Winter 2024 FCIAAO Newsletter

advice SAGE

Navigating Networking: A First-timers Guide to Conference Connections Dear Members,

3. Initiate Small Talk Break the ice by starting with simple questions. Ask about their experiences with the conference, or seek advice on relevant industry topics and best practices within their office. Small talk often leads to more substantial discussions. 4. Active Listening Be attentive during conversations. Show genuine interest in what others are saying, and ask follow-up questions. This demonstrates your engagement and helps build rapport. 5. Attend Networking Events Take advantage of scheduled networking sessions or social events. The Designees’ Lounge, if you hold an IAAO Designation, is a great place to meet other designees. The Welcome Reception on the first night will provide a more relaxed atmosphere for conversation, and may even have a theme... Lastly, the conference banquet on Thursday night is where you can engage with all attendees, dressed in a spectrum of professional attire, during an evening that begins with the FCIAAO’s annual meeting, followed by awards, and a formal full service dinner.

We hope to see many first-time attendees at the 2024 FCIAAO Annual Conference! There are many newcomers to the property assessment industry and we welcome you. Attending your first conference can be both exciting and nerve wracking, especially when it comes to networking, so here are some tips to help you make meaningful connections and maximize your conference experience: 1. Prepare Elevator Pitch Craft a concise introduction that highlights your name, county, what department you are part of and how long you have been a part of the profession. This will make a lasting impression and open doors for further conversation 2. Research Before You Go Time in between sessions moves fast – review the agenda in advance and decide which sessions you want to attend beforehand and create a schedule. Most important, don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. The knowledge you gain from a session outside of your normal line of work will give you great talking points and help you engage in meaningful conversations with attendees you meet for the first time.

SAGE SULLIVAN DUVAL COUNTY

6. Exchange Contact Information

Don't hesitate to exchange business cards or contact information. Follow up with a personalized email after the conference, expressing your pleasure at meeting them and reinforcing the connection. Another great way to connect is to ask if they have LinkedIn at the end of an interaction – this is a quick and immediate way to connect without having to remember at a later date.

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STAYING APPRA I SED

WINTER 2024