How to Network at Industry Conferences

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

In a world where your online profile could be your first handshake, the age-old art of in-person networking can feel like a lost relic. Yet, there’s an undeniable magic in the live, human connection that no digital interface can replicate. So, when you're stepping into the arena of face-to-face networking, how do you harness that magic effectively? Let’s break down the strategic play into clear, actionable tactics for making a lasting impact. Invent a Signature Ice-Breaker: Create an engaging question or share an interesting anecdote that’s personal and reflective of your interests. Rehearse it enough so that it feels natural, allowing you to deliver it with confidence and ease. Enter with Purpose: Clarify your intentions before the event. Are you there to find new clients, potential partners, or maybe to scout for new talent? With every handshake and introduction, have a clear objective in mind to drive the conversation. Ask with Precision: Arm yourself with well-thought-out questions that are relevant to current industry trends and individual expertise. Aim to get deeper insights by asking for examples and experiences, not just surface-level information. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in responses, maintaining eye contact and responsive body language. Build on their replies with thoughtful, engaging follow-up questions. Exchange Value: Go into every conversation with the mindset of what you can offer them—an idea, a connection, or even just an interesting conversation. True networking is reciprocal; aim to provide value in every exchange. Connect and Follow Up: Whether you prefer a classic business card or a digital link, have your contact information readily accessible. Cement new connections with a personalized follow-up message within a day of the meeting. With these tactics in your arsenal, you’re ready to turn every networking opportunity into a strategic stepping stone for your professional journey. Remember, it’s the quality of the connections, not just the quantity, that builds a robust network.

A SWE landed an interview at Capital One from a networking event. Not because he was the most outgoing person in the room. And not because he had a stacked resume. But because he came prepared. He knew what to say. Who to talk to. What questions to ask. He connected with several new people at the event. And one of them referred him to an open position 2 weeks later. Here's a simple guide so you can do the same: 1. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂. → It's easier to talk when you actually care about the topic. Prioritize recurring meetings in your area. But one-off meetings are fine, too. 2. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁. → Check for Discord groups, Slack channels, or public guest lists. Shoot them a short message on LinkedIn like: "Saw you're attending [Event Name] next week. Would love to connect!" And chat with them a bit before the event. Seeing a familiar face makes it easier to break the ice. 3. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 "𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?" → Most people respond with a job title and a company. BORING. Have an elevator pitch ready that sparks curiosity. "𝘐 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘦-𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨." Now they have a reason to ask: "How are you doing that?" "What tech stack are you using?" 4. 𝗕𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺. → Good conversations come from interest in others. • What were you hoping to get out of the event? • Was there anyone specific you were hoping to meet? • What's the most interesting project you've worked on lately? 5. 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. → A great conversation means nothing if you never see them again. Connect on LinkedIn or get their phone or email. Whatever they're comfortable sharing. Make it easy to stay in touch. 6. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 → The event is just an introduction. Send a follow up ASAP. Plan a coffee chat or set up a virtual meeting. If there's overlap, collaborate on something interesting. That's how real relationships are built. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: Networking doesn't always reward extroverted people. It rewards people who show up with a plan. Try this at your next event. Let me know how it goes. P.S. Have you ever built a connection from a networking event?

Ever walk into a conference and immediately regret every life choice that led you there? Here are 6 things that helped me. Confession: As an introvert, I used to DREAD conferences. Standing alone, clutching lukewarm coffee, desperately hoping the earth would swallow me whole. After ~2 years, I realized I was just doing it wrong. Recently coached a seller heading to her first treasury conference and dreading it. Here's the exact 6 things I told her (that transformed how I approach conferences): 1/ Figure out WHO will actually be there Most conference websites are marketing fluff. Dig deeper: → Check speaker titles (reveals attendee seniority) → Look for "free tickets to treasury managers" (tells you the audience) → Notice if sessions are Strategies vs. How-To's (execs attend the former) We discovered speakers included retired CFOs and VPs of Treasury. Real decision-makers, not just end users. 2/ Create your "value-first" conversation toolkit Nothing kills networking faster than forced small talk. Come armed with value: → 2 podcast recommendations per persona → Names of a few thought leaders + recent news → Customer success stories for common challenges Now instead of awkward silence, she can say: "Just discovered this Treasury podcast by Eleanor Hill on AI implementation. Have you checked it out?" 3/ Stack rank your target accounts You can't remember 100 accounts while speed-networking. Create a mobile list of: → Top 20 "dream" accounts likely to attend → Specific folks you want to meet When you see name badges, you can quickly check priority level. 4/ Focus on executive-level sessions Skip the technical "how-to" sessions. You're not there to learn the job - you're there to understand the people who do it. Must-attend sessions: → Anything with "CFO" or "VP Treasury" speakers → Business problems your software solves → AI and future of treasury discussions These teach you their vocabulary, priorities, and fears. 5/ Master the art of non-salesy follow-up Instead of collecting LI profiles for follow-up, create reasons for valuable 2nd conversations: "Based on your challenges, I'd love to introduce you to [customer exec] who recently solved something similar. What's the best way to connect you two?" They give contact info because they WANT you to follow up. 6/ Set a clear success metric My client's goal: 10 quality conversations. Not leads. Not demos. Just 10 genuine exchanges where she learned something valuable or provided value. This removes the desperate "I need to sell something" energy that repels prospects. Bottom line: Conferences are about showing up with purpose and a plan. When you know exactly who to meet, what value to provide, and how to follow up meaningfully... suddenly conferences transform from anxiety-inducing nightmares into pipeline accelerators. What's your #1 conference survival strategy? pic: Getting ready to present at GSKO with Katie Trevino and Rachel Johnson!

If your tech conference strategy is simply showing up...I fear you don't have much of a strategy 🫣 Let me break down a few common conference strategies and give them a rating of 1-10! ⭐️ Showing up to the conference with no prep [1/10] One point for showing up, but you can't leave with job leads, new contacts, and new information if you don't research who will be there. It also helps to have a mini pre-conference meeting with yourself to ensure you've defined your goals and prepared a strategy for how you can leave the event with SOMETHING. ⭐️ Only attending talks at the conference [5/10] Yes, talks and presentations are a big part of any conference. Still, you're missing out on opportunities if you skip the hallway track, evening events, or speaking with exhibitors in the expo hall. ⭐️ Start networking BEFORE the conference [8/10] The best time to start networking is as soon as you learn you're attending the event! It doesn't have to be anything fancy. It can be a simple LinkedIn message stating that you'll be attending the event. Take it one step further and invite others to a 15-minute coffee chat at the conference to put a face to a name! ⭐️ Be strategic in your pre-conference planning and prep [10/10] The planning starts before the big event. Make sure you take time to understand your goals and takeaways. Spend some time reviewing exhibitors, their product offerings, values, and open positions. This way, you're asking thoughtful questions at the conference, not just "Are you hiring?" ________________________________________________________________ 👋🏾 Hey, I’m Bree. I spent this year traveling to 25+ tech conferences, and this series uncovers everything I learned along the way. My goal is to help you leave your next event with real, tangible value. Found this helpful? Repost to help your network prepare for conference season. Make sure you’re following along so you don’t miss the next video!

Introverts, do you cringe at the thought of "networking"? You're not alone. I've had my moments too. But here's the secret: networking doesn't have to be a forced conversation at a loud conference.  Think of it as building connections, not conquering crowds. It's about finding people who share your interests, exchanging ideas, and creating a network of support.  Here are some examples from networking opportunities: ➡ SHARED INTERESTS Jessica Hoffman, CISSP - As tech professors, we enjoy seeing people learn and grow. Jessica is convinced we met before! Mary K. - Our interests in Tech and STEM led us to meet at a Tech summit then again at a Tech networking event. Brittany Jacobs - loved hearing Brittany's story as a Co-Founder of Jersey Shore Women in Tech. We also learned we both enjoy making realistic art over abstract art. ➡ EXCHANGING IDEAS Bobbie Carlton - I learned how to be a better speaker from Bobbie's talk at the Women in Tech Summit and learned about her journey in a one-on-one conversation. Tyler Powell - Tyler asked great questions about product management, and I shared tips on how to get started in the field. Kelsey Spencer - I shared ideas for networking events before Kelsey's internship begins. Jackée Clement, MD - We discussed the cognitive flexibility inherent in pivoting career paths. Nadia Clifford- We shared ideas to visually represent our multidimensional career paths as technology leaders. ➡ CREATING A NETWORK OF SUPPORT Char Mattox and Nefertete Williams, MPH - Attended #WITS24 together to support each other. Muffy Ashley Torres - We learned Sylvia Watts McKinney positively impacted both of our careers. Tatiana Carett, PT, MPH, MBA - We had a serendipitous meeting as fellow Consulting leaders with shared experiences and network connections. Tokunbo Quaye - We're fellow Tech leaders with lots of commonalities and are ecstatic to continue our conversation. Amber Robinson - Our initial conversation covered consulting and wildlife. After, Amber kindly shared positive feedback she heard in a virtual room I wasn't in. ➡ WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Networking is not a one-shot deal. It's about making new friends and building relationships. The above examples provide a basis to keep the conversation going by offering value and learning from each other. The rest will follow organically. What are your networking tips for introverts? #Networking #Introverts #CareerGrowth

𝐀 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐈 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬. By the end of the day, my pocket was full of business cards, but I couldn’t remember half the conversations. That’s when it hit me: networking isn’t about collecting names, titles, or LinkedIn connections. It’s about building relationships that actually matter. Here’s what I learned the hard way: - When you treat networking as a numbers game, you end up with contacts, not connections. - When you reach out without a clear purpose, people can sense it—and the conversation rarely goes far. - When you don’t nurture relationships over time, they fade away before any real value is created. So what works instead? - Adopt a value-first mindset. Before reaching out, I ask myself, “How can I contribute to this person’s journey before asking for anything?” Sometimes it’s sharing an article, making an introduction, or just offering encouragement. - Prepare before connecting. A little research goes a long way. Personalizing a message shows genuine respect for someone’s time and creates a much stronger first impression. - Maintain relationships. I’ve learned that small, consistent touches—congratulating someone on a promotion, commenting thoughtfully on their posts, or checking in periodically—make a big difference in keeping connections alive. Over time, I’ve discovered that quality connections always outweigh quantity. The few meaningful relationships I’ve nurtured have opened more doors, created more opportunities, and led to more collaboration than any pile of business cards ever could. 𝐒𝐨, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨-𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴? #NetworkingStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessRelationships #CareerDevelopment #LinkedInTips #RelationshipBuilding #CoachIshleenKaur #InternationalBusinessCoach LinkedIn News LinkedIn News India LinkedIn for Small Business

Surviving #SXSW: If you work in entertainment - especially where digital meets media - SXSW isn’t just another conference. But let’s cut the fluff: SXSW is overwhelming. It’s chaotic, packed, and impossible to do everything. If this is your first rodeo ;) (or just need a refresher), here’s how to get the most out of it without losing your mind: 1. Plan loosely, but leave room for magic. Have a rough schedule, but don’t lock yourself in. SXSW thrives on randomness. Some of the best connections happen when you ditch your plans and follow a new lead. 2. Forget FOMO. You will miss great events. Accept it now. There are 10+ things happening at any given moment, and you physically can’t be everywhere. Focus on what matters to you, not what looks cool on social media. 3. Talk to everyone. That quiet person next to you in line? Could be a studio exec. That random after-party? Might lead to your next gig. Industry silos don’t exist here. Start conversations, and don’t just talk—listen. 4. Hydrate or die trying. Texas heat + walking all day + free drinks everywhere = dehydration. Water is your best friend. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way. 5. Follow up—immediately. The connections you make here are only as good as the follow-up. Send a message, book a call, or make plans to meet post-SXSW. Otherwise, that great conversation goes nowhere. 6. Go where your people are. Film, TV, music, gaming, tech, marketing—it’s all here. Find the industry-specific tracks and parties. If you’re in entertainment, Film/TV and Interactive are essential. Meet the right people in the right places. 7. Music is non-negotiable. Even if you’re here for Film or Tech, stay for the music. SXSW Music is legendary. Discover new artists, go to small showcases, and enjoy the atmosphere. Some of the best networking happens here. 8. RSVP, but don’t stress. Some events require RSVP, others don’t. There are tools that auto-register you for everything. Most of the best events have space if you show up 15–30 minutes early. 9. Dress for comfort, not Wall Street. I learned that the hard way last year 😅. No one cares about your blazer. Also: wear layers—Texas weather is unpredictable, and you’ll be outside a lot. 10. Don’t chase clout—chase value. There are flashy, high-profile events, but the best experiences often happen at smaller gatherings with the right people. Prioritize genuine connections over Instagram moments. 11. Have an exit strategy. Events run all day and all night. Know when to call it quits, especially if you have early meetings. SXSW burnout is real. 12. Get off the beaten path. Explore Austin beyond SXSW venues. My recommendations? Terry Black’s BBQ, the Austin Rodeo, and a gun range. Enjoy the ride. #networking #beginnersguide Some impressions from 2024 📸 Christopher Rojas Ian Shepherd Georg Broxtermann

As an HR professional, I’m often asked about networking and how to approach it effectively. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s a powerful tool for personal development, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. When done thoughtfully, it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Here are three essential tips for successful networking: 1. Be Intentional * Set clear goals: Are you looking for mentorship, exploring new industries, or expanding your support network? Focus on quality not quantity. * Do your homework: Research attendees or speakers in advance and prepare thoughtful questions or talking points to guide your conversations. 2. Lead with Value * Networking is about building relationships, not just seeking personal gain. Shift your focus to “How can I help?” * Look for opportunities to support others—whether by sharing insights, offering resources, or making introductions that could be beneficial. 3. Keep the Connection Alive * After an event or meeting, follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. * Maintain the relationship by staying in touch over time—share articles, updates, or simply check in to show you value the connection. Conversation Starters Consider these to spark engaging conversations: * "What’s the most exciting part of your current role or project?" * "What inspired you to attend this event today?" * "What’s a professional trend or topic you’re really interested in right now?" And one last tip: Put your phone down! Being fully present shows respect and builds deeper connections. What are your go-to networking strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #Networking #Development #GrowthMindset