How to gain maximum benefit from attending a conference

Many people have a tendency when at a conference, to sit in meetings and at meals with others they know.  I suggest you do the opposite.  Take advantage of the opportunity to network with a large number of people you have never met.  By not sitting with anyone you know and not sitting with the same person more than once, you can connect with a large number of people and obtain a lot of great ideas. Come to the conference with an open mind and bring the information you can share to help others. People are more willing to share great information with you when you share with them. By the end of the conference, you can meet and learn from so many people and help them as well.