associates you just met can be followed on LinkedIn. You can learn from what your network shares on the platform and at the same time stay in touch with them.
• Utilise the conference hashtag – By including the hashtag designated to the conference, your tweets will become visible to all interested users who scan the tag for relevant live updates and insightful inputs from the sessions. This will be your time to stand out as an impactful contributor to the marketing world.

You are now all set for attending a marketing conference. Make the most of it!

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