Must-Attend Events For Small Business Owners (2024)

Must-Attend Events For Small Business Owners (2024)

We've compiled a list of small-business events for the rest of 2024 to help you stay ahead of the curve and connect with other business owners.

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As a small and midsize business (SMB) owner, you're always looking for ways to get ahead and grow your business. That's why we've put together a comprehensive guide to the must-attend events for small business owners. Attending these SMB networking events isn't just an option - it's an investment in the success of your business. These events are designed to help you learn, connect, and get inspired.

We'll share tips and strategies from the experts to help you make the most of these incredible opportunities. From the world-renowned Dreamforce to the intimate Salesforce Connections, we've got you covered. Get ready to connect, learn, and grow your business like never before.

Here's your line-up:

• Must-attend small-business events of 2024 (and beyond)
• What you need to know before you go
• Tips for connecting like a pro at small business events
• The best ways to follow up after a small-business event
• Events for your small business will help you grow

Must-attend small-business events of 2024 (and beyond)

Alright, here you have it. The list of the must-attend small-business events of 2024 (and beyond) to help you stay ahead of the curve and connect with other business owners:

The Small Business Expo

The Small Business Expo is an annual event that brings together small businesses and entrepreneurs to connect and grow. The event draws thousands of attendees each year, offering opportunities to exhibit your business, explore new products and services, and attend educational sessions - all over the world.

The National Business Summit

The National Business Summit is another must-attend event for small business owners. This prestigious event brings together business leaders and experts from a variety of industries to share their knowledge on all things growth. Learn about the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, how to be a more effective leader, and the secrets to successful marketing. Participate in discussions, and network with other successful entrepreneurs, anywhere in the nation.

Dreamforce

Dreamforce is the world's largest software conference dedicated to trusted data, AI, and customer relationship management (CRM). It's the annual gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, bringing together a global community to connect, learn, and grow (and have a lot of fun). Attendees say it's worth the spend.

With cutting-edge technology and some of the most creative minds in the industry, Dreamforce is a treasure trove of knowledge, insights, best practices, and strategies to help you influence business growth. It's worth it to save up for this because the connections you make are priceless.

Connections

You may want to consider Salesforce Connections, a series of events specifically designed for small businesses. This intimate and interactive conference provides an opportunity to connect with other small business owners, Salesforce experts, and potential partners.

Discover innovative solutions, get expert advice, and make connections that can last a lifetime. You can attend educational sessions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of SMB owners. Check out where and when on Salesforce+.

What you need to know before you go

Before you head out to any event, it's important to be prepared to get the most out of your time. By planning ahead, you can take full advantage of the opportunities events offer and come back to your business with valuable connections and insights.

Set clear goals

Before you step foot in any event, define your goals. What do you want to achieve? Are you looking for new business partnerships, industry insights, or to learn a skill? When you get clear on your goals, you can prioritize networking opportunities and sessions to optimize your time.

Prioritize sessions

Get to know the event's agenda, speakers, and exhibitors. Prioritize the sessions and workshops that resonate most with your business needs. Create a personalized schedule that optimizes your time and opens up areas for new insights and opportunities. Line up the day with what's best for your business.

Prepare your pitch

Create a short, compelling pitch that conveys your business, its unique benefit, and what you hope to gain from the event. Read it out loud and see how it feels, and how it sounds. Practice your pitch with confidence, because you'll be saying it a lot. People will remember you and your business better if it's short and sweet - who you are and what you do.

Be yourself (and your business will benefit)

Networking is the lifeblood of these events. No pressure, right? Being yourself is key as you open yourself up to new connections. Have an open mind, and follow your interests and passions for the success of your business, this will help you find the right people. Engage in meaningful conversations, exchange information, and most importantly, be yourself.

Share your story

Don't just sit in the back quietly, actively engage in sessions and workshops. Take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussions. This helps you learn as a business owner, and shows your interest for partners - you never know what can happen. Get yourself out there and show them what you're worth.

People love an origin story. So give it to them - share the reason why you're starting your SMB in the first place. What's your passion? And, what drove you to come to this event in the first place? Some people may not remember your name, but they will remember your authentic passion for your business.

Personalize the follow-up

After the event, follow up with the connections you made. Don't wait too long, statistics say you should follow up within 1-3 business days, so the connection is still strong. Send personalized emails, connect on social media, and schedule follow-up calls to continue building these relationships and exploring potential opportunities. Anything can happen from these events, all you have to do is ask.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can make valuable connections, get industry insights, and grow your business as it should be - homegrown.

Tips for connecting like a pro at small business events

Don't get the networking jitters. Everyone is in the same boat. Networking is a big part of attending small-business events, we all know - it's the heart of why you go, to connect. It's a chance to make important connections, learn from others in your industry, and get some new clients. To make the most of these events, here are some networking tips.

First impressions count, so make sure you're dressed appropriately (and comfortably!) for the event. Your outfit should reflect your professionalism, but more importantly, it should reflect you as a business owner. Whether it's a formal conference or a casual mixer, dress in a way that makes you feel confident and credible.

Networking isn't just about talking, it's about building relationships. Listen attentively to what others have to say, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine interest in their experiences. People are more likely to remember and connect with you when they feel heard and valued.

Always have your business cards at the ready, or a digital version easily accessible - but get theirs first. Take initiative, when you meet someone you want to stay in touch with, exchange contact information, and follow up promptly after the event. This shows your interest in continuing the conversation and building a new relationship. Be bold, your business will thank you later.

After the event, take a moment to consider the connections you've made and the conversations you've had. Take a deep breath, you did it. Now, it's time to make it count. Prioritize following up with those you've made a genuine connection with and could see potential for collaboration. This is the fun part.

The best ways to follow up after a small-business event

Following up after attending any type of event is big for nurturing the connections you've made. Here are some key steps to make the most out of these connections.

Send personalized thank-you notes or emails. It's a small gesture that goes a long way. Thank everyone you meet, be it a potential client, a fellow entrepreneur, or an industry expert. Personalize each email with a reference to something specific you discussed or learned during your connection. This simple act of courtesy shows your appreciation and bridges that gap between event and business.

Stay connected. Strengthen your professional network by connecting with those you met at the event. Personalize your invitation by referencing the event or why you want to stay in touch. LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for maintaining connections, exchanging industry knowledge, and creating lasting professional relationships.

Be sure to support other small businesses too. If you've gotten a ton of business cards or contact details from these SMB events, seize the moment. Connect with these prospects in a support-only way to explore opportunities and partnerships, giving is a great way to begin a partnership.

Dedicate a moment to reflect on the event's overall vibe and success. Consider the quality of the content, the networking opportunities, and the value of the information you've gained. This reflection will help you to make well-informed choices about future events and guarantee that you're getting the maximum benefits from your investment.

Events for your small business can will help you grow

This is your event. Make it yours. By fully immersing yourself in these events you are showcasing your light as a small business owner in the wild. Mark your calendars, make plans, and take advantage of these opportunities to grow your business and set yourself up for success in 2024 and beyond. It's actually pretty fun.Build a network who can support you on your journey.

Take advantage of the knowledge and connections that happen, and watch your small business grow. We'd love to hear from you, if you've attended one of our events, please reach out to us and share your SMB story to be featured on our LinkedIn.

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Caylin White is a Senior SEO Lead on the 360 Blog team at Salesforce. She has written content for over 15 years for many SaaS industries, like WordPress and BuzzSumo. She specializes in SEO, but is sure to add a human-centric angle to every piece.