How to Maximize Your FBR Summit Experience: Before, During, and After

Expert networking tips from Toni Harris Taylor, “The Networking Queen” with Drastic Results Marketing Coaching

Franchise conferences are more than just name tags and breakout sessions—they’re opportunities to build relationships, close deals, and create momentum that can drastically shift your business. At the 2023 FBR Summit, I met valuable contacts and got contracts because I followed the steps below. But too many attendees show up unprepared, wing it during, and disappear after. Let’s fix that.

Here’s how to strategically prepare for your next franchise conference—before, during, and after—plus a checklist to make sure you’re ready to thrive.

🔍 Before the Conference: Prepare to Be Memorable

The success of any event starts with preparation. You don’t just want to show up—you want to stand out.

Do your homework:

• Review the agenda and highlight the must-attend sessions.
• Research the speakers, sponsors, and fellow attendees. Who do you need to meet?
• Reach out early on LinkedIn to start conversations before you get in the room.

Pack with purpose:

• Bring plenty of business cards, flyers, or QR codes.
• Prepare your elevator pitch—short, bold, and memorable.
• Dress like the leader you are becoming.

Tip: Set a goal. “I want to connect with 10 new people who can become partners, clients, or connectors.”

🤝 During the Conference: Show Up, Be Up

When you’re in the room, you’ve got one job: be present and be powerful. This is your moment.

Engage with intention:

• Attend keynotes and sessions that align with your growth goals.
• Don’t sit with your team—sit with someone new.
• Ask thoughtful questions and follow speakers after the session.

Network like a pro:

• Be bold: introduce yourself, compliment someone’s work, or ask how you can support them.
• Scan badges and jot down quick notes about your conversations.
• Take photos with new contacts and tag them on social—this boosts visibility and starts relationship-building instantly.
• Schedule 1:1s on the spot! Don’t wait until you get back because it’s probably not going to happen. 

Mindset mantra: “I’m not here to collect cards—I’m here to create connections.”

🔄 After the Conference: Follow Up to Blow Up

Most people go home, drop the cards on their desk, and do nothing. That’s a networking crime!

Strike while the iron’s hot:

• For those you didn’t schedule with on the spot, within 72 hours, send a personalized follow-up email or LinkedIn message.
• Offer value—share a resource, introduce them to someone, or schedule a follow-up call.
• Add contacts to your CRM and stay in touch over time.

Keep showing up:

• Post a recap on LinkedIn with photos, insights, and shout-outs.
• Schedule virtual coffee chats with your top 5 contacts.
• Reflect on what worked and where you can grow for the next event.

✅ Conference Power Prep Checklist

Before the Event

• Research attendees and speakers
• Connect on LinkedIn
• Set networking and learning goals
• Prepare elevator pitch
• Pack cards/marketing material
• Dress to impress

During the Event

• Attend key sessions
• Take notes and post on social
• Meet at least 10 new people
• Capture selfies and tag online
• Make notes for follow-up
• Schedule 1:1 follow-up calls

After the Event

• Send personalized follow-ups within 72 hours for bonus points use a video tool like Loom
• Connect on social and continue engaging
• Add contacts to CRM
• Share your recap post online and tag your new contacts

Conferences are a goldmine for growth—if you work them right. Show up with strategy, connect with heart, and follow up like a pro. That’s how you go from contacts to contracts—and from attendee to opportunity magnet.

Thank you to Drastic Results for being a sponsor of the FBR Summit. Meet Toni Harris Taylor at this year’s FBR Summit to learn more about her proven networking strategies. 

The ONLY Event Designed Just for Franchise Operations Teams

How can you make an immediate and lasting impact on your franchisees’ success? Find out at the FBR Summit, October 22-24 in Austin, TX. The Summit is an intensive, event created just for franchise operations leaders and their teams that directly support franchisees. Don’t miss it!

REGISTER NOW