How to Make the Most Out of Your First Virtual Conference

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Let me start by saying, I know this might be weird. I know you might be leery. How are we supposed to pretend like the 31st Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference is a real conference if we can’t shake hands, exchange business cards or sit in a freezing conference room wishing we brought our winter coats? I was apprehensive at first, but trust me — this conference will be full of fascinating speakers, the latest topics and trends, and, of course, one-of-a-kind networking. And the best part? You will be there!  

Here are a few tips to follow next week, just in case this is your first rodeo:

  • Visit the Conference Hub. That’s just a fancy name for where you can find everything you need for the event on one web page. There, you will see all the sessions for the day, links to the networking and sponsor information, and other useful information. (Yes, there is a place to get your conference water bottle and coffee mug!)

  • Take a deep breath and get comfortable on Discord, the conference networking software. Some of you have already created your profile and begun chatting, but for those of you who haven’t, I promise it will be worth your time! There are text and video chat groups for all industries, an “introduce yourself” group and so much more. Check out all the ways you can network.

  • Dress to impress (from the waist up). Even though you may be attending from your home, you can still get ready as if you were attending in person…you never know when you might want to hop on a video chat. Also, it might feel good to get half-way dressed up for a change.

  • Make a point to meet with as many people as you can. You never know who you might meet that could have the solution or idea you’ve been searching for. And you don’t know what idea or solution you might be able to provide to someone else. We’re all fraud fighters and we are all struggling with the same issues.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions — that goes for the concurrent sessions, to the staff working in Discord and the sponsors offering tons of free giveaways.

We can’t wait to officially kick off the event next Monday, June 22. Leave us any of your own tips in the comments below, and visit FraudConference.com to review the schedule.