Okay, so Advertising Week is over, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably feeling completely exhausted. As someone who had the privilege of being a super delegate at Advertising Week, I heard one thing over and over again: everyone was overwhelmed. From the check-in process to figuring out who to talk to and how to manage those conversations, it was a lot to handle. But let’s be real — despite the madness, it was also exhilarating, informative, and a golden opportunity to connect with people face-to-face.
Now that you’re back in the office, wondering what’s next, here are some actionable tips to help you maximize everything you gained from the experience:
1. Rest & Recover
First things first: hopefully you’ve had some time to rest. If not, it’s time to prioritize your health. Many people returned from Advertising Week feeling under the weather, so if you’re not feeling 100%, make sure you’re taking your vitamins (hello, Vitamin C and D!), drinking plenty of water, and getting proper rest. It’s better to take a couple of extra days off now than to deal with lingering fatigue or sickness for weeks. If you can, book a spa day or even just schedule some much-needed downtime — your future self will thank you!
2. Report Back to Your Team
Once you’re feeling refreshed, it’s time to regroup with your team or boss. Be detailed in your report — discuss what you learned, who you met, and what objectives you were able to achieve. Did you attend any particularly inspiring sessions? Encounter new insights? Be sure to also share any follow-up questions or learnings that could be beneficial to your colleagues. Your bosses will appreciate a well-rounded overview that highlights how attending Advertising Week will contribute to your company’s success.
3. Review Your Contacts
Remember all those business cards and LinkedIn connections you made? It’s time to review them. Whether they were physical cards, e-cards, or app-based connections, go through the “My Contacts” section in the app or your own notes. Refresh your memory on the people you spoke with: Who were they? What did they look like? What were the key points of your conversations?
Determine who aligns with your goals and who might not be the best fit. For the contacts that matter, take the next step…
4. Connect on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is your best friend post-Advertising Week. Find your new contacts, remind yourself of their faces and companies, and look at what they’ve been posting. This can give you insight into their interests and potential collaboration opportunities. Don’t just send a bland connection request—include a brief message reminding them of your conversation. Personalization goes a long way.
5. Use Tools to Reach Out
Once you’re ready to take the connection further, use tools like GetProspect or RocketReach to find their email addresses. You can then follow up with a friendly email reminding them who you are, what you talked about, and suggesting a time to connect again — either in person or over Zoom/Google Meet. Try to schedule this within the next seven days. Any longer and you risk losing momentum!
6. Send a Video Email for Maximum Impact
Want to stand out? Send a personalized video email using tools like Covideo. It’s a simple yet powerful way to remind your new connections of who you are. In your message, recap your conversation and draw clear connections between your goals and how you might collaborate. Sometimes people need a little help to see the alignment, and this extra step can make all the difference. Plus, the personalized touch of a video will make you more memorable!
TL;DR:
- Rest up before jumping back into work. You need your energy.
- Brief your boss or team with detailed reports about what you learned and who you connected with.
- Go through your contacts from the event and decide who you want to build relationships with.
- Find your contacts on LinkedIn and send personalized connection requests.
- Use tools like Get Prospect or RocketReach to follow up via email.
For a more personal touch, send a video email that recaps your conversation and suggests a next step.
With these strategies, you’ll turn all that post-Advertising Week overwhelm into concrete actions that can lead to exciting new opportunities. Time to make those connections count!
