What are the best pre-conference networking activities?

1. Attend pre-conference events. Many conference organisers offer pre-conference events, such as meetings, seminars or workshops, so that attendees can get to know each other and prepare for the conference. These events are an excellent opportunity to connect with people who share your interests and learn about the topics that will be discussed at the conference.

Be prepared to give out contact information and receive theirs. If they don't wish to contact you afterwards, that's on them. But at least you make the effort.

Online communities are especially helpful for first time conference attendees. Joining an online forum is a great way to get advice on what to expect and recommendations on how to make the most of your experience. This is a great opportunity to let others know that you're looking to connect in person. Find out if others are attending the same sessions that you are and don't be afraid to ask to meet up with them. Conferences can often feel like a school cafeteria, everyone sits with their own friends but if you don't know anyone it can be intimidating. Making connections online in advance is a great way to ensure you have a 'buddy' to eat lunch with each day.

I completely agree, it also is fantastic for exhibiting companies to pre-set appointments and find out what that attendee is interested in. This is especially useful to first time attendees that May not have any contacts at the conference/ event. Secondly, it allows you to share information about your show site Promotions and in booth contests or receptions.

I absolutely agree with this. As an event planner who has had the privilege of planning numerous conferences both home and abroad, the networking rate for conferences that have pre-conference online communities are always very high. Attendees come to the conference and pretty much carry-on like they have known eachother for a long time just because of pre-event activities as this.

2. Join online networking groups. Many professional communities have online networking groups that allow you to connect with people from all over the world. These groups are a good way to start meeting people who will be attending the conference, even before it starts.

Actively participate in the conference sessions. Ask questions and make comments. Don't be shy. This is an important experience for you to stretch your ability to communicate in professional settings, learn new skills and information, and distinguish yourself in your professional community.

3. Follow attendees on social media. Before the conference, you can start following attendees on social media. This will give you an idea of their interests and what they expect from the conference. It will also allow you to start interacting with them before you meet in person.

Speakers love hearing for attendees prior to the event. They enjoy bouncing ideas off of attendees in advance of their presentation. Set up a zoom call, online face contact call so they will recognize you on sight. If appropriate, contact the association or organizer to ask if the speakers your looking to meet needs and Industry Ambassador On-Sight. You can be that person.

Many conference apps have a function that allows attendees to message each other but often this feature goes unused. Take advantage of this by completing your own profile and doing a search to find others in the same field as you or that are signed up to the same sessions. Reach out with a simple message to say, "I'm really looking forward to this conference and would like to say hello in person. I'll see you at the session this afternoon." Your message may go unread but more than likely you'll make a new contact.

This particular feature in most conference apps helps to set the tone for attendees as well as help them connect with speakers and delagtes outside of all the attention they would get during the conference. Conference speakers over time have also found this useful as pre-conference questions gives them an insight to delegates expectation for their session.

I cannot say enough about the importance of outreach to speakers and attendees at conferences in advance. LinkedIn connection with speakers and attendees is #1 and essential. Level it up with phone call/email to the people you most want to connect with in advance to set up a time and place to meet. Important to know the layout of the venue so you can suggest a SPECIFIC place and give them an easy way to accept the invitation.

Absolutely, meticulous planning ensures you make the most of your conference experience. Even more important is always complete your follow up!

In my experience, we should plan ahead, get through all the connections, seek online community participation, set an agenda, prepare all the necessary documentation, questions, and equipment. Seek social media feedback and support.

You need to plan down all of the details and hours of your out-of-town conference! Your dinner and lunch plans- make reservations, your work out plans, your down time to talk to the office, your down time to decompress. Plan it ALL! Consider this 2-3 day conference out of town to be your number one time to 1) LEARN 2) MEET 3) ENERGIZE your business! (Be planned and scheduled)

4. Be prepared to give and receive business cards. Business cards are an essential networking tool. Make sure you have a good supply of business cards ready before the conference. It is also a good idea to have a list of prepared questions to ask people you meet.

I have always found that setting up meetings during meals and coffee breaks ahead of the conference is the best way to maximize your conference experience. Once you plan your goals, plan meetings with people you need to network with who will be at the conference. Planning every hour of your time at the conference (except when you sleep) means you will get the most value from your investment! Conferences are expensive, but can be worth the investment if you are prepared.

I think participating in pre-conference competitions and challenges is an excellent idea. It's a fun and original way to meet other people who share your interests, and to stand out from the crowd.

Participating in contests and challenges is a great way to show your engagement and enthusiasm for the conference. It also helps you to easily identify others who are engaged and make connections with them.

Your participation will also give you something to talk about with others. It encourages others to participate as well that might Not be inclined to.

Scope out the vendors ahead of time! If an Expo Hall is included, many vendors will allow you to schedule time to meet with a rep one-on-one. So if you spot a company you'd really like to know more about, schedule a chat!

Let your network know that you're attending this conference and looking to meet others that will be there in person. If you post on LinkedIn be sure to go back and like or reply to those who comment on your post. Schedule a few meetups during your free time throughout the conference. Better yet ask your connections to introduce you to anyone else they know that will be there - it's a great way to extend your network.

Let's imagine you are attending a conference on digital marketing. You could organise a competition to create the best 30-second video advert. This would give you the opportunity to showcase your creative skills and meet other people who share your passion for digital marketing. Another option would be to collaborate with other attendees to organise a blogging challenge. The challenge could be to publish an article a day for a week on a topic related to the conference. This would help you create valuable content and connect with other attendees who share your interests. Whichever option you choose, participating in pre-conference contests and challenges is a sure way to make the most of the experience and make new contacts.

Planning what you will do to make the most of your conference AFTER it is over is almost as important as planning the conference experience. How will you extend your relationship with the people you meet or use the information you learned at the conference? How will you achieve a return on your investment in the conference when you return to the office or home? Be sure you connect on LinkedIn and other social networks with everyone you met at the conference and share something valuable with them. Make introductions!

Fear is a powerful emotion, many people aren’t comfortable in group gatherings. It’s important to be the person that reaches out to others. One of my lifelong friendships arrived out of giving an early Morning ride to a golf outing. She was standing there alone at 7am, dressed in golf attire, the girls were out numbered in the industry and on the golf course. She is a powerhouse of a CEO today, still a little shy. It’s best to reach out to others, don’t wait for others to reach in your direction. My final advice…. Never ever start a conversation with food in your mouth, chewing gum or being over served at the cocktail hour. In a professional environment, remain polite and well mannered.