Press ENTER to start reading the blog article Press ENTER to search jobs
Bayside Solutions

The Bayside Blog

How to Retain What You Learned at Tech Conferences

Posted September 26th, 2017

Tech conferences can provide you with a wealth of information. You get to interact with new technologies, listen to knowledgeable speakers, and engage with other professionals working in the field, all of which can provide you with new insights. But, retaining the information isn’t always easy, especially since many of these events can be quite large and incredibly fast-paced. In fact, the process can be quite overwhelming.

Luckily, there are ways to help you retain more of what you learn at tech conferences. Here are some tips to get you started.

Consider Going Alone

While heading to an event with your coworkers can be very enjoyable, it’s also easier to become distracted from your larger goal of obtaining as much valuable information as possible. When you attend a conference with people you know, you may feel obligated to spend time with them instead of spending time interacting with other professionals or attending certain sessions or speaking engagements. Going alone gives you more time to truly explore the event, ensuring you spend every moment as productively as possible.

Plan It Out

It’s easier to retain information when you feel relaxed and in control, and showing up without a plan is a surefire way to disrupt that sense of peace. Scrambling between sessions or trying to suss out your schedule on the fly means you waste valuable time just trying to figure out what to do next and certainly increases your stress levels.

Instead, review the schedule in advance and mark which sessions you consider to be must-dos. Then, plan time to explore the tradeshow and sprinkle in some downtime to help you organize your thoughts, record important notes, or simply network with other professionals with shared interests.

Take Notes

Often, being at a tech conference isn’t all that different from attending classes in college. That means the simple act of taking notes can be a great way to retain information.

Now, you don’t necessarily have to use the same processes as you did in school, so only choose writing in a notebook if it is truly the most comfortable approach for you. Otherwise, look to technology to make the process easier.

In some cases, you can access speaker notes and course materials through the conference app or website, and you may even be able to download the data for use later. Explore all of your note taking options and collect as many copies of slides or presentation materials as you can, especially if they are available digitally, to help jog your memory.

Debrief Your Day

Once the day’s activities wind down, take some time to do an informal debriefing. This involves reviewing the information you’ve collected, organizing notes, and even sharing critical information while it is still fresh in your mind.

If you wait until the end of the event, your mind will likely be swimming with details that aren’t always easy to reconnect to their source. Taking some time every evening to review the day’s happenings and record important information can give you a platform for discussing key points later.

By following the steps above, you can make it easier to retain information after the tech conference is done.

If you’re interested in more information or are looking for a new IT position, the professionals at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us today to learn more about all we have to offer.

© 2025 Bayside Solutions. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Powered by Adverto Inc.