When you find yourself at a conference, you likely have a goal to build connections, learn something new, or have some other goal in mind. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a plan for the conference and an idea of how you might approach it.

For some people, the idea of networking at a conference may seem challenging because it is unfamiliar territory, with giants in your industry often present. However, there are some key ways to tap into everything a conference can offer you. Read on for more information about how to network at a conference, as well as some tips for networking events, particularly if it is your first time or if you are not a huge fan of conferences.

Before the Conference

Do your research before the conference by checking the speaker list, the companies attending, and the attendee list (if available). Choose three to five people you know you want to meet, and before you go, choose a goal of starting real conversations rather than collecting contacts. Also, do your homework on them! Read their latest work, social posts, LinkedIn profiles, and get yourself up to date on any news about their company. If you are not sure who will attend, scan social media hashtags to find out, and research speakers and exhibitors.

Then, prepare a short introduction, kind of like a short elevator speech, which should include who you are, what you do or are interested in, and why you are attending the conference. This can be as simple as, “Hi, I am Sara, a healthcare marketer. I am here to learn more about AI workflows, and I am curious about what you have done to build your AI workflow around ALS research.”

Also consider having one major goal, such as learning about a field, meeting potential collaborators, finding mentors, or exploring job opportunities. Even human resource professionals know the career benefits and share tips on how to successfully network at a conference.

You can network during the job search process (whether you are a professional or when searching for jobs for new grads, or even when trying to get an internship). 

Learn more: How to Choose a Career as a Teenager and How to Get an Internship in High School

Design Your Schedule Accordingly

Plan a personal schedule based on the conference by ensuring you will be able to hang out in one of the event common areas. While you cannot be sure a particular attendee will hang around, you can still ensure you will be around others when you need to make connections.

Network Ahead of Time

Feel free to network on the conference mobile app ahead of time. Put some work in by connecting with fellow attendees ahead of time, and if you can chat or use other useful networking features prior to the conference, great!

Practice Remembering Names!

Yes, it is a good idea to try to remember people’s names. Use your smart phone camera to take pictures of presenter slides with their names and conference name badges when appropriate. Before you leave a conversation, always try to use the person’s name again: “Thanks so much, Brian! It was great meeting you!” 

If they do not give you their name and you cannot catch it on their badge, say something like, “I did not catch your name!” before you head to the next session. Going the extra networking mile always makes a great impression.

During the Conference

When you meet people, whether it be at a booth or during a mingling session after lunch, consider having a few ideas about how you will start conversations with people:

• “What brought you to this conference?”
• “What session have you liked so far?”
• “What are you working on these days?”
• “Have you attended this before?”

Also, stand where conversations naturally happen, such as in coffee lines, after sessions, during hallway transitions, at lunch tables, and at workshops and smaller sessions. You are going to find more relaxed, open opportunities at these locations (rather than at tables during keynote talks), which usually feel more formal and are more difficult to connect.

If you are overwhelmed by the idea of attending a conference, you might want to attend smaller sessions or arrive early to sessions (where there are fewer people and thus, easier conversations to be had). You may also want to set a small target, such as talking to just three people that day. Feel free to take breaks when you need to — there is no reason you need to connect with people at every session! 

Listen More Than You Talk

Most of us were born with two ears and one mouth, and there is a reason for that! Consider spending the majority of your time listening to others. Good networkers ask thoughtful follow-up questions:

• “How did you get into that?”
• “What’s been your biggest challenge?”
• “What are you excited about next?”

You will want to spend more time acting curious rather than spending all your time promoting yourself or your business. Always look for opportunities to listen and ask questions. Asking questions also helps you get to know the individual you’re learning about. You will learn valuable information by asking questions. For example, if you are talking to a business owner, you can determine the health of their business, whether it has a clear strategy, how well they understand their customers, whether growth is intentional or accidental, the real culture of the business, their leadership style, and more.

Share Ideas Rather Than Focusing on Yourself

Stop worrying about introducing yourself and go into conversations to talk about ideas. Ask people what they are working on, what they are excited about, and the challenges they are having in your field. They like talking about themselves, and you will notice how they light up because of any solutions you can provide.

Furthermore, stop worrying about pitching altogether. Everyone will appreciate your fresh approach — nobody wants to hear about your resume and accomplishments, anyway.

Focus on having them tell you more, ask what a successful outcome would look like for them, ask them their opinion on something in the industry, and ask them how you can be helpful to them.

Skip Trying to Meet Everyone

You cannot meet everyone at a conference (even if it’s a small conference with only 100 people), so don’t even try. A few meaningful conversations are more valuable than collecting 100 business cards combined with shallow conversations. Fewer than five in-depth conversations could make a huge difference to your career trajectory, while having 30-second conversations with dozens of people will, unfortunately, cause you to forget who you were speaking to after the conference. Unfortunately, the other people will forget you, too.

Join Groups Skillfully

If a circle is open, approach and listen briefly before speaking. It is completely natural to step up to a hole in the circle and ask politely, “Mind if I join you?” Then, listen before you begin talking, as referenced above!

You will also want to have a plan to exit conversations well. For example, you might say: 

• “Great talking with you! I am going to attend the next session.”
• “Can we stay in touch? Here’s my number.”
• “Here is my business card if you have follow-up questions.”

Stop by the exhibitor booths if you need a boost to get you going. Most exhibitors are excited to chat, which gives you great inroads to networking.

Chat Between Sessions

Take advantage of programs between events. Why not chat with someone in the coffee line next to you or in the food line? Ask them how their day is going and what they find most interesting about the session. (Try to catch them before they get on their phones!)

Attend Social Events

If you are invited to the social events, attend them, even if you are tired after a day of hobnobbing and listening to speakers. But you will miss out on networking opportunities if you skip the social events!

Attending social events can give you a great opportunity to meet familiar faces you have already seen at other conferences. For example, you may have met other people at other conferences, events, etc. Maintain relationships and focus on making friends throughout your work life (not just contacts!), and you will be successful. 

Recognize Your Need to Give

You need to give to get, which means you need to ask great questions and be willing to provide a service. Be ready to respond with your exciting projects, your thoughts on the speaker series, and how you can be helpful. As long as you focus on your own curiosity and ideas (and remember that others are feeling just as nervous), it will help you get what you want out of the conference.

Learn more: First Day of Your Internship: Here’s What to Do

After the Conference

After the conference, networking may be even more useful. You can add people to LinkedIn, send a short email, or even a text referencing your conversation. Be sure to drop a line about what you talked about, especially if it was unique: “I loved hearing how you are using bananas to fight that type of deadly infection.” (We’re being silly here, but it is important to mention something that will stand out.)

Write on Business Cards

How to network at a conference always starts with you bringing your business cards! If you received a lot of business cards during the conference, try to jot down what you learned about each person on their business card, ideally on your way home from the conference. (If you can do that during the conference, it is even better.)

Did you promise to follow up? Call them? Did they suggest the best way to get in touch? Do this now — do not rely on yourself to remember later. 

A Final Note: Important Mistakes to Avoid

One more note about building relationships: You are not likely going to win any brownie points with anyone if you: 

• Ask for a job
• Pitch immediately, without warming them up first — you may also want to wait until after you have the opportunity to reflect on your conversation and go back home before deciding how to proceed!
• Try to impress them
• Hide out amongst your usual “group” — it’s natural to want to gather around your coworkers or usual group, but try to branch off so people get to know the real you!

Ready to make networking a habit, improve your resume, and learn more about how to get the job? Reach out to Campus to Career Crossroads to get started. Campus to Career Crossroads has years of experience helping professionals just like you find jobs and crush interviews.

Learn more: What to Do at a Career Fair and Should I Apply on LinkedIn or on a Company Website?

FAQs

Still have questions? Let’s take a look at lingering questions and answers about networking and career plans for the future.

How do students network at a conference? 

Students can network the same way any professional will network at a conference, and they need to stop thinking they need to “impress people” and start engaging in real conversations. 

Try approaching a conference with curiosity, good questions, and genuine interest. Research speakers and companies ahead of time, sessions, and earmark a few people you want to meet. Have a quick intro at the ready, such as, “Hi, I’m Benny, a college junior with a major in marketing and entrepreneurship.” That is all you really need. If you like to be prepared, have your LinkedIn updated, a notebook in tow, and questions prepared. Learning how to network at a conference as a student is a valuable way to get a jumpstart on your career. Oregon State also offers some great conference tips for students.

How important is networking at conferences, really?

It is important. If you are the only one not hobnobbing at a conference, it could impair your ability to make connections in your field. You may realize how much you truly enjoy networking once you get into the habit of doing it at conferences! Networking can offer dozens of career benefits, even helping you launch your next move! 

How can introverts network at a conference?

Are you frantically Googling “How to network at conferences without being awkward?” and “networking tips”? If you are, there is no shame in that. If you are an introvert, attending a conference may feel as if you are headed for the guillotine. Give yourself plenty of breaks — nobody is forcing you to meet with thirty people an hour (you could not possibly do that, anyway)! 

Also, assign yourself a small goal, such as meeting with just three people the whole conference. Many introverts are known for being able to delve into deep conversations, so have confidence in your knowledge and abilities.