Do any of you attend conferences/conventions/etc. for networking purposes. I'm talking about live events, not the online one that is going on now. They can either be for VA specific events or your target market or just in general.

I'm just curious to see what others are doing/have done and what the ROI has been. Also, if you don't mind, would you share the cost of participating?

Thanks!

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Amanda Moore
Virtual Assistant
VagabondetteVA Blog

Amanda, I haven't actually had the opportunity since we weren't truly local to anywhere in particular for such a long time but I do know of a few members who participated in or attended trade shows relative to their target market. I don't know exactly what came of any of their experiences but it did sound like a fun way to get your name and face out there.

One of the VAs had a t-shirt made with her company info and logo on it, another passed out raffle tickets for a couple of hours of free services....

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I have not attended any yet, but plan to. I heard of a conference that is held Dallas, TX, which is only about 4 hours from me. I have been checking to see when the next one is so I can attend.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

I attended the IVAA Summit in April and the best thing I got out of it was the connections I made with the VA's that I've known "virtually" for the past year. There was a lot of great information presented - especially from Stephanie Frank. She even gave us free copies of her book, "The Accidental Millionaire".

The Michigan VA group is planning a one day fall workshop and we're also very active in Chamber events and small business events. There's a large facility near me that holds a lot of conferences and conventions, so I'm on their mailing list and get notice when something's there that might get some clients and a couple of us will just go walk the crowd and hand out cards & brochures.

I have attended any conferences yet but I joined a group called the eNetwork and they host events in the Texas are often that I plan to attend.

It's for women to network their business and attend some training sessions. I am just getting active with the local chamber and several other national and local organzations that have chapters in my area.

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com