When It's Okay to Talk to Strangers: Attending a Professional Conference for the First Time

GUEST BLOGGER

Ross Pry, CFE
ACFE Director of Membership

Attending the ACFE Global Fraud Conference for the first time can be exciting, but also intimidating. With more than 3,000 fraud fighters, 70 breakout sessions, a hall full of exhibitors and the sights and sounds of Las Vegas just a few steps away, where do you start?

I recently spoke with Eric Strom, CFE, who provided advice for first-time conference attendees. Eric will be attending his 11th ACFE Global Fraud Conference this year.

When was your first ACFE Annual Conference? Where was it?
The first conference I attended was the 17th Annual ACFE Fraud Conference in Las Vegas.

What keeps you coming back?
The opportunities to network with different professionals (private sector, legal, law enforcement) who are all involved in fighting fraud is unmatched at any other event. 

What tips would you offer to first time conference attendees?
Bring plenty of business cards and make a point to talk with strangers at every opportunity. After the event, keep in contact with your new friends because they can help with your investigations.

What are the “can’t-miss” events to go to at the conference?
You can't miss the Networking Reception and the closing speech by the fraudster.

There are so many breakout sessions to choose from. How do you pick which ones to attend?Typically start with your track (audit, investigations, legal, etc.) and then branch out if you've already taken a course or if something looks interesting in another track.

What three things should you definitely bring with you to the conference?
Business cards, a cell phone camera to take photos of interesting PowerPoint slides and mouthwash. :)

What is one piece of advice you have for first time attendees to help make their conference a success?
Get out of your comfort zone. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself to someone new and share your passion with them.

Whether this is your first, 11th or 27th ACFE Global Fraud Conference, there are always exciting educational sessions to participate in, connections to make and ideas to take home. I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas! 

Plan your conference at FraudConference.com.

Networking, Networking, Networking

AUTHOR’S POST

Mandy Moody, CFE
ACFE Social Media Specialist

One of the most popular questions I get in our online Career Center’s Ask the Expert section is about how to meet more anti-professionals, either to share ideas or look for career opportunities. I consistently reply with, “Networking, networking, networking.” And, not just social networking, but face-to-face networking; the kind of networking where you look someone in the eyes and convey who you truly are and what you really represent. One of the biggest benefits of attending the upcoming 24th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference, June 23-28 in Las Vegas, is the opportunity to experience that vital kind of networking. Through a series of coordinated events, you can meet with practitioners, specialists and other anti-fraud professionals face-to-face to not only make an impression, but share ideas, best practices and lessons learned.

Here are some ways you can do that:

Welcome Reception: Sunday, June 23 • 7-9 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to meet vendors while getting a sneak peek at the latest anti-fraud services and products. And, of course, enjoy the refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.

International Attendee Reception: Sunday, June 23 • 7-9 p.m.

Held in conjunction with the Welcome Reception, this first-ever networking opportunity allows attendees from outside the U.S. to meet other global fraud fighters.

Networking Lounge

Connect with attendees facing similar challenges during a dedicated Networking Break for your group or industry. View the time and industry breakdowns.

Create-Your-Own Networking

Join the 24th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference LinkedIn Group or log on to the ACFE Member Forum to begin connecting with others in your industry. Also, once you arrive at the ARIA, check out the Bulletin Boards located near registration for another opportunity to create your own networking group. There you'll find sign-up sheets to allow attendees to create or join a group for an informal meeting, group dinner or social outing.

Attendee Networking Reception: Tuesday, June 25 • 7-9 p.m.

Tickets: $75 per person

Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while building your professional circle in the poolside setting at the ARIA. Visit with colleagues and potential clients and customers in a relaxed, social setting. Tickets may be purchased at the registration desk or at the reception entrance on the day of the event.

Industry Networking Tables

Gather with attendees from your industry before and during the General Sessions. Reserved tables, located along the center aisle in the Bristlecone Ballroom, will be available for the following groups: Financial Institutions, Government and Law Enforcement, Women in the Anti-Fraud Profession, Investigators/Corporate Security, Young Professionals, Governance, Risk and Compliance, CPA/Chartered Accountants, Internal Auditors, International Attendees, Chapter Leaders and Self-Employed CFEs.

The list above is only a few of the ways you can network with other attendees at the ACFE Global Fraud Conference. Visit FraudConference.com for more information and to plan your Conference.