Maximizing Networking: Tips for Conferences & Events

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

Networking events and industry conferences are not just about listening to great speakers or collecting business cards. They are a golden opportunity for you to grow your knowledge, expand your professional network, and leverage new opportunities. However, to extract maximum value from these events, proper preparation, strategic navigation, and effective follow-up are key. Let's dive into how you can get the most out of your next networking event or conference.

Prepare for the Event

Preparation is the first step towards success at networking events and industry conferences. Having a game plan in place before you step foot into the venue will boost your confidence and ensure that you don't miss out on valuable opportunities. Here are a few tips to help you prepare effectively:

Research Speakers and Attendees

Understanding who will be at the event can give you a strategic advantage. Start by researching the speakers: What is their background? What topics will they be addressing? This will help you identify sessions of interest and prepare relevant questions. As for the attendees, check the event's guest list if it's public. Identify individuals or companies that align with your professional goals. You can look them up on platforms like LinkedIn to learn more about their work, interests, and projects. This will give you conversation starters and make your interactions at the event more meaningful.

Set Clear Objectives

Why are you attending this event? Are you looking to learn about new trends in your industry, find potential clients, or meet potential partners? Having clear objectives will help you focus your efforts and measure your success post-event. Write down your goals and keep them in mind as you navigate the event. This will guide your decisions on which sessions to attend, who to network with, and what type of follow-up actions are needed.

Plan Your Schedule

Most networking events and industry conferences have packed schedules with multiple sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities happening concurrently. Without a plan, you might end up missing sessions that are important for your objectives. Once the event schedule is out, take time to go through it and mark the sessions and activities that align with your goals. Prioritize them and create a personalized itinerary. However, leave some room for flexibility—you never know when an impromptu coffee discussion might turn into a valuable networking opportunity.

Navigate the Event

After you've done your prep work and created your schedule, the next step is to navigate the event effectively. This is where you'll start to put your plan into action and take steps towards achieving your goals. Let's look at some strategies for making the most of your time at the event.

Choose Sessions Strategically

Choosing the right sessions to attend at networking events and industry conferences can greatly help you meet your objectives. Look for sessions that are relevant to your professional goals. For example, if you're an entrepreneur looking to understand the latest trends in tech, sessions on AI or blockchain might be more beneficial than a panel discussion on marketing. Similarly, if your goal is to meet potential clients, then sessions attended by your target demographic would be a good bet. Also, don't forget to consider less crowded sessions as they might provide better networking opportunities.

Network Effectively

Networking is the heart of these events. But networking isn't just about handing out business cards. It's about building relationships. So, how do you network effectively? Start conversations with open-ended questions. Show genuine interest in the other person and their work. Remember, it's not just about talking—it's about listening too. Aim for quality interactions over quantity. And most importantly, be yourself. Authenticity leaves a lasting impression.

Social media can be a powerful tool for maximizing the benefits of networking events and industry conferences. Use platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn to share your thoughts on sessions, key takeaways, or interesting conversations. Use the event's official hashtag to join the wider conversation. This not only helps you engage with other attendees virtually but also increases your visibility. Moreover, social media can be handy for keeping the conversation going after the event. Just remember, whatever you share should add value to the conversation and reflect your professional brand.

Post-Event Follow-up

Once you've navigated the networking event or industry conference, the next step you'll want to take is a thorough post-event follow-up. This stage is just as important as the preparation and navigation stages, as it allows you to cement the connections you've made and reflect on your overall experience.

Evaluate Your Experience

After the event, take some time to reflect on your experience. Did you meet your objectives? What worked well for you and what didn't? Maybe you found that smaller sessions worked better for you than large ones, or perhaps you found that you preferred one-on-one conversations to group networking. Evaluating your experience will help refine your strategy for future networking events and industry conferences.

Connect with Contacts

One of the key reasons for attending networking events and industry conferences is to make new contacts. But the initial meeting is just the start. It's important to follow up with these contacts to build a stronger connection. You could send them an email or connect with them on LinkedIn. Remember to make your message personal—refer to something you discussed at the event. This shows that you valued the conversation and are interested in maintaining the connection.

Apply Learned Insights

Networking events and industry conferences are excellent platforms for learning. You might have picked up a new strategy, discovered a new tool, or gained insights into industry trends. But these learnings are of no use if they're not applied. Make a list of your key takeaways and think about how you can incorporate them into your work. This could involve implementing a new strategy, sharing your learnings with your team, or exploring a new tool you discovered at the conference.

Case Studies and Examples

There's a lot to learn from those who've been there and done that. Let's look at some case studies and examples to illustrate the power of networking events and industry conferences, and how you can maximize the benefits.

Successful Networking Stories

Let's start with a story about John, a young entrepreneur from Austin, Texas. John attended a local networking event last year with the goal to find business partners for his startup. He researched attendees beforehand, set clear objectives, and planned his schedule carefully. His efforts paid off—he met several potential partners and even secured investment from one of them. Now, his startup is thriving and he attributes much of his success to that networking event.

Or consider Lisa, a marketing manager from Boston, Massachusetts. Lisa attended an industry conference with the goal to learn about the latest marketing trends. She chose sessions strategically, networked effectively, and utilized social media to connect with influencers in her field. Post-event, she applied the insights she learned, which significantly improved her company's marketing strategy.

Lessons from Failed Attempts

But not all networking attempts are successful. Let's take Robert, a software developer from Chicago, Illinois. He attended a big industry conference but without clear objectives or a well-planned schedule. He ended up attending random sessions and didn't network effectively. His experience serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation when attending networking events and industry conferences.

Inspiration from Industry Leaders

Finally, let's look at some industry leaders who have mastered the art of networking. Take Elon Musk, for example. He's known for his ability to build and maintain a strong network, which has played a key role in his success. His approach to networking—being genuinely interested in others, providing value, and following up—can serve as inspiration for us all. Networking events and industry conferences offer plenty of opportunities to learn from such leaders.

In conclusion, maximizing networking opportunities at events and conferences involves careful preparation, strategic navigation, and thoughtful post-event follow-up. And remember, every person you meet is a potential door to a new opportunity, so approach each interaction with openness and curiosity.

If you're eager to maximize your networking capabilities, be sure to explore the workshop 'Utilising your Network and Resources' by Celina Rodriguez. This workshop offers valuable insights and strategies to help you make the most of conferences and events, enabling you to effectively expand your network and grow your creative career.