Conference Hound: Sniff out conferences, conventions and trade shows

Like any industry event or networking opportunity the annual conference of ˈwhatever it might beˈ needs at least some basic research before you commit to attending.

You’ll be bombarded with emails from conference organizers even if you work in an industry with the most tenuous of links to the principal subject but then of course you would be.

Their job is to fill the hall or conference center and justify delegate charges and trade stand fees therefore their standard marketing approach is along the lines of; "The event you simply can’t afford to miss!"

Heard it all before? I bet you have, well you can now go some way to avoiding the trap by having a look at this app which aims to provide a completely different approach to the industry by alerting you only to events that match your criteria and interests. Sign up necessitates either a LinkedIn or Twitter account which obviously brings your network into the equation but that’s no bad thing given the fact that networking is all part and parcel of this site’s activity.

Not only does the site alert you to suitable events but a soon to be launched feature will help you in your search for enjoyable things to do in the area once you’ve thrown your delegate badge in the bin and set off for some real networking. Logistics and accommodation details are also a very useful feature saving the time spent looking at several different websites.

A slightly tongue in cheek word of warning however, the site also serves as a platform for conference and event organizers to advertise their "not to be missed opportunities." With that in mind I’d hope that under the watchful eye of the Conference Hound community any instances of trying to sell an accountancy seminar to a hairdresser would be quickly sniffed out.

Conclusion

The fact that there are so many conferences and trade shows about these days, coupled with the fact that no business can throw money away on useless days out in the current economic climate, it makes complete sense to use a site like this to maximise opportunties.