How do you navigate a crowded conference room to make meaningful connections with potential clients?

I always find someone who is alone. They are more miserable than they were in junior high school at a dance. Seriously, be kind and go FIND someone alone. It's tempting to find a group and try and join it. I go find someone for whom a hello would be most welcome. From there I start with two words >> "Tell me ... " Maybe I ask how they know about the conference, if it's their first time in the location, what is their connection to the event. That way I get to know more about them and vice versa. We often hesitate to go to someone alone because there is an unspoken suggestion that there is something 'less than' about them. It's often they are more of an introvert and dislike the situation.

I like to scope the room before I make the "approach." Read people's energy or go with your gut / first impressions. I naturally have a smiley face or a demeanor that gets acknowledgement from people, a smile back, a head nod. That can't be explained, (but if you have it, you already know what I'm talking about. It's an openness that you possess). Compliments go a long way, being in the moment and saying what comes to mind is an organic approach. Be yourself, have fun, and connect ONLY with people that you're having fun with in the few moments of exchange. Remember, it's a crowded room, you can "reset" repeatedly and approach someone else (or perhaps someone approaches you -- what a concept). Oh, and did I say, "have fun?"

Give a sincere compliment to a stranger. At the very least, even if the conversation stops there- you made someone's day. Being kind is always your best first impression.

Research attendance and focus on the people who can help you. To many networkers spend to much time talking to people who have no idea what you are selling. Beware of the business information giver. They are all a waste of time.

Preparation is essential, from knowing the content of the conference, where it will be, the schedule, speakers, even if there will be drinks and food, knowing all these aspects can give you a competitive advantage, knowing this can help you find the group that best suits you, to know if there are potential partners or customers. But always be a receptive person, you will have to adapt to the environment and the people.

You're the definition of chaotic good

In the fight against AI taking over the human world one human is attempting to defend us from the Linked In Skynet. That man is Super David - his super power is maximum snark to confuse and break the logic of the AI algorithms thtoughout the universe. Snark on sir...snark on...

Give a sincere compliment to a stranger. Even if the conversation stops there- you made someone's day. Being kind is always your best first impression.

Follow up with those that have asked questions or shown engagement. Politely pop them a DM and see if they would like more information about what you can do for them!

Always say it was great meeting you, and go ahead and connect on LinkedIn. The next day follow-up and reiterate it was great meeting them, and add a tidbit from the conversation.

When following up look for connections on social media sites. Find out what you can and book connection conversations. Build rapport by finding out what is important to them both personally and professionally.

I know that to close a deal sometimes you only need a phone call and a notebook with a pencil, but we live in different times and you will not only have to be professional and current but you will have to look it, so a mid-high end phone, a nice pen to sign, your digital contact card well organized, with a profile picture and users according to what you sell, I have seen cases that are discarded by their mail and network users. Remember that your digital presence speaks as much about you as it does in person.