How To Network At A Conference

“How to network at a conference” is a question that comes up often. I wrote a blog post on this subject several months ago and the post has blown up with traffic recently. Why? Because this question matters. People attend live conferences for the networking opportunities, but once they arrive at the event they often suck at connecting with people.

Personal relationships are key to business success, but people are getting mixed messages in the conference tips they receive from their business network. Industry conferences are the perfect place to make and grow relationships, but if you leave it to chance you will develop zero professional relationships.

Meeting people is not hard, but if you show up with your co-workers and stay together the whole time, you will fail to maximize the networking events that you attend. And do not forget business cards. I hear all the time that people should skip cards and just connect on LinkedIn. But there many people who are not looking to beef up their social media with strangers. We barely care about the people we know, much less the person you meet only once.

If you attend a conference and want to get a real ROI while at the same time meeting interesting people, I have five tips below for you to check out. If you want to read more you can find the article on my blog titled “How to network at a conference”. ( thomsinger.com/blog/howtonetworkataconference/ )

When going to a conference do not lead with your elevator pitch, or hounding people on the conference app. Your fellow attendees are not there to be pounced on for your networking needs. Instead, be cool. Be part of the community. Ask questions. And follow up later.

Tips for how to network at a conference:

Have a plan
Initiate conversations
Put your phone away at meals and social events
Have business cards and exchange them when appropriate
Follow up

Check out more about how to network at a conference on my website or podcast. If you are meeting planner who is hosting an event, check out the “Conference Catalyst” program and see if that will help make your event the best conference ever.

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Thom Singer is a keynote speaker and a professional master of ceremonies. He is the host of the “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” podcast and the author of 12 books. ThomSinger.com