Content Marketing World 2022 is almost here! In this #ContentChat recap, we spotlight some of our most anticipated sessions and share tips to help you get the most out of your experience, whether you’re joining online or in-person. If you still need to grab your conference tickets, use code HEALD100 for $100 off.
Don’t miss our #ContentChat meetup on Thursday, Sept. 15 between 10:25 and 11:25 a.m. in Hall C (the first break of the day)—we’ll grab a table for everyone to casually stop by for some long-overdue IRL networking.
Read through all of our advice below, and tweet us your questions or advice by tagging @ErikaHeald and using #ContentChat. We hope to see you in Cleveland from Sept. 13-16!
Q1: Many members of the Content Chat community are presenting at this year’s CMworld. If you’re presenting, give us a preview of what we will learn in your session.
Erika will teach you how to create a more effective, proactive thought leadership program.
A1: I’ll be sharing my process + a TON of useful templates to create a more effective, proactive thought leadership program as part of your content marketing program.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A1b: I’m in the final block of breakout sessions on Thursday, right before the closing keynote.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
Michelle will demonstrate how to get more visibility for your content by repurposing it.
A1: A sneak preview of my talk – which is on 9/15 at 2:20 pm – here goes:
Get more visibility for your content by repurposing it as earned media – or how to turn owned media into earned media – which you can then plug into shared media (& paid, if you like). #ContentChat— Michelle Garrett (she/her) (@PRisUs) August 29, 2022
I should also mention that I’ll be the guest on the #CMWorld chat on 9/6: Gaining Visibility for Your Content with Michelle Garrett – so we’ll talking more about what I’ll be talking about. 😂 #contentchat
— Michelle Garrett (she/her) (@PRisUs) August 29, 2022
Love it! You’re basically running a 20-minute master class in creative reuse for PESO model content.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
Carmen will show you how to build a better content on-ramp for your customer’s buying journey. Her session is on Friday at 8:30 a.m., so please join if you can.
A1. My #CMWorld talk is about building a better content on-ramp for your customer’s buying journey—funnel-based, format-centric formulas don’t account for the different needs of your audience and your business. #contentchat https://t.co/uV58f5fmQr
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
Oh! And by the way, my talk is at 8:30 am Friday, 9/16—so stick around if you can! #CMWorld #ContentChat
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
Monica will share lessons for building and nurturing your content marketing team.
#ContentChat A1: I’m presenting (my first time at #CMWorld!) on “How to Build & Nurture Kick-Ass Content Marketing Teams.” To make the tips easy to remember and apply… they’re all tied to conventional wisdom & best practices you already know from work and life!
— Monica Norton (@monicalnorton) August 29, 2022
Mike will teach techniques to create 10x better content 10x faster through streamlined workflows and processes.
A1 I will be teaching techniques to create 10x better content 10x faster! It combines streamlined workflows and processes, along with stronger insight into content tactics. #ContentChat https://t.co/ymKjuLkHq3
— Mike Allton (@mike_allton) August 29, 2022
And check out our blog post that highlights CMworld 2022 sessions from friends of the #ContentChat community.
In case it’s helpful, we created this post highlighting the #CMworld sessions from our #ContentChat friends. It’s ordered by day and time so you can plan ahead.😊
And thank you to everyone who has already shared this since it was posted.❤️https://t.co/SMTBTyuI5u
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) August 29, 2022
Q2: What are your tips for maximizing the value you gain from the conference experience?
Plan ahead, but leave time in your schedule for spontaneous meetups.
A2a: Strike a balance between planning and being spontaneous. Plan a few nights where you meet up with folks you already know for dinners + catching up. But keep some nights open to meet/hang out with new friends you make at #CMworld.#ContentChat https://t.co/cVaaTPmrVn
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
Take notes, and review everything before the week is over and when the content is still fresh in your mind. Highlight lessons or takeaways so you can find them easily, and email yourself an action list so you can hit the ground running when you’re back.
A2: Take LOTS of notes. Then… before the week is over (plane ride home?), go through your notes to fill in the blanks and HIGHLIGHT the lessons you want to apply. Send yourself an email with you action list so you’re ready to plug it into your operations and plans.
— Monica Norton (@monicalnorton) August 29, 2022
A2b: Decide how you want to take notes based on what you plan to do with them. If I’m attending to learn something I need to apply ASAP, I take notes in my shared @evernote notebook for the event. Otherwise, I share key takeaways and photos on Twitter.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
I usually create an Evernote shared notebook with my team and friends who use the app, so we can share learnings, then write a blog post with key takeaways—which my Tweets help me create!#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A2: Vía the virtual session, taking notes and sharing them where others can equally benefit. #contentchat
— Jordan M. Thomas (@PensivePoet97) August 29, 2022
Remember that the conference isn’t all about the sessions—you’ll want to network and build relationships. Tweet your session takeaways and engage with other attendees on social media. Connect with and follow people on social media to keep your conversation going.
A2 Remember that attending a conference isn’t all about the session content. It’s also about starting or building relationships. Take time to get to know your peers, and then stay in touch. (I prefer to do it via Twitter but YMMV.) #contentchat
— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) August 29, 2022
In addition, if you’ll be at #CMworld solo, a great way to meet people is to tweet often. Share session nuggets in real time, and be sure to add your personality! People will seek you out. Also, pay attention to who else is tweeting, and suggest a meetup. #contentchat
— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) August 29, 2022
A2: In general, definitely follow ppl immediately on social media. Waiting even an hour is too long!#ContentChat
— Sweepsify (@Sweepsify_) August 29, 2022
Plan which sessions you will attend, but have a backup pick. Many sessions fill up fast.
A2. Get familiar with the #CMWorld agenda before you arrive and highlight the sessions you don’t want to miss.
It can be overwhelming once you’re there!
Consider second-choice options as well in case the room fills up or it’s not what you expected. #ContentChat
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
Do you save your picks to your calendar, or rely on the app for this?#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
I rely on the app. Time zone math makes the calendar too confusing! #ContentChat (I actually miss having a hard copy that I could highlight and keep at the ready!)
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
As a reader, I also liked to prioritize in the hard copy agenda. I tend to pick multiple sessions in the app, too, so I have a Plan B if I turn up at a standing room only session.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
Sit in the front if you’d like to take photos of the session slides. If you are unsure if a session is the right fit for you, though, sit toward the back in case you decide to leave.
A2d: Get to sessions early, and sit up front! Not only are there often plug strips in the front rows, but they are also the best places to snap photos of those slides you want to share when you are back at your desk.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
Bonus: that’s where you’ll find fun people to sit with—like@sferika, @amywhiggins and me! #contentchat
p.s. If you’re iffy on whether the session is right for you, it’s better to snag an aisle seat near the back so you can gracefully slip out. https://t.co/9Bt0FK0GYo
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
YES!!
As a speaker, it’s so much less disruptive to have people in the back sneak out, versus having someone in the front row stand up and leave!
😉#ContentChat— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
If you are attending CMworld with a colleague, attend different sessions so you can maximize your event learnings. Trade notes and debrief after the event—or over dinner.
A2c: If you are attending with a colleague, while it’s tempting to buddy up for everything, it’s great to split up for breakout sessions so you can see more in real time. That way, you also know who to talk to at the breaks. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
This also gives you an extra set of eyes, ears and notes at sessions you don’t attend! #ContentChat https://t.co/m1EAfkjOiD
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
Q3: How do you set expectations with clients or your employer about the conference and your availability?
Alert your clients that you will be at the event, and send a calendar invite that notes you are unavailable. Set an automatic email reply that says you are at an event.
A3: I send retainer clients a calendar invite that notes I am out of the office. I also block out my calendar so no one can sign me up for meetings, and turn on an autoresponder noting they can follow along with me on Twitter, but I won’t be checking my emails.#ContentChat https://t.co/stBoKksaJ9
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A3: I’ve already alerted my clients via email and calendar invite that I will be unavailable during the conference. I want to enjoy the experience without juggling deadlines.
I’ll send a reminder email the Friday before & fly out late Monday so I can work that day. #ContentChat
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) August 29, 2022
It’s not at all fun (or effective use of time) to be running back and forth from meetings to sessions! #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A3. I block my calendar and tell people *well* in advance that I’ll be out all week and checking messages only occasionally. I refuse to miss a single minute of #CMWorld for a meeting that can either wait or get arranged further ahead. #ContentChat https://t.co/irXsY7Xp8K
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
A3: If I were attending, I would notify via email and attachments with the digital calendar regarding availability #contentchat
— Jordan M. Thomas (@PensivePoet97) August 29, 2022
Q4: What ways do you network with other #CMworld conference attendees, both online and in-person? Do you have any go-to strategies to start conversations or make new connections?
Follow the #CMworld hashtag and attend the scheduled networking events.
A4: As an introvert, Twitter is the primary way I network with other #CMworld attendees. But I do also try to turn up at some (but not all) of the scheduled networking events, and scan for familiar Twitter handles and names, and go say “hi!” #ContentChat https://t.co/MsankR06Aa
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A4 I start the conversation before #CMWorld by following the hashtag and seeing who is talking about being there. I reply and engage, then look out for those folks offline when we get to Cleveland. #contentchat
— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) August 29, 2022
Introduce yourself to people during the snack breaks.
A4: I find that I *always* meet new people around meal times – when you’re all congregating around a table. Even if I’m sitting with a friend, usually people like to introduce themselves & talk about what they do. #contentchat
— Michelle Garrett (she/her) (@PRisUs) August 29, 2022
Don’t be shy about saying hello to people you have not met before. People are often eager to make new connections at the event!
A4. My #1 tip: don’t be shy about saying hello to people you don’t know—or who don’t know you! I’ve met lots of people during coffee breaks. And if you admire someone’s work or enjoyed their talk, tell them! They’ll appreciate it! #ContentChat #CMWorld https://t.co/0wGJlNylsO
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
I’ll never forget, the first time I went to #CMWorld, I went running up to @IanCleary on the show floor to tell him how much I enjoyed his talk (and that I’d been a fan/follower for a while). I was nervous, but he was SO gracious. ☺️#contentchat
— Michelle Garrett (she/her) (@PRisUs) August 29, 2022
I always always make sure to attend hi sessions—I always learn so much! I am pretty sure I gushed like a fan girl the first time I met him at #CMworld…#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
Visit the booths hosted by your favorite content marketing tech and tool providers. Ask if they are hosting any get-togethers.
A4b: I also stop by the booths hosted by my favorite content marketing tech/tools first thing on Wednesday morning, and ask if they are hosting any get-togethers. Having that additional commonality makes it easier to strike up conversations.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
This is also a great way to research companies you’re interested in learning about all in one place at one time—without having to schedule a bunch of 1:1 meetings or deal with back and forth sales emails when you don’t have a current need. #ContentChat #cmworld https://t.co/A45sMmN69W
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
Yes, keep an eye out for vendors hosting get-togethers – that’s another great way to meet new folks. #ContentChat #CMWorld https://t.co/eoitySvPZk
— Michelle Garrett (she/her) (@PRisUs) August 29, 2022
Yes, I always walk the show floor and learn about the vendors there. Good to know what options are out there so I have all the latest info when a client asks. #CMWorld #contentchat
— Michelle Garrett (she/her) (@PRisUs) August 29, 2022
Consider bringing a fun and unique item to spark conversation.
A4c: I’ll also note that the year I brought my #Disneyland Pixar insulated coffee mug with me, I had a TON of Disney fans strike up conversations with me.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
Didn’t @HeidiCohen bring a fun object one of the years to strike up a conversation? And always take a photo with people she met? I thought that was great advice, but let me know if I’m mistaken! #ContentChat
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) August 29, 2022
Yes, @heidicohen always brings her little NYC taxi and holds it up during group photos!
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) August 29, 2022
YES! Heidi had a little NYC taxi one year. It was in all the photos. And @bhrome‘s LEGO figurines have made many appearances in #CMworld photos over the years. Which reminds me, I’ve got to remember to bring my mini LEGO me.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
Q5: What questions do you have about the CMworld attendee experience that our serial attendees can answer? We will try to help however possible!
Tweet us your questions by tagging @ErikaHeald with #ContentChat.
BTW I am certain the #ContentChat community is happy to answer Qs that come in for Q5 from now through the event.
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
Q6: What are your must-visit sights and bites in Cleveland?
Erika shares a handful of recommendations below. Hop into the thread to share your recommendations, too.
A6a: I had a tradition of going to Lola every year, but @chefsymon closed it in 2020, which broke my heart.#GlutenFree friendly places I recommend now include: https://t.co/RaJDFy6Ldv
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A6b: https://t.co/G3U34A4bMs for GF pancakes and other delicious brunch favorites#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A6c:@TOWNHALLOHC
(see https://t.co/EBZpe9y8FU for a mini-review of Town Hall). I will be updating this post after this year’s event.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A6d: The West Side Market is fun for shopping local produce and specialty food items.https://t.co/RI38zuCpOK#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A6f: If you love thrifting, antiquing, and vintage shopping, there are SO MANY fantastic places. I’m going to finally put together my must-visit list, and hope to have it published before the conference.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
A6e:
The North Union farmers market has all sorts of interesting Amish farm goods, including some amazing beeswax products I always bring home.https://t.co/XmBj2tyG7d#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 29, 2022
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