It's officially convention season in New Jersey! Whether you are an old pro or a new lawyer, here are some tips to maximize the benefits of attending an attorney convention.

1. Do your homework. You want to make sure you check out the full schedule of events for the convention so that you can plan accordingly. Think about your goals for the convention.  If your goal is simply to get the most CLEs possible, then you want to check out the calendar so that you can maximize attending the best CLEs for your practice area. However, if this is your only goal, you are missing out on important features to conventions—the opportunities to expand your network with other professionals in your field.
2. Calendar the key places to be. While you might want to just take everything in, there are so many things going on at the same time, you do not want to miss anything. Make a schedule for yourself so that you know when events are that you want to attend. You want to make sure when you check out the program book that you look at the competing events and either make a list of possibilities, or make a list of exactly what you want to do at a certain time. If you have three options and want to leave it open, it helps if you list those options so that in the whirl of excitement, you don't forget any of them.
3. Plan to meet people. That means don't forget your business cards. Even if you do not plan to expand your network at the convention, you want to bring your business cards.
4. Dress to impress. While you might want to be more casual since you are out of the office, because of the important networking opportunities, bring appropriate clothing. Usually, during the day you should dress in a suit or at least business casual. At night, you should dress as if you were going out with professionals, and not like you were hanging out at the beach. Be sure to bring a few outfits in case you are invited to go out for dinner or to attend fancier receptions. If you plan on attending any ticketed dinner events, ask the appropriate attire. For instance, most organizations have an installation reception where the dress could be black-tie optional. In that case, you don't want to be the only one in a suit!
5. Check out the offerings for first-time attendees. Whether you are new to the group or have been a member for a while, you can still check out the first timer events. Many times these events have ambassadors from the Association to welcome you into the organization.  Many conventions do not limit the first timers reception to actual first timers, so don't be afraid to check out the reception. It is there for you to learn more about the organization and to make you feel welcomed into the organization. This could present an opportunity to network with key players in your field or the field you want to enter.
6. Network, network, network. Don't think of the convention as just a way to pick up your CLE credits. Maximize your opportunities. Attend the receptions, and be social at these events. Make sure you grab a business card from each person. Make notes as soon as you can on the back of these cards so you can keep track of who you met. Your note can be something like, “discussed appearing before Judge Jones.” Whatever note you make, it is a way for you to remember the conversation that you had.
7. Once the convention is over, make sure you reach out to each person. Do a personalized letter. Invite the person out to lunch or to a meeting. You might want to have the basics of this letter drafted before the meeting, so that you can tailor it quickly after the meeting. You do not want to delay in sending these letters or emails because the other person may forget who you are. Networking is about making lasting connections, and not about a one-time meeting at a cocktail party. If you are serious about expanding your network, you have to take time to make these relationships meaningful. In addition to your follow-up letter, in a few weeks, you should do follow-up phone calls to show that you are serious that you want to get to know the other person.
8. If you are interested in changing practice areas or learning about new areas, check out whether there are any business meetings for the sections of law that you are interested in expanding. For instance, if you are interested in appeals, you may want to check out the Appellate Practice offerings at the conventions. There also may be an appellate meeting during the convention where leaders from that section gather to discuss these topics. If you are not within this area of law, but you want to expand into it, then a convention is the perfect opportunity to talk to someone about how to break into that practice area.
9. Reserve some time for attending the Expo. The Expo is usually a hall dedicated to vendors who have tables with free giveaways promoting their products and services. Check out your program to see if there are added benefits to attending the Expo, such as raffles and drawings or receptions. Attending the Expo is a great opportunity to find out about the services that could help your law practice. Many times you can also get some cool prizes or just stock up on post-it notes. Plan to drop business cards at the vendors' tables so bring extra business cards.
10. The fun doesn't stop when events are not taking place. Even at the hotel bar, you might be networking with convention attendees.  Many times, people will continue the fun until all hours, so rest up, and be ready to have fun networking and mingling.
11. Don't forget that you are a professional. While the nature of the meeting may be casual, you still want to be professional. Embarrassing things that you do could have a lasting impact on your future. Your reputation is always being built, so while you may want to have that drink at the bar, you also want to keep yourself in check.

The NJLJ Young Lawyers Advisory Board is a diverse group of young attorneys from around the state. Follow them on Twitter, @YoungLawyersNJL.