Industry conferences offer valuable opportunities to grow your network, acquire new skills, discover the latest technologies and promote your brand. However, they can also be costly in terms of both financial investment and potential lost productivity.

To help you decide whether a financial industry conference is worth your time and money, follow these steps to make an informed decision.

Step 1: Define your objectives

Before you can even think about whether a conference is a good fit, you need to know what you hope to achieve. Are you aiming to expand your professional network, make sales, meet partners or focus on learning and skills development?

Some conferences are great for business development, providing ample opportunities to connect with potential partners or investors, while others are ideal for staying current with industry trends and innovations.

Setting clear objectives will guide your decision-making process, enabling you to prioritize the sessions, workshops and networking opportunities that will provide the most value.

Step 2. Evaluate the conference content

Once you’ve defined your objectives, you’re in a good position to start vetting a conference. 

Start by evaluating the agenda and session topics. Are the themes relevant to your professional interests? What about to your company? A well-curated agenda should offer sessions that not only resonate but, more importantly, provide actionable insights or new perspectives. 

Next, consider the speakers, as they often reflect the overall quality of the conference. Are they recognized experts and industry leaders?

And what about workshops, panels and breakout sessions? These smaller, more focused sessions can offer hands-on learning experiences and in-depth discussions you might not find with larger sessions.

Not sure what conferences are out there?
Check out our comprehensive list of financial industry conferences for the rest of 2024. 

Step 3. Consider the audience

Are the typical attendees industry professionals, potential clients or key influencers who could be valuable to your network? A conference can be an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences and build relationships that could benefit you in the future, but only if the right people are there.

Also consider the networking opportunities. Mixers, roundtable discussions and even informal coffee breaks can prove just as valuable as the sessions themselves, offering a chance to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas and potentially open doors to new business opportunities.

Pro tip: The Financial Revolutionist’s Event Analyzer is a handy tool for researching financial industry conferences and the specific sectors they cater to.

Step 4. Assess the location and timing

Location and timing are also important factors to consider when determining whether a conference is right for you—starting with the venue. Will attending require significant travel? If so, do the benefits justify the time and cost? 

Also consider the facilities. Will there be suitable spaces for meeting with current or prospective clients and investors? Many conferences are now creating one-on-one meeting zones and even facilitating those connections through a dedicated conference app. These areas are great for business development conversations. Just be aware that they can be loud and don’t tend to offer much privacy. 

Timing is equally important. Does the conference fit well into your schedule, or does it conflict with other commitments? Additionally, does it conflict with other conferences? Check to be sure there are no other industry conferences or trade shows occurring on the same dates, as this could negatively impact attendance.

Ensuring a conference aligns with your schedule and professional priorities will help you decide if it’s worth further consideration.

Step 5: Research the conference’s reputation and track record

A conference’s reputation and track record are also important considerations. Look at how long the event has been running, and find out what past attendees have said about it. Reviews, testimonials and social media buzz from previous years offer valuable insights into the overall experience. A well-established conference with a strong reputation is generally a safer bet, offering better content and networking opportunities.

Additionally, determine whether competitors, prospective clients or investors have attended in the past. This can be a strong indicator of the event’s strategic importance to your industry and business.

A final screen to assess a conference’s gravitas is to look at the number of companies sponsoring the event. More sponsors typically point to a more important event.

Step 6: Analyze the cost vs. benefit

There are several factors to consider when assessing the cost of attending an industry conference. First, look at the registration fees. Are they within your budget? Do they cover essentials like breakfast and lunch, materials and full access to sessions? 

If different pricing tiers are offered, find out whether you or your company qualify for a discounted rate before purchasing the higher-tier option. Also, do a quick check on LinkedIn using the conference hashtag to see if any sponsors or speakers have posted a discount code. Wherever you land, though, be sure the experience will provide enough value to justify the expense.

Next, calculate additional costs, such as travel, lodging and meals. Be sure to look at the conference’s preferred hotel, as well as other nearby options. Sometimes the conference hotel offers the best value, but you might also find a more convenient deal at nearby options.

Once you have a complete picture of the total investment, weigh it against the potential benefits. Will the knowledge you gain, the people you meet and the opportunities for business development or networking make the investment worthwhile? 

If you anticipate a strong return on investment — whether in the form of new clients, partnerships or personal growth — then a conference may be a good fit.

Pro tip: Before you register, search LinkedIn using the conference hashtag — sponsors, speakers and event organizers often share discount codes on their socials.

Step 7: Assess sponsorship and partnership opportunities

Conferences often offer unique sponsorship and partnership opportunities, making them a potentially worthwhile consideration. If your goal is to increase your company’s visibility or build strategic relationships, a financial conference can be an ideal platform.

Look into options for sponsoring sessions or events, or even setting up an exhibit booth. Sponsorship can place your brand directly in front of a targeted audience, boosting recognition, credibility and sales.

Conferences also attract a wide range of companies and professionals, making them prime opportunities for networking and identifying potential collaborators. Review the list of sponsors, exhibitors and key attendees to see if organizations you want to connect with will be present.

Step 8: Look beyond the conference itself

When evaluating a conference, don’t overlook the opportunities that exist outside the official event. Many companies (Caliber included) host events and gatherings for conference attendees at breakfast time and in the evenings. These events provide additional networking opportunities, more intimate discussions and the chance to connect with key industry players in a relaxed setting. 

Assess whether these external events could add value to your conference experience, providing further opportunities to meet with prospective clients, partners or investors. 

Interested in joining us to sponsor an outside event at Money20/20 or Boston Fintech Week? We can help you elevate your brand profile and make valuable connections. Schedule a call with Sarah Leach, Director of Partnerships, to learn more.

Making the final decision

Deciding whether an industry conference is worth your time and money requires careful consideration. 

After working through these steps, you should have a clear sense of whether a particular financial industry conference is the right choice for you. Remember, the decision to attend a conference is not just about the sessions or the speakers; it’s about the overall value of the experience. 

By carefully evaluating each factor — from your objectives and the audience to the costs and sponsorship potential — you can make an informed decision that aligns with your professional goals. Ultimately, the right conference can be a powerful tool for growth, networking and strategic business development.

Looking for a partner to help develop your conference strategy and raise your company’s visibility through speaking opportunities? Contact us. We’re here to help.