There's a tendency among busy professionals and other types of small business owners to keep the head down and nose to the grindstone. But you shouldn't allow the daily grind to keep you from attending or participating in industry events and conferences.

These events provide a great opportunity to make important connections and stay on top of industry changes. As a participant in such events, you can promote yourself as an expert in your field.

The benefits of industry events and conferences include:

1. Networking and PR opportunities — from speaking at an industry event to advertising your company in a conference directory.
2. Staying at the forefront of your changing industry.
3. Continuing education.
4. Exchanging ideas and experiences with peers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tune up at technology events and conferences

Whether you're in the technology field or you simply want to learn how to harness the power of technology in your business, you can find an event to fit your needs.

I recommend: ConferenceGuru.com's calendar of tech conferences includes a search feature so you can find events in your area.

Run to retail events and conferences

The nation's retailers — both large and small — gather often for events and conferences on topics such as loss prevention, online merchandising, advertising and hiring.

I recommend: The National Retail Federation provides a calendar of upcoming events and conferences, along with a link for information about speaking opportunities.

Measure yourself at manufacturing events and conferences

Manufacturers face unique challenges that are addressed in international and local events.

I recommend: Manufacturing & Technology News provides a listing of conferences on a variety of manufacturing subjects, such as supply chain management, lean accounting, packaging and product safety and liability.

Find what you're missing at foodservice events and conferences

Restaurateurs, caterers, coffeehouse owners and others in the foodservice industry can find industry events on hundreds of important topics.

I recommend: Find industry events calendars including conferences, expos, seminars and trade shows at Restaurants & Institutions magazine or QSR Online.

Go for general business events and conferences

If you're looking to brush up on basic business skills, for example sales and marketing or customer service, check into conferences on those areas.

I recommend: Find business conferences in a variety of subjects at AllConferences.com. The Open Directory Project at dmoz.org has a listing of conferences under their business resources header.

Regional events and conferences

Contact your local chamber of commerce as well as the convention and visitors' centers for nearby cities to see what events and conferences are headed your way.

I recommend: Find local and regional chambers of commerce via ChamberOfCommerce.com, an online database for municipalities nationwide. A simple Google search for "convention" and "visitors" plus your municipality will net contact info for your local tourism board. Tap these organizations to find key regional events and meetings.

Subscribe to trade and specialty pubs

It's a fundamental tenet straight out of Business 101: keep abreast of industry happenings by reading trade journals and other publications geared toward your specialty. Many trade journals include events calendars or lists of upcoming conferences.

I recommend: Find a trade magazine for your industry at TradePub.com or FreeTradeMagazineSource.com.

Tap into trade shows

Many conferences and events occur in tandem with trade shows. Depending on the show, you may be able to purchase separate admission to conferences and seminars if you aren't planning on attending the trade show.

I recommend: The Trade Show News Network is a self-described "ultimate trade show resource," with a database searchable by industry, timeframe, and location.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're new to the conference or industry events scene, attend one locally to save costs, get a feel for what to expect, and determine if future participation is worthwhile.
• •  Discover which industry happenings are considered must-attend events by searching for blogs and pod casts specific to your industry.
• •  If you travel frequently for business, tap the concierge at your hotel and others nearby and ask about notable annual events and shows.
• •  Industry events and conferences are held on national, regional, and local levels, and different vendors and presenters will appear at each of these, so be sure to investigate a variety to find the best fit.
• •  Check local colleges, universities or continuing education programs to troll for speakers or events in your field.
• •  Check with your accountant or supervisor to know exactly what to write off or voucher as an expense.