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In today's session "Memory Power for Executives," presenter Scott Bornstein led the audience in some exercises to improve their ability to remember names and important details. For the rest of Great Ideas 2010, take a few of Bornstein's tips with you as you network and hear more useful information.

Create logic to help you remember. Rote memorization doesn't always yield the best results, but using your own creativity can greatly improve the amount of information you retain. Bornstein says that your mind works best when making connections, so creating a connection point that makes sense, even if it's just to you, can be the best way to recall the information you need.

For example, if you'd just met me at the conference but I wasn't wearing my shiny gold name badge, you could remember that my name is Summer by deciding it's your favorite season, and I'm your favorite staff person that you've met so far. OK, that may be an easy one (and slightly ridiculous). But what about the name Stephanie? Maybe you met Stephanie when standing on the steps of the hotel, and you noticed that she was wearing a skirt down to her knees.

Review information seven times within the next 10 days. For better long-term memory, Bornstein says that you must practice what you want to remember at seven different times--not necessarily for a long time or consecutively--in the 10 days following the introduction of information. So when you hear a great idea tomorrow that you want to remember, you should retrace your footsteps into next week to recall that idea without reading your notes. Plus, each time you review your information, it will be easier than the time before.

So when you see me, or my fictitious friend Stephanie, please be sure to say hello.