What do you do if you want to expand your professional network in the Information Architecture industry?

1 Join online communities

One of the easiest ways to network with other IA practitioners is to join online communities where you can exchange ideas, ask questions, and share resources. Some of the most popular online platforms for IA are LinkedIn, Twitter, Slack, and Reddit. You can follow influencers, join groups, participate in discussions, and showcase your work. Make sure to introduce yourself, be respectful, and contribute value to the conversations.

2 Attend events and conferences

Another way to network with other IA professionals is to attend events and conferences that are relevant to your field. These can be local, regional, national, or international, depending on your availability and budget. Events and conferences are great opportunities to meet new people, learn from experts, and discover trends and innovations. You can also volunteer, present, or sponsor events and conferences to increase your visibility and credibility.

3 Enroll in courses and programs

If you want to network with other IA learners and educators, you can enroll in courses and programs that offer IA training and certification. These can be online or offline, formal or informal, depending on your goals and preferences. Courses and programs can help you improve your skills, gain feedback, and access mentors and peers. You can also create or join study groups, projects, and challenges to enhance your learning experience.

4 Join or start a local chapter

If you want to network with other IA enthusiasts in your area, you can join or start a local chapter of an IA organization or association. A local chapter is a group of people who meet regularly to discuss, promote, and practice IA in their community. You can find local chapters of the Information Architecture Institute, the User Experience Professionals Association, and the Interaction Design Foundation, among others. You can also create your own local chapter if there is none in your vicinity.

5 Write or speak about IA

If you want to network with other IA thought leaders and influencers, you can write or speak about IA topics that interest you or showcase your expertise. You can write articles, blogs, books, or white papers, or speak at podcasts, webinars, workshops, or panels. Writing or speaking about IA can help you establish your authority, share your insights, and attract attention. You can also reach out to other writers or speakers and invite them to collaborate or exchange feedback.

6 Be proactive and genuine

The final tip to expand your professional network in the IA industry is to be proactive and genuine. Networking is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process of building and maintaining relationships. You need to initiate contact, follow up, and stay in touch with your connections. You also need to be genuine, respectful, and supportive of your connections. Networking is not about collecting contacts, but about creating value and trust.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?