You’re arranged to attend a national water industry trade show or a conference put on by your state or regional trade association.

It’s a big investment of your time and of your city’s or utility’s money, so you want to get the most out of it: The most CEUs, the deepest knowledge of the latest technologies, the best tips and ideas that can help your plant run better.

So, before packing the suitcase and heading out, you need to make a plan. Ideally, go with a colleague. For one thing, two heads are better than one. For another, a companion will help you feel more comfortable in a new environment. And finally, there’s a lot to see and do at a show or conference — much more than one person can take in. So be ready.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Plan your days carefully. In the time before the show, visit its website. Review it in detail. Go over the exhibitor list and make a note of those you definitely want to visit, especially those that have new offerings you’ve been curious about.

Check out the technical program, especially the breakout sessions. Know ahead of time which ones you want to attend. Split up the key topics with your traveling partner. Don’t forget the special events — award lunches, post-show special gatherings, product or technology demonstrations.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Arrive on the evening before the show and get a good night’s sleep — you’ll be walking lots of miles. Before bedtime, check out a map of the show floor (if it’s available). Circle the exhibits you want to see and plan a route that lets you use your time efficiently. Maybe you and your colleague can agree to each cover half of the floor.

Don’t expect the people staffing the exhibits to spend unlimited time with you — they have potentially hundreds of people to talk with in a couple of days. Be prepared with your most pertinent questions. Take note of the answers. Get the contact information of the people you meet so that you’ll know who to follow up with later.

Make sure to attend your chosen technical sessions. Technology can help you take parts of each one back with you. If the presenter and the show rules permit, run a digital recorder during each session. If you see an especially interesting slide on the screen, take a picture with your phone.

Through the day, don’t be shy. Talk to the person next you while you wait for your turn at an exhibit. At lunch, don’t go it alone. If having a sandwich among tables in the show hall, pick one where other people are sitting. Introduce yourself and start a conversation. You never know who you might meet or what you might learn.

Back in your hotel room, before going out to dinner, make notes on the highlights of your day — the things you’ll want to be certain to remember when you get back home. Then go out and enjoy some of the sights and the local cuisine: a trade show doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Ideally, go out with a couple of newfound friends.

BACK AT HOME

A big mistake trade show attendees make on returning to the plant is to jump right back into the routine, getting immersed in the daily dramas. That’s a sure way to forget what you’ve learned, or to fail to act on it.

An excellent practice is to arrange a lunch-and-learn session for your supervisor and team members a few days after your return so you can present what you’ve discovered. Colleagues will appreciate your sharing the knowledge and insights you gained. They might well volunteer to help you put some learnings into action. And as you get ready for your presentation, you’ll automatically review and so better retain the information you gathered.

In reporting on your trip, don’t forget your governing body — the utility board or the city council. Ask your supervisor to arrange for a 10-minute presentation at the next meeting. Share with them what you’ve learned and how your facility will be more effective and more efficient as a result.

Show the decision-makers that their investment in your trip added value, and they’ll be more likely to approve attendance for you and your team members at other shows and conferences.

Industry events are great for you and your team, great for your facility, great for your community. Make the most of them.