This will be my fifth time attending LinkedIn’s Talent Connect conference. Unlike a lot of my peers, I am able to only attend a few select industry conferences a year, and this one is always a “must attend” in my mind. They are always filled with great learning opportunities, awesome networking with some really smart and engaging people, and of course, some fun parties too. I thought I would share some tips and tricks to get the most out of Talent Connect, but in a way where I could also satisfy my inner movie dork. So here you go – Talent Connect tips, movie edition:

1. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure– You can’t go back in time, so plan ahead and make it count. There are so many different sessions and learning tracks planned. There is simply no way to go to everything, as a lot of the sessions are running concurrently to jam as much content into the three days as possible. Thankfully, LinkedIn publishes the agenda well ahead of time, so you should definitely plan ahead to map out which sessions you want to attend and when. If you wait to the last minute, you could potentially miss out on some topics or sessions you might have wanted to really see. As there is no time travelling phone booth available, make the most of it and plan accordingly.
2. The Social Network – picture literally thousands of people who do what you do but in organizations of all shapes and sizes from all around the world. Here is your chance to make some meaningful connections and to network with some really smart people. I still keep in touch with many people I have met at this conference, and they have become great sounding boards for me over the years. It behooves you to not be shy and make an effort to meet as many people as possible. It would truly be a missed opportunity if you don’t get out and make some meaningful connections at Talent Connect.
3. Back to School – This event is about learning some of the latest trends out there in Talent Acquisition. If you go in with the mindset that you have nothing to learn, then why even go? Be open to hearing about different ways of thinking, and try to take some of these ideas back with you to your organizations. I have learned a ton over the years, and always take something back with me that I never would have thought of before. It took Thornton Mellon a long time to realize he had a lot to learn. Don’t be a Mellon.
4. A Beautiful Mind – If there is one person I make a point to see every year, it is Glen Cathey. This guy is the Neo of sourcing. Make a point to attend his sessions and learn some new ways of searching and sourcing. If data is your thing, this is your guy.
5. Animal House – after a long day of sessions, LinkedIn sure knows how to throw a party. Make sure you attend – they usually pull out all the stops. Great food, music, games, etc. It is a great way to unwind and have fun with peers from across the globe. Now, don’t be a “P-I-G, Pig” like Bluto, but definitely let your hair down (as a bald dude I just love saying that) and have some fun!
6. Chef – Take advantage of the lunch and breakfast time that LinkedIn offers. They usually place people at tables by industry, and is just yet another way to network and get to know people who probably have a lot of great stories to share. Also – free food!

I hope this was both fun and helpful. I am as excited as always to go, but if you can’t make it this year in person you can join me as I host the Talent Connect Live Stream – you can sign up here – http://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/s/nam/14/9/wc/talent-connect-sf-stream.html?src=e-evt. We will be bringing you a ton of content and interviews with main stage speakers and other folks at the conference. As Bill S. Preston and Ted “Theodore” Logan would say – “Excellent”!