PlanIt Police Blog

Wahoo! You're off to another law enforcement conference or expo for work. Okay maybe you're not quite that excited but hey, it’s a day or so out of the office! So, what can you expect? And how can you make the most of your time?

To get the most out of your next Law Enforcement Conference & Expo:

1. Plan Ahead
2. Bring Business Cards
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
4. Network
5. Relax

1. Plan Ahead

Think about:

What workshops will benefit you most?

What booths do you want to stop at?

Focus on your specific area of work and what most interests you.

Once you arrive at the conference, it can be overwhelming.

If you already know where you're going, you'll save a ton of time and hassle.

You'll also get more value out of it by picking classes and booths that will benefit you instead of just jumping into random one’s last minute.

But there are other things to prepare for like meals and transportation.

Many times, there will be complimentary shuttles from your hotel to the convention center - free transportation!

So, make sure to check about that.

I have never had good, or cheap, food from a convention center.

Best advice would be to pop out to a restaurant or fast food nearby.

Not only will it make your taste buds happier, but it will also save you a few bucks.

2. Bring Business Cards

Whether you plan on handing them out or not, it’s good to have them available.

Maybe you just met someone from another department that just implemented the same RMS system as you.

And you want to keep in contact to share what works and doesn't work.

Or maybe you found a booth that has a solution to one of your problems.

You want them to follow up with you after but they don’t have a scanner to scan your badge.

Having that simple little card can make networking a lot easier.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Especially if it is a big conference.

Because you WILL notice a difference.

If your dress shoes are comfortable, great.

But I know plenty of people that wear sneakers…

And their feet thank them later.

4. Network

No matter where you are, there is always someone you can learn from.

Whether you know it at the time or you realize it later, you're [almost] always learning something when talking to a new person.

In your professional or personal life.

For you introverts out there, just try!

It will be uncomfortable at first…

But do it anyway.

5. Relax

While there are so many things to do at police conferences, make sure you take a second to breathe.

Skip that last session and take a quick nap.

Or just relax in the common area.

While you can learn so much from the sessions and expo booths, you don’t want to over-do it.

See 40 ways to relax in 5 minutes or less here!

Make sure to stop at the PlanIt Police booth if it is at your next Law Enforcement Expo! Or learn more today with a free, live, online demonstration!

Read More:

• Top Expos For Law Enforcement Technology In 2017
• Top 3 12-Hour Shift Schedule Examples for Your Department to Evaluate
• 3 Tools Your Police Software Needs for Managing Overtime