Social Media Decoded – Episode Summary
Episode: How I Prep for Conferences (And Why You Should Too)
Host: Michelle Thames
Date: September 27, 2025
Episode Overview
In this concise and tactical solo episode, host Michelle Thames shares her personal blueprint for maximizing value from conferences and in-person events. With her upcoming attendance at Bloom and Grow Live in Nashville, Michelle details how she prepares not only to network and increase visibility but also to create long-term business momentum. The episode breaks down actionable steps for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands who want to turn conference attendance into genuine growth opportunities.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Power of Conferences for Visibility and Growth
- In-person connections accelerate business:
- Michelle emphasizes the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction for building trust, visibility, and opportunities that simply don’t happen online.
- “Online presence is powerful, but nothing replaces shaking hands, sharing energy, and being remembered in real life.” (Michelle, 01:51)
- Real-world impact:
- Every conference Michelle attends leads to collaborations, clients, and ideas unavailable through virtual networking.
2. Michelle’s Step-by-Step Conference Prep System
- a. Goal Setting
- Clearly define what you want from the event: Is it networking, learning, or partnerships?
- “I decide, am I here for networking, content, ideas, or partnerships? Sometimes it’s all of those.” (Michelle, 02:18)
- For her current event, Michelle’s focus is “connections and visibility.”
- b. Elevator Pitch Refresh
- Prepare a memorable one-liner about who you are and who you help.
- “People remember clarity, not complexity.” (Michelle, 02:36)
- c. Content Planning
- Pre-plan Instagram stories, reels, and key photos to capture.
- Michelle uses ChatGPT to brainstorm and organize content ideas.
- “Conferences are content gold mines if you plan ahead.” (Michelle, 02:46)
- d. Follow-Up Strategy
- Set a plan for post-event connections before even departing.
- Michelle usually follows up “through DMs, emails, or quick coffee chats.” (Michelle, 03:01)
3. Essential Tips for Maximizing Conferences
- Go beyond collecting business cards:
- “Do not just collect business cards, collect conversations.” (Michelle, 03:11)
- Document and amplify the event:
- Take lots of photos, share takeaways, and tag people on social media to extend visibility.
- Timely follow-up is critical:
- Block off 30 minutes every evening during the event to follow up while connections are still fresh.
- “These tips alone can turn one conference into six months of visibility and momentum.” (Michelle, 03:29)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the primacy of in-person events:
“Online presence is powerful, but nothing replaces shaking hands, sharing energy, and being remembered in real life.”
(Michelle, 01:51) -
On preparation and focus:
“I get clear on my goals. I decide, am I here for networking, content, ideas, or partnerships? Sometimes it's all of those.”
(Michelle, 02:18) -
On content creation at events:
“Conferences are content gold mines if you plan ahead and you know I’m a strategic planner.”
(Michelle, 02:46) -
On actionable follow-up:
“Block off 30 minutes each evening to follow up while the conversation is still warm.”
(Michelle, 03:27) -
On long-term impact:
“These tips alone can turn one conference into six months of visibility and momentum.”
(Michelle, 03:29)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [01:30] – Introduction & main theme: prepping for conferences
- [01:51] – Why conferences matter and real-world examples
- [02:18] – Step-by-step prep system: Goals, elevator pitch, content plan, follow-up
- [03:11] – Practical tips for in-person events
- [03:27] – The power of follow-up and momentum building
- [03:44] – Promotion for future event: Elevated Empower Live
Closing
Michelle wraps the episode with an invitation to her own upcoming event and reaffirms the importance of showing up strategically at conferences for tangible, long-lasting benefits.
“I hope that you got some tips to help you with your next in-person event that you attend.”
(Michelle, 04:04)
Summary prepared for listeners and readers who want fast, actionable strategies for maximizing every conference or networking opportunity, as shared by marketing expert Michelle Thames.