In the last few months, I’ve been attending global expos and conferences left and right. From Malta’s SiGMA Gaming Event to London’s Finance Magnates Summit, Dubai’s Hedge Funds Conference and the GRC Summit on Compliance, each event was unique.
Reflecting on this, I’ve had to really balance professional development, networking and the demands of regular work life. Here’s a little recap of the events, and me trying to stay grounded.
The Expos and Conferences: A Quick Recap
Hedge Funds Today Forum Dubai
Dubai brought a high-level, finance-focused vibe with industry leaders discussing the latest trends in hedge funds, asset management and investment strategies. Coming from Cyprus we did feel very small next to the size of Funds Dubai is attracting ... I suppose that is Dubai all over.
Forex EXPO Dubai 2024
Less than a week after the Hedge Funds Today Forum, I attended Dubai's largest Forex Expo Investing and Trading Conference for networking, learning and exploring innovative trends.
GRC Summit in October (Governance, Risk, and Compliance)
Compliance and governance may sound dry, but this summit is my bread and
butter, with some great insights.
SiGMA Europe in Malta (Gaming & Tech Innovation)
This was my first time attending a gaming event and wow ... that was very sexy in comparison to the finance expos I'm used to. Lots of cutting-edge developments in iGaming, blockchain, and emerging technologies, making Fintech look boring next to gaming tech.
Finance Magnates Summit in London (Financial Services & FinTech)
London’s summit focused heavily on financial services, trading and fintech. This is maybe the most prestigious event in the CFD Forex space and much more corporate, however less sharp suits and more catching up and showing face rather than anything too salesy.
Balancing Work and Networking
Attending these events comes with a set of challenges. While the sessions and speakers are invaluable, maintaining a balance between learning, networking and keeping up with day-to-day work demands careful planning.
Here’s where I failed:
Pre-Event Preparation
Before each event, I had too much work with various #licensing projects running that I didn't review agendas and only set a few meetings, doing a lot off the cuff, probably not maximising my time on-site as best I could.
Post-Event Follow-Up
Every time! Why don't I make it a point to follow up?! That's why I'm there - new connections!
Here’s where I managed:
Making the Most of Networking Opportunities
Each event had a different vibe. At SiGMA, the networking was lively, with after-parties and casual meetups providing the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. On the other hand, the Finance Magnates Summit required a more formal approach, with scheduled meetings and a focus on building professional relationships.
Balancing Work Commitments
With a laptop and good Wi-Fi, I tried to carve out time to stay on top of emails and urgent tasks. I also relied on team support back home to delegate and prioritise.
Why These Experiences Matter
Travelling to these events provided more than just professional insights — it offered a fresh perspective, especially coming out of a small island, and there is nothing like the art of human connection and learning how to balance - so here are some tips:
Plan Ahead: Know your objectives for attending.
Stay Organised: Use event apps, schedules and reminders to stay on track.
Network Smart: Focus on quality connections over quantity.
Prioritise Self Care: Amid the hustle, find time to rest and recharge.
Follow Up: Send that LinkedIn request or email while the connection is fresh.
In the end it's great to get out of the comfort zone, meet some incredible people, and bring back ideas to hopefully shape FAI Comply going forward.
Here’s to the next adventure ... coming very soon!
Written by Constantinos Constantinides - Director of FAI Comply