10 Proven Tips for Successful Conference Networking

Published on 20 June 2023 10 min read

3. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

8. Collect and Exchange Business Cards

9. Connect with Event Organizers

10. Follow Up After the Conference

Conferences are a goldmine for meeting new people, learning about industry trends, and making valuable connections. But with so many attendees and limited time, how do you make the most of networking opportunities? In this blog, we'll discuss 10 proven tips on how to network at a conference effectively and efficiently. Let's dive in!

1. Set Clear Goals

Before attending a conference, it's important to know what you want to achieve. This will help you focus your efforts and make the most of your time. Here are some tips to help you set clear goals for networking:

Identify your objectives: Are you looking to find potential clients, partners, or mentors? Knowing your specific goals will help you target the right people during the event.
Set a number target: Decide on a realistic number of new contacts you'd like to make. This will give you a benchmark to measure your success and keep you motivated.
Make it actionable: Instead of setting vague goals like "meet new people," try something more specific, such as "connect with five potential clients in my industry."

Remember, setting clear goals is the first step to knowing how to network at a conference effectively. With these goals in mind, you'll be better prepared to make the most of your time and build meaningful connections.

2. Research Attendees

Before the conference, take some time to research the attendees, speakers, and companies that will be present. This will help you prioritize who you'd like to meet and make your networking efforts more strategic. Here are some tips for researching attendees:

Review the attendee list: Many conferences provide a list of attendees or a networking app. Use this to identify people you'd like to connect with and make a list of your top targets.
Research speakers and companies: Look up keynote speakers and panelists, as well as the companies they represent. This will give you talking points and help you understand their background and interests.
Use social media: Check out attendees' LinkedIn profiles, Twitter feeds, and other social media accounts to get a better sense of their expertise and interests. This can help you find common ground and conversation starters.

By doing your homework on the attendees, you'll be better prepared to make the most of your networking opportunities and make meaningful connections at the conference. Remember, knowing how to network at a conference starts with knowing who you want to network with!

3. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

Having a well-prepared elevator pitch is an essential part of successful conference networking. An elevator pitch is a brief, compelling introduction of yourself and what you do, typically lasting around 30 seconds. It should be concise, engaging, and leave a lasting impression. Here's how to craft an effective elevator pitch:

Start with your name and profession: Clearly state who you are and what you do. For example, "Hi, I'm Alex, and I'm a graphic designer specializing in branding."
Highlight your unique selling points: What sets you apart from others in your field? Mention specific skills, experiences, or accomplishments that make you stand out. For example, "I've worked with both startups and established companies to create visually impactful brand identities."
Share your goals or interests: Briefly mention what you're looking to achieve or learn at the conference. For example, "I'm here to learn about the latest design trends and connect with other professionals in the industry."
End with a question or call to action: Encourage further conversation by asking a question or suggesting a follow-up. For example, "What brings you to the conference?" or "I'd love to chat more about your work in branding — can I grab your business card?"

Practicing your elevator pitch ahead of time can help you feel more confident and prepared when introducing yourself to new contacts. A polished elevator pitch is a key element of learning how to network at a conference effectively.

Using social media platforms can be a powerful tool when it comes to learning how to network at a conference. By engaging with attendees and event organizers online, you can create connections before, during, and after the conference. Here are some tips on how to make the most of social media for conference networking:

Find the conference hashtag: Most conferences have an official hashtag that attendees use to share updates and insights. By following and using this hashtag, you can join the conversation and identify potential connections.
Engage with attendees and speakers: Don't be shy about reaching out to fellow attendees or speakers on social media. Share your thoughts on their presentations, ask questions, or simply introduce yourself.
Share your own insights and experiences: Post regular updates about your conference experience, including photos, quotes from speakers, and key takeaways. This will help establish you as an active participant and make it easier for others to connect with you.
Use LinkedIn for professional connections: LinkedIn is a great platform for connecting with other professionals in your industry. Send personalized connection requests to people you meet at the conference, and include a brief message reminding them of your conversation.

By actively participating in social media, you'll not only expand your network but also demonstrate your enthusiasm and expertise in your field. It's an important step in figuring out how to network at a conference and make the most of your experience.

5. Attend Keynote Sessions

Keynote sessions are often the highlights of a conference, featuring influential speakers and industry leaders sharing their insights and expertise. Attending these sessions not only allows you to learn valuable information but also provides excellent opportunities for networking. Here's how to make the most of keynote sessions when learning how to network at a conference:

Arrive early and get a good seat: Sitting near the front not only shows your enthusiasm but also increases the chances of meeting and engaging with other interested attendees.
Take notes and ask thoughtful questions: Engaging with the content of the keynote session demonstrates your knowledge and interest in the topic. Asking insightful questions during Q&A sessions can help you stand out and make a positive impression on both the speaker and fellow attendees.
Connect with the speaker: If possible, approach the speaker after their presentation to express your appreciation and continue the conversation. You can also connect with them on social media and share your thoughts on their talk.
Discuss the session with other attendees: Keynote sessions often spark interesting conversations and debates. Join in these discussions with other attendees, share your views, and exchange contact information for potential future collaborations.

By actively participating in keynote sessions, you demonstrate your passion for your field and create opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. This is a crucial aspect of mastering how to network at a conference successfully.

6. Join Breakout Sessions

Breakout sessions are smaller, more focused gatherings within a conference that allow for in-depth discussions and hands-on learning experiences. These sessions are perfect for networking, as they bring together individuals with shared interests and expertise. To make the most of breakout sessions when learning how to network at a conference, consider the following tips:

Choose relevant sessions: Look for sessions that align with your goals and interests. By attending sessions where you have a genuine interest, you'll be more likely to engage with others and make meaningful connections.
Participate actively: Breakout sessions often involve group activities, discussions, or problem-solving tasks. Be an active participant by sharing your thoughts and ideas, and collaborating with others to create an open and engaging atmosphere.
Connect with the session facilitator: Breakout session facilitators are often experts in their field. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the session. They may be able to provide valuable insights or connections within the industry.
Exchange contact information: When you meet people with similar interests or complementary skills, exchange contact information so you can continue the conversation and explore potential collaborations after the conference.

By actively engaging in breakout sessions, you can expand your network and form valuable connections that can lead to future opportunities. This is an essential component of learning how to network at a conference effectively.

7. Engage in Conversations

Conversations are the building blocks of networking at conferences. To make meaningful connections, you need to engage in genuine and interesting conversations with fellow attendees. It's important to know how to approach people, start a conversation, and keep it going. Here are some tips for engaging in conversations when learning how to network at a conference:

Approach people with a friendly smile: A warm smile can make you more approachable and help break the ice. People are more likely to engage in conversation with someone who seems open and friendly.
Ask open-ended questions: Instead of yes-or-no questions, try asking open-ended questions that encourage people to share more about themselves. For example, ask about their background, interests, or their thoughts on a specific topic related to the conference.
Listen actively: Show genuine interest in what the other person is saying by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions. Active listening is key to making a lasting impression and building strong connections.
Share your own experiences: Don't be afraid to share your own thoughts, ideas, and experiences. This can help create a more balanced and engaging conversation, making it easier to connect with others.
Be mindful of body language: Pay attention to your body language and that of the person you're speaking with. If someone seems disinterested or uncomfortable, consider wrapping up the conversation and moving on to another potential connection.

Remember, the goal of networking is to form genuine connections with others. By engaging in meaningful conversations, you'll not only expand your network but also create lasting relationships that can lead to new opportunities and collaboration.

8. Collect and Exchange Business Cards

Exchanging business cards is a time-honored tradition at conferences and a practical way to keep track of the new contacts you make. It's essential to have a strategy in place for collecting and exchanging business cards when learning how to network at a conference. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this opportunity:

Bring plenty of cards: Make sure you have enough business cards to last the entire conference. You never know how many people you'll meet and connect with, so it's better to be prepared with extra cards.
Keep your cards easily accessible: Store your business cards in an easily accessible location, such as a cardholder or your pocket. This will make it quick and effortless to exchange cards during conversations.
Request a business card politely: When asking for someone's business card, be polite and express your interest in staying connected. You might say something like, "I've really enjoyed our conversation. May I have your business card so we can stay in touch?"
Make notes on the cards you receive: After receiving a business card, take a moment to jot down a few notes about the person and your conversation with them. This will make it easier to remember who they are and what you talked about when following up after the conference.
Organize the cards you collect: At the end of each day, organize the business cards you've collected to keep track of your new contacts. You can do this by grouping them by industry, company, or any other relevant category that will help you stay organized.

Exchanging business cards is a simple yet effective way to grow your network and remember the connections you've made at a conference. By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of this classic networking tool.

9. Connect with Event Organizers

Connecting with event organizers is a smart move when learning how to network at a conference. Organizers have a broad network of contacts and can introduce you to valuable connections. Plus, they can provide insider information about the event and its attendees. Here are some ways to connect with event organizers:

Introduce yourself: Make an effort to meet the event organizers during registration or breaks between sessions. A simple introduction and a brief conversation can help you establish rapport with them.
Show appreciation: Express your gratitude for their hard work in organizing the conference. This can leave a positive impression and open the door for further conversation.
Ask for recommendations: Event organizers often have a good understanding of the conference's content and attendees. Don't hesitate to ask them for suggestions on which sessions to attend or people to meet based on your interests and goals.
Offer your assistance: If you have a particular skill or expertise that could benefit the conference, consider offering your help. Organizers may appreciate the support, and it could lead to new networking opportunities.
Stay connected after the event: Follow up with event organizers after the conference to thank them again and express your interest in attending future events they may organize. This can help you maintain a positive relationship and expand your professional network.

Connecting with event organizers can lead to valuable networking opportunities and insights during a conference. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to establish a connection and make the most of your time at the event.

10. Follow Up After the Conference

Following up after a conference is a vital step in cementing the connections you made and demonstrating your commitment to your professional relationships. Here are some tips on how to effectively follow up after a conference:

Organize your contacts: Soon after the conference, take the time to sort through the business cards and contact information you collected. Create a list or spreadsheet to keep track of your new connections and any notes or memorable conversations you had with them.
Send personalized emails: Reach out to your new connections with a personalized email within a week of the conference. Mention specific details from your conversation to show you were engaged and interested in what they had to say. Don't forget to include your contact information and a brief reminder of who you are and your role in the industry.
Connect on social media: Add your new contacts on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. This can help you stay updated on their career developments and make it easier to maintain your professional relationship.
Offer value: Share relevant articles, resources, or opportunities that may interest your new connections. This not only demonstrates your expertise in the field but also shows that you're genuinely invested in their success.
Stay in touch: Continue to engage with your new contacts by occasionally commenting on their social media posts or sending them a quick message. This can help you stay top-of-mind and ensure you're remembered when networking opportunities arise in the future.

Following up after a conference is essential to solidify your new relationships and make the most of your networking efforts. By staying organized, personalized, and proactive, you'll be well on your way to fostering valuable connections in your industry.

If you enjoyed reading this blog and want to take your networking skills to the next level, don't miss Celina Rodriguez's workshop on 'Utilising your Network and Resources'. This workshop will provide you with essential tips and strategies to help you effectively leverage your network and resources to achieve your goals.