How to Prepare for the ERG Blueprint Conference
A thoughtful guide for making the most of your time, in a way that works for you
Attending a conference like ERG Blueprint is an investment, of time, attention, and energy. Whether you’re a senior leader, ERG sponsor, practitioner, or first-time ERG lead, it’s natural to want that investment to be meaningful.
It’s also natural to feel a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.
You may be wondering:
- Will this be relevant to my role?
- Will I feel comfortable in the room?
- How do I get value without feeling “on” all day?
The good news is this: ERG Blueprint has been intentionally designed to reward preparation, not performative networking. With a little planning, you can engage in a way that feels authentic, focused, and energising.
This guide is here to help you do just that.
Start With Intention, Not Pressure
One of the most effective ways to prepare for any high-quality event is to get clear on why you’re attending. You don’t need ten goals. You don’t need to meet everyone.
Instead, consider:
- What’s one challenge you’d like clarity on?
- What perspective would help you move your ERG or organisation forward?
- What would make this day feel genuinely worthwhile?
For some attendees, the value will come from strategic insight. For others, it may be language, frameworks, or reassurance that you’re not alone.
All of those are valid.
Practical Preparation That Reduces Stress
Plan Your Journey Thoughtfully
Rushing into a venue can the wrong tone for the day and can leave people feeling flustered. Where possible, plan to arrive with a little breathing room, even if that means an earlier train or a quieter route.
The venue is conveniently located in the heart of London’s financial district, Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s is just a short walk from St Paul’s, Mansion House, and Blackfriars stations.
Leonardo Royal London St Paul's
10 Godliman Street
London
EC4V 5AJ
Parking
While there is no on-street parking at the hotel, Baynard House Car Park at 133 Queen Victoria Street (EC4V 4BQ) offers 233 spaces, available 24/7.
For more details and rates (£4.50 per hour as of February 2024), please visit the Parkopedia website. Please note that a Congestion Charge may apply when driving into central London.
What Three Words - ///cakes.tone.energy
If you’re travelling into London, booking in advance and allowing buffer time can make a significant difference to how grounded you feel when you arrive. Knowing where you’re going, even using Street View beforehand, removes unnecessary cognitive load.
Familiarise Yourself with the Environment
ERG Blueprint is designed to be welcoming and well-paced, but knowing the basics helps you settle faster:
- Where the venue is
- How the day is structured
- When breaks happen
This is particularly helpful if you’re introverted or simply prefer predictability. Feeling oriented allows you to focus on the content, not the logistics.
Do a Little Light Reading (Not Homework)
You don’t need to over-prepare, but spending some time with:
- Speaker profiles
- Pre-event articles or posts
- Themes such as ERG impact, influence, and sustainability
can help you connect ideas more quickly on the day. Think of this as priming your thinking, not studying. Even 15–20 minutes can make sessions land more deeply.
Networking, Reframed
Let’s be clear: you are not expected to network constantly.
ERG Blueprint recognises that meaningful connection looks different for different people. You might:
- Have one thoughtful conversation
- Ask a question in a smaller setting
- Listen, reflect, and follow up later
All of these count.
If it helps, bring business cards, but only if you want to. There is no pressure to pitch, promote, or perform. The value here comes from shared understanding and credible exchange, not volume.
What to Bring with You
It’s a good idea to bring the following with you on the day:
- Pen and Notebook
- Phone and Charger. Feel free to take photos of slides rather than trying to write everything down.
- Water Bottle and Snacks
- Umbrella
Dress for Confidence and Comfort
Choose clothing that allows you to feel like yourself, professional, comfortable, and at ease. Conferences are long days, and comfort supports focus.
Layers are always a good idea. Comfortable shoes are not a weakness; they’re a strategy.
Look After Your Energy
It’s easy to underestimate how stimulating a full day of ideas and conversation can be.
A few small things help:
- Start the day right - We'll have breakfast ready when you arrive, so fuel up for the day ahead
- Stay hydrated - Water will be available throughout the day, and we encourage you to keep drinking
- Take moments when you need them - Step outside for fresh air or find a quiet corner if you need a breather
You do not need to be “on” at all times to be engaged. Sustainable participation is encouraged.
Think Ahead to What Comes After
Some of the most valuable work happens after the Conference.
Consider:
- What will you share with your ERG, sponsor, or leadership team?
- Which ideas feel immediately actionable?
- Who might you want to follow up with, even via a thoughtful LinkedIn message?
Capturing a few notes before you return to everyday work can help insights turn into action.
A Final Word
ERG Blueprint is not about having all the answers. It’s about creating space to think more clearly, connect more intentionally, and lead more sustainably. Whether you arrive quietly, confidently, cautiously, or with curiosity; you belong in the room.
Prepare just enough to feel steady.
Engage in the way that works for you.
And trust that value doesn’t always come from doing more; but from noticing what matters most.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Be In the Room Where the Future of ERGs Is Being Shaped
The ERG landscape is changing fast. Expectations are higher, scrutiny is sharper, and the margin for impact without strategy is shrinking.
If you lead, sponsor, support, or influence ERGs, this is not a conversation you can afford to observe from the sidelines.
Join us at the ERG Blueprint Conference this April, where the people shaping the next chapter of ERGs will share what works, challenge outdated models, and raise the bar for impact.
Get in the room with ERG leaders, executive sponsors, culture strategists, and practitioners who are serious about moving ERGs from passion projects to strategic powerhouses.