How to Network Like a Pro: 7 Practical Tips for Conferences

Published on 26 April 2023 7 min read

2. Master the Art of Small Talk

6. Follow Up After the Conference

7. Establish Lasting Connections

Attending conferences is a fantastic way to expand your professional network, but it can be overwhelming if you're unsure about what to do. In this blog, we'll provide you with practical tips on how to network at a conference like a pro, so you can make meaningful connections and advance your career.

1. Create a Game Plan

Before you even set foot in the conference venue, it's essential to have a clear strategy in mind. Here are some actionable steps to help you prepare:

Research the agenda: Familiarize yourself with the conference schedule, speakers, and topics. Identify the sessions that align with your interests and goals, and make a list of must-attend events.
Set realistic objectives: Determine what you want to achieve at the conference. Are you looking to find potential clients, learn new skills, or simply expand your network? Having specific goals will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.
Practice your elevator pitch: Be prepared to introduce yourself and your work in a concise and compelling manner. This will make it easier for you to strike up conversations and leave a lasting impression.
Plan your wardrobe: Dress professionally and comfortably, as you'll likely be on your feet for long hours. A polished appearance will help you make a positive impression on others.

With a solid game plan in place, you'll be better equipped to navigate the conference and make the most of your networking opportunities.

2. Master the Art of Small Talk

Small talk may seem trivial, but it's actually the cornerstone of effective networking at conferences. It helps break the ice and pave the way for more meaningful conversations. To master the art of small talk, consider the following tips:

Be genuinely interested: Show curiosity about the person you're speaking with, and listen attentively. People appreciate being heard, and it can lead to more engaging discussions.
Ask open-ended questions: Instead of yes-or-no questions, encourage the other person to share their thoughts and experiences. For example, ask "What has been your favorite session so far?" or "How did you get started in your field?"
Share relatable anecdotes: Don't hesitate to share your own experiences and insights. This will help establish common ground and make the conversation more enjoyable for both parties.
Be mindful of body language: Smile, make eye contact, and maintain a relaxed posture. These non-verbal cues demonstrate that you're approachable and engaged in the conversation.
Know when to move on: If the conversation has reached a natural conclusion, or if you sense the other person is eager to move on, graciously wrap up the chat. This allows both of you to continue networking with others.

By honing your small talk skills, you'll be in a better position to connect with others and make the most of your time at conferences.

When learning how to network at a conference, social media can be a game changer. It's a powerful tool that can help you connect with other attendees, stay informed about conference happenings, and expand your reach beyond the event itself. Try these strategies to make the most of social media during your conference experience:

Follow the event hashtag: Most conferences have a designated hashtag that attendees use to share updates, photos, and insights. Follow this hashtag to stay in the loop and engage with others who are posting about the event.
Share your own updates: Post your thoughts, photos, and highlights from the conference on your social media accounts. This not only showcases your involvement but also gives others a chance to engage with you.
Connect with speakers and attendees: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with speakers and fellow attendees before, during, and after the conference. This can help facilitate in-person meetings and foster ongoing relationships.
Participate in online discussions: Join any online forums or discussion groups related to the conference. This can be a great way to share insights, ask questions, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Take advantage of live streaming: If the conference offers live streaming of certain sessions or keynotes, be sure to tune in and engage with others who are watching remotely. This can help broaden your network and provide additional learning opportunities.

By actively utilizing social media, you can maximize your networking efforts and make lasting connections with others in your industry.

4. Bring Business Cards

Even in today's digital age, business cards still play a crucial role in how to network at a conference. They're a simple yet effective way to share your contact information and leave a lasting impression. Here are some tips to ensure your business cards help you stand out:

Choose a professional design: Your business card should represent your personal brand and reflect your industry. Opt for a clean, visually appealing design that's easy to read and memorable.
Include essential information: Make sure your card has your name, title, company, phone number, email address, and any relevant social media handles or website URLs. This makes it easy for people to get in touch with you after the conference.
Keep them easily accessible: Store your business cards in a card holder or a designated pocket in your bag, so you can quickly hand them out when needed. Fumbling around for a card can make you seem unprepared and less professional.
Exchange cards gracefully: When you meet someone new, have a genuine conversation first, and then exchange cards as a natural part of the interaction. This shows that you value the connection more than just collecting contacts.
Personalize the exchange: When you receive someone's business card, take a moment to write a note on the back about your conversation or something memorable about the person. This will help you remember them and provide a talking point for future conversations.

Business cards are a tangible reminder of your interactions at a conference, so make sure they're well-designed, informative, and exchanged thoughtfully to help you network like a pro.

5. Attend Conference Events

One of the best ways to learn how to network at a conference is by attending various conference events. These events provide opportunities to meet and connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn from each other. Here are some tips to make the most of these networking opportunities:

Plan your schedule: Review the conference agenda in advance and identify the events that best align with your interests and goals. Prioritize attending these events to make the most of your time at the conference.
Arrive early: By getting to events a bit early, you'll have more time to mingle and strike up conversations with other attendees before the event starts. This can help you form connections in a more relaxed setting.
Participate actively: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights during events. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the topic and can help establish you as a knowledgeable professional in your field.
Be approachable: Remember to smile, make eye contact, and maintain open body language. This will signal to others that you're friendly and open to conversation, increasing your chances of making meaningful connections.
Connect with speakers and panelists: Don't hesitate to approach speakers and panelists after their sessions to ask questions or share your thoughts. This can lead to interesting conversations and help you expand your professional network.

Attending conference events is an essential part of learning how to network at a conference effectively. By actively participating, being approachable, and connecting with others, you'll create valuable relationships that can benefit you both personally and professionally.

6. Follow Up After the Conference

Following up with the contacts you've made during the conference is an essential step in learning how to network at a conference effectively. This helps solidify the connections you've made and opens the door for future collaboration. Here are some tips to ensure a successful follow-up:

Organize your contacts: After the conference, take some time to sort through the business cards and contact information you've collected. Make notes about each person, such as where you met them or any interesting conversation topics you discussed.
Be timely: Reach out to your new contacts within a week of the conference. This shows that you're genuinely interested in staying connected and helps keep the conversation fresh in their minds.
Personalize your message: When reaching out, make sure to tailor your message to each individual. Mention specific details from your conversation or the event where you met to make a more meaningful connection.
Offer value: Instead of just asking for something, try offering something of value, such as sharing an interesting article, recommending a helpful resource, or providing an introduction to someone in your network.
Stay connected: Don't let your new connections fade away after the initial follow-up. Keep in touch by engaging with them on social media, sharing relevant updates, and reaching out periodically to maintain the relationship.

Following up after the conference is a crucial element of mastering how to network at a conference. By being organized, timely, and thoughtful in your outreach, you'll foster lasting connections that can benefit your career for years to come.

7. Establish Lasting Connections

Establishing lasting connections is the ultimate goal when learning how to network at a conference. It's not just about collecting business cards and adding people to your contact list, but about forming meaningful relationships that can lead to mutual growth and success. Here are some tips to help you turn conference contacts into long-term connections:

Be genuine: When connecting with others, be authentic and show genuine interest in their work and experiences. People are more likely to form lasting connections with those they feel are sincere and trustworthy.
Focus on quality, not quantity: It's better to have a handful of meaningful connections than a long list of superficial contacts. Focus on building strong relationships with a select group of people rather than trying to meet everyone at the conference.
Collaborate: Look for opportunities to work together on projects, share resources, or exchange ideas. Collaboration is an excellent way to strengthen connections and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
Support and celebrate: Be a supportive network member by sharing your contacts' accomplishments, engaging with their content, and congratulating them on their successes. This kind of positivity can go a long way in building solid relationships.
Stay in touch: As mentioned before, maintaining contact is essential for establishing lasting connections. Check in with your network regularly to keep the lines of communication open and ensure that you remain in each other's thoughts.

Learning how to network at a conference is about more than just making new connections—it's about building lasting relationships that can help you grow and succeed in your career. By being genuine, focusing on quality connections, collaborating, supporting, and staying in touch, you'll be well on your way to networking like a pro.

If you're looking to make the most of your connections and resources, don't miss the workshop 'Utilising your Network and Resources' by Celina Rodriguez. This workshop will provide you with practical tips and strategies to effectively leverage your network and resources to accelerate your success.