The most useful conference plan starts with one question: what do you want to be different when you get home? Choose an answer you can act on, such as finding a collaborator, testing a business idea or learning a better way to reach customers.
Before you arrive
Write a short introduction that explains who you help and what you are building. Keep a relevant example of your work easy to share. Review the programme and choose the sessions that connect to your goal, while leaving space for unplanned conversations.
During a conversation
Ask what the other person is working on and what would help them move forward. Listen before introducing your offer. If there is a useful connection, suggest one specific follow-up and ask permission to stay in touch.
Capture the next step
After an exchange, record the person’s name, the context and the next action you agreed. A clear note is more useful than a large collection of contacts with no context.
When you get home
Send a personal follow-up that refers to your conversation. Share what you promised, then put one lesson into practice. Your goal is a small number of meaningful next steps you can actually complete.
DEC 2026 takes place on November 6–7 in Cotonou. Explore the conference programme and choose the experience that supports your next move.