Heading off to a conference can be incredibly exciting, a chance to learn, network, and grow.
But before you go, you’ve got to let everyone know you’ll be out of the office.
Crafting the perfect out-of-office message can feel like a challenge.
We’ve gathered a fantastic collection of messages to help you out, covering all sorts of tones and situations.
Professional & Direct Messages
When you need to be clear and concise, a professional out-of-office message is key.
It ensures that your colleagues and clients understand your absence and when to expect your return.
These messages strike a balance between informative and courteous, maintaining a professional image even when you’re away.
1. “I am currently out of the office attending a conference from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will have limited access to email and will respond to your message upon my return.” – This is a straightforward and informative message for general use.
2. “Thank you for your email. I am attending the [Conference Name] and will be unavailable from [Start Date] to [End Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This option provides an immediate point of contact for urgent issues.
3. “Please note that I am out of the office for a conference from [Start Date] through [End Date]. I will review all messages upon my return on [Return Date].” – This clearly states your unavailability and when you’ll be back to business.
4. “I am away at a professional development conference and will not be checking email regularly between [Start Date] and [End Date]. I appreciate your patience and will respond as soon as possible.” – This highlights the professional development aspect of your absence.
5. “My apologies, but I am currently attending the [Conference Name] and have limited email access. I will return on [Return Date] and will address your email then.” – This politely acknowledges receipt of the email while setting expectations.
6. “I am out of the office from [Start Date] to [End Date] attending an industry conference. Your email is important to me, and I will respond upon my return.” – This reassures the sender that their message is valued.
7. “Thank you for reaching out. I am currently participating in a conference and will be back in the office on [Return Date]. I will respond to your inquiry as soon as I can.” – A simple and effective message that conveys your absence and return date.
8. “I am attending an important conference and will have sporadic email access until [End Date]. For immediate assistance, please connect with [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This emphasizes the importance of the conference while offering an alternative contact.
9. “During the period of [Start Date] to [End Date], I will be out of the office attending a conference. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – A clear and concise statement of your unavailability.
10. “I am away at a conference and will be back on [Return Date]. I will be sure to follow up on your email as soon as I am back.” – This promises a follow-up, providing a sense of reassurance.
11. “Your email is important. I am currently at the [Conference Name] and will have limited access to email until [End Date]. I will reply upon my return.” – This prioritizes the sender’s message while explaining the delay.
12. “I am out of the office attending a conference from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will respond to your email within 24-48 hours of my return.” – This provides a specific timeframe for when to expect a response after your return.
13. “Thank you for your message. I am currently at a conference and will be unavailable until [Return Date]. I will get back to you as soon as possible.” – A polite and standard message for conference absences.
14. “I am attending a conference and will have limited email access from [Start Date] to [End Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name].” – A practical message that includes a point of escalation.
15. “I am out of office attending a conference. I will respond to your email upon my return on [Return Date]. Thank you for your understanding.” – A polite closing that encourages understanding.
These messages provide a solid foundation for informing others about your conference attendance.
Friendly & Conversational Messages
Sometimes, a warmer, more personal touch is appreciated.
These messages can make your absence feel less like a barrier and more like a temporary pause.
They aim to maintain a positive connection with your contacts while you’re away learning and networking.
16. “Hi there! I’m currently out of the office soaking up knowledge at a conference until [End Date]. I’ll be back and ready to tackle my inbox on [Return Date]!” – This message is upbeat and uses a bit of friendly language.
17. “Woohoo, conference time! I’m away learning all sorts of cool new things from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I’ll catch up on emails when I’m back!” – This option is enthusiastic and conveys excitement about the conference.
18. “Greetings! I’m currently at a conference, so my email responses might be a bit slower than usual. I’ll be back on [Return Date] and will get back to you then.” – This sets expectations for slower responses in a friendly way.
19. “Just a heads-up, I’m out of the office attending a conference until [End Date]. Looking forward to sharing what I learn when I return!” – This hints at the benefits of the conference and your eagerness to share.
20. “Hello! I’m currently away at a conference, so I won’t be able to respond to emails right away. I’ll be back on [Return Date] and will reply as soon as I can.” – A simple, friendly acknowledgment of the email and your absence.
21. “Taking a break from my desk to attend an awesome conference from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I’ll be back with fresh ideas and will respond to your message then!” – This frames the conference as a positive, enriching experience.
22. “Hi! I’m out of the office for a conference. I’ll have limited access to email until [End Date], but I’ll do my best to get back to you when I can.” – This acknowledges potential limited access without sounding too rigid.
23. “Exciting news – I’m off to a conference! This means I’ll be a bit out of touch from [Start Date] to [End Date]. See you on the other side!” – This uses a playful tone to announce your departure.
24. “You’ve reached my inbox while I’m at a conference! I’ll be back on [Return Date] and will be sure to reply shortly after.” – This is a warm and welcoming way to inform someone of your absence.
25. “Hello! I’m currently at a conference and will be offline until [End Date]. I’m looking forward to diving back into emails when I return!” – This expresses a positive outlook on returning to work.
26. “Taking a short break to attend a conference! I’ll be back in action on [Return Date] and will catch up on all messages then.” – This frames the absence as a brief, productive pause.
27. “Hi there! I’m out of the office for a conference, so please bear with me if my response is delayed. I’ll be back on [Return Date] and will get back to you ASAP!” – This asks for patience in a friendly manner.
28. “Currently attending a conference and enjoying the learning! I’ll be back on [End Date] and will respond to your email upon my return.” – This shares a positive sentiment about the conference experience.
29. “Hello from conference land! I’m away until [Return Date] and will have limited email access. I’ll be in touch as soon as I’m back.” – This adds a touch of whimsy to your out-of-office message.
30. “I’m currently at a conference, so I’ll be a bit slower to respond. I’ll be back on [End Date] and will get back to you then!” – A concise and friendly message that manages expectations.
These conversational messages can help maintain a friendly rapport with your contacts.
Messages with Specific Instructions
Sometimes, a standard message isn’t enough; you might need to provide specific directions.
These messages are designed to guide senders to the right place for different types of requests.
They ensure that urgent matters are handled and that non-urgent ones are addressed efficiently upon your return.
31. “I am out of the office attending the [Conference Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. For immediate assistance with [Specific Topic 1], please contact [Colleague 1 Name] at [Email 1]. For [Specific Topic 2], reach out to [Colleague 2 Name] at [Email 2].” – This provides clear routing for different types of inquiries.
32. “Thank you for your email. I am attending a conference and will return on [Return Date]. If your matter is urgent and relates to [Project A], please contact [Colleague A] at [Email A]. For all other urgent requests, please contact [General Contact] at [General Email].” – This offers tiered support based on urgency and project.
33. “I am out of the office attending a conference until [End Date]. I will have limited email access during this time. For sales inquiries, please contact [Sales Team Email]. For support issues, please use our helpdesk at [Helpdesk Link].” – This directs different types of requests to appropriate departments or resources.
34. “Please note: I am attending a conference and will be unavailable from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will respond to your message upon my return. If your request requires immediate attention, please forward it to [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This clearly states the action for urgent matters.
35. “I am away at a conference and will have intermittent email access. I will be back on [Return Date]. For urgent client matters, please contact [Client Manager Name] at [Client Manager Email].” – This specifically caters to urgent client needs.
36. “Greetings! I’m attending a conference from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will respond to your email upon my return. If your request is time-sensitive, please CC [Colleague’s Name] on your reply.” – This suggests a collaborative approach for urgent situations.
37. “I am out of the office for a conference and will respond to all messages upon my return on [Return Date]. For any immediate needs regarding [Product/Service], please refer to our FAQ page at [FAQ Link].” – This directs users to self-service resources for common questions.
38. “Thank you for your email. I am attending a conference and will be back on [Return Date]. For any immediate inquiries about [Upcoming Event], please contact [Event Coordinator Name] at [Event Coordinator Email].” – This is useful for event-specific communications.
39. “I am out of the office attending a conference. Your email is important, and I will respond upon my return on [Return Date]. In my absence, please direct urgent requests to [Colleague’s Name].” – A polite acknowledgment with a clear alternative for urgency.
40. “During my conference attendance from [Start Date] to [End Date], I will have limited email access. For urgent support requests, please call our main line at [Phone Number].” – This provides a direct phone number for urgent support.
41. “Hello! I’m at a conference and will be back on [Return Date]. If you need immediate assistance with [Specific Project], please reach out to [Project Lead Name] at [Project Lead Email].” – Tailored for project-specific urgent needs.
42. “I am out of the office for a conference. I will respond to your message as soon as possible upon my return on [End Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Phone Number].” – Offers an alternative contact method (phone).
43. “Thank you for your email. I am attending a conference and will be back on [Return Date]. If your request pertains to [Department Name], please contact [Department Contact] at [Department Email].” – Useful for directing to specific departments.
44. “I’m currently at a conference and will have limited email access until [End Date]. For critical issues, please contact [Colleague’s Name], who is covering for me.” – Clearly designates a colleague as the point person.
45. “I am out of the office attending a conference. I will reply to your email upon my return on [Return Date]. In the meantime, please visit our website at [Website URL] for general information.” – Directs senders to a website for general information.
These structured messages ensure that your absence causes minimal disruption.
Humorous & Lighthearted Messages
Injecting a bit of humor can make your out-of-office message memorable and enjoyable.
These messages are great for contacts who appreciate a more relaxed and playful tone.
They show personality while still conveying the essential information about your absence.
46. “I’m currently out of the office, probably learning so much I might spontaneously combust with knowledge! I’ll be back on [Return Date] to share my wisdom (or at least my notes).” – This uses hyperbole for a funny effect.
47. “Warning: May be speaking in conference jargon upon return. I’m out of the office until [End Date] and will respond to your email when I’ve re-acclimated to reality.” – A playful warning about post-conference brain fog.
48. “I’m currently attending a conference, which means I’m either networking like a pro or hiding in the coffee line. Either way, I’ll be back on [Return Date] and will get back to you then!” – This offers a humorous, relatable scenario.
49. “My email is currently on a coffee break at a conference. It will return, refreshed and ready, on [Return Date]. Your message is safe with us (me) until then!” – Personifies the email for a lighthearted touch.
50. “I’m out of the office, likely surrounded by name tags and free pens at a conference. I’ll be back on [End Date] and will respond to your email with my newfound insights.” – Uses a common conference experience for humor.
51. “Alert! I’ve been temporarily abducted by a conference. I’ll be back in the office on [Return Date] and will respond to your message once I’ve escaped.” – A dramatic and funny way to announce your absence.
52. “I’m currently at a conference, trying to absorb information like a sponge. I’ll be back and ready to squeeze out some answers on [End Date].” – A simple analogy that’s both funny and informative.
53. “Gone to a conference! My brain is currently in ‘learning mode’ and has limited bandwidth for email. I’ll be back on [Return Date] with a full charge.” – Uses a tech analogy for a humorous effect.
54. “I’m out of the office, attending a conference and probably taking copious notes. I’ll be back on [Return Date] and will get back to you once I’ve deciphered my handwriting.” – Relatable humor about note-taking.
55. “Your email has reached my out-of-office auto-responder, currently attending a conference. I’ll be back on [End Date] and will respond with the speed of a caffeinated conference-goer.” – Playfully exaggerates your return speed.
56. “I’m currently at a conference, so my responses might be a little… delayed. Think of it as a suspense novel. The thrilling conclusion arrives on [Return Date]!” – Frames the delay as a narrative cliffhanger.
57. “Out of office: Attending a conference and attempting to network without spilling coffee on anyone. I’ll be back on [End Date] and will respond to your email with my dignity intact.” – A relatable and humorous struggle.
58. “I’m currently at a conference, embracing the ‘out of sight, out of inbox’ philosophy until [Return Date]. I’ll get back to you when I’m back!” – A playful twist on a common saying.
59. “Hello! I’m away at a conference, gathering intel. I’ll be back on [End Date] and will deploy my response shortly thereafter.” – Uses a spy/mission theme for humor.
60. “Currently attending a conference. My inbox and I are taking a brief sabbatical. We’ll be back, recharged and ready, on [Return Date]!” – A lighthearted way to describe your absence.
These humorous messages can leave a positive lasting impression.
Short & Sweet Messages
Sometimes, less is more, especially if you want to be brief.
These short messages get straight to the point without unnecessary details.
They are perfect for when you need a quick, effective out-of-office reply.
61. “Out of office at a conference. Back [Return Date].” – Extremely concise and to the point.
62. “Conference attendance: [Start Date] – [End Date]. Limited email access. Will reply upon return.” – Provides key dates and access level.
63. “Attending a conference. Unavailable until [Return Date]. Thank you.” – Simple, polite, and informative.
64. “Away at conference. Responding upon return.” – Very brief and direct.
65. “Out of office for conference. Back soon!” – Friendly and short.
66. “Conference trip: [Start Date] – [End Date]. Will respond then.” – Clearly states the duration and response timing.
67. “Limited email access due to conference. Back [Return Date].” – Focuses on the email access limitation.
68. “Attending conference. Will reply upon return on [Return Date].” – Combines unavailability with a return date.
69. “Out of office for conference. Thank you for your patience.” – Polite and acknowledges potential delay.
70. “Conference attendee. Email response delayed until [End Date].” – Specifies the delay date.
71. “Away at conference. Back on [Return Date].” – Straightforward and clear.
72. “Conference bound. Limited inbox access. Will reply on return.” – Hints at the travel and limited access.
73. “Out of office: Conference. Back [Return Date]. Urgent? Contact [Colleague’s Name].” – Adds a crucial contact for urgent matters.
74. “Attending conference. Will respond ASAP upon return.” – Promises a prompt response after returning.
75. “Conference leave: [Start Date] – [End Date]. Your email is important; I’ll reply upon my return.” – Reassures the sender while stating the absence.
These concise messages are perfect for quick and efficient communication.
So there you have it – a comprehensive list of out-of-office messages tailored for conference attendees.
Whether you prefer professional, friendly, instructional, humorous, or brief, there’s something here for everyone.
Pick the one that best suits your style and your audience.
Happy conferencing!