You’ve just returned from TEXSOM, filled with new knowledge, connections, and inspiration. But now what? Attending a conference like TEXSOM is only the beginning. The real value comes from how you apply what you’ve learned to advance your wine career. Explore practical steps to help you make the most of your TEXSOM experience by leveraging new insights, applying skills, and building on the relationships you formed with 019 Wine.
Reflect on Your TEXSOM Experience
Before diving back into your daily routine, take some time to reflect on your TEXSOM experience:
Review Your Notes:
Go through all the notes you took during seminars, tastings, and networking sessions. Highlight key takeaways, interesting facts, and any actionable ideas that you can implement in your career.
Identify Key Learnings:
Identify the most valuable lessons you learned. Were there particular topics that resonated with you or skills you want to develop further? Knowing what impacted you most will help you focus on specific areas of growth.
Evaluate Your Goals:
Reflect on the goals you set before attending TEXSOM. Did you achieve them? Are there new goals you’ve identified that can help guide your next steps in the wine industry?
Share Your Knowledge
Sharing what you’ve learned at TEXSOM can solidify your knowledge and position you as a thought leader in the wine community:
Host a Seminar or Tasting:
Organize a seminar or tasting at your workplace, local wine shop, or community center. Sharing new insights or wine discoveries with colleagues and customers can enhance your credibility and build your network.
Write an Article or Blog Post:
Consider writing a blog post or article summarizing your experience at TEXSOM. Highlight key learnings, memorable tastings, or interesting insights from speakers. Sharing your experiences can help you engage with your audience and establish your voice in the wine industry.
Present to Your Team:
If you work in the wine or hospitality industry, present your TEXSOM learnings to your team. This not only benefits your colleagues but also demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Follow Up with New Connections After TEXSOM
Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of Texsom. To maximize the benefits of the connections you made:
Send Personalized Messages:
Reach out to the people you met at Texsom with personalized messages. Reference something specific from your conversation to show that you remember them and value the connection.
Connect on Social Media:
Connect with new contacts on LinkedIn, Instagram, or other social media platforms. Engage with their posts and stay up-to-date with their professional activities to keep the relationship active. If you met me, I’d love to reconnect! Find me at @shannonsommelier!
Plan Follow-Up Meetings:
If you met someone you’d like to collaborate with or learn more from, suggest a follow-up meeting or coffee chat. Continuing the conversation can lead to new opportunities and partnerships.
Implement New Skills and Knowledge
TEXSOM is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and deepen your knowledge. Applying what you learned is essential for growth:
Practice New Techniques:
If you learned new tasting techniques, service tips, or wine-pairing strategies, start applying them in your daily work. Practicing these skills will help reinforce your learning and improve your confidence.
Explore New Wine Regions:
If TEXSOM introduced you to new wine regions or styles, seek out wines from those areas. This hands-on experience can help deepen your understanding and appreciation of different wines.
Incorporate Feedback:
If you received feedback from peers or mentors at Texsom, consider how you can incorporate it into your work. Constructive feedback is a valuable tool for professional growth and improvement.
Set New Goals and Plan for the Future
Attending Texsom can inspire new goals and aspirations. Take this opportunity to set new objectives for your wine career:
Create a Professional Development Plan:
Outline the skills you want to develop and the knowledge you want to acquire. Identify specific actions you’ll take to achieve these goals, such as attending more wine events, enrolling in courses, or seeking mentorship.
Join Wine Communities and Organizations:
To stay engaged and continue learning, consider joining professional wine organizations or communities. These groups offer additional networking opportunities, educational resources, and industry events.
Plan for Next Year’s TEXSOM:
Reflect on what you enjoyed most about TEXSOM and what you’d like to explore further. Use this information to plan for next year’s conference, setting goals that will help you make the most of the experience.
TEXSOM is an incredible experience that can provide a wealth of knowledge, connections, and inspiration. However, the true value lies in how you apply what you’ve learned to advance your wine career. By reflecting on your experience, sharing your knowledge, following up with new connections, implementing new skills, and setting new goals, you can maximize the benefits of TEXSOM and continue to grow as a wine professional. Remember, the journey doesn’t end with the conference—it’s just the beginning. Cheers to your continued success in the wine industry! See you there in 2025! xx
