What are some networking tips for attending conferences or trade shows?

Networking can be challenging. Here are a few tips to network like a king/queen in a room full of strangers! 1. Scan the room. Anybody who looks particularly interesting? Make eye contact and smile to break the ice before you start a conversation! 2. Move closer to the buffet ;) There’s nothing weirder than standing alone in a room full of people! Use the buffet as your safe harbor. It’s way easier to ask somebody next to you what they do for a living while you casually get yourself some snacks on your plate - promise! 3. Business card etiquette. When somebody hands you their business card, don‘t just put it away. Study it for a few seconds and make at least one positive comment before you hand out yours. Happy connecting!??

Here are a few important things to keep in mind : 1. Instead of collecting numerous business cards, aim to forge meaningful connections. Quality relationships often lead to more valuable opportunities. 2. Set clear and specific networking goals before attending. Whether it's connecting with a certain number of industry professionals or discovering new trends, clarity helps you stay focused. 3. Set a mix of short-term and long-term goals. Immediate goals might involve meeting potential clients, while long-term goals could focus on industry knowledge expansion or partnership building. Happy and worthy networking!

To maximize your next conference/trade show, become masterful at networking. Here's how: Define Your Objectives Ask yourself, “What do you want to achieve?” For example, expanding your professional network, learning new skills, or showcasing your expertise. Research and Plan Create a list of speakers, exhibitors, and attendees you want to connect with and sessions you want to attend. Reach Out Early Before the conference, approach contacts via email, social media, or event app. Share your interest/goals, and propose meetings. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch Craft a compelling message. Follow Up After the event, send personalized messages, connect on LinkedIn and continue the conversation.

TOP 3 skills to ACE ANY CONFERENCE or a trade show: 1) Carry a PROP: Carry a unique conversation prop or accessory (e.g., a memorable pin, or a book related to your industry) that can serve as an icebreaker and make you more memorable to others. 2) Listen, Listen & Listen: Instead of talking about yourself, practice active listening. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in others' stories and experiences. People appreciate good listeners. 3) The Golden Rule of Following-Up: After the event, send personalized follow-up emails that reference specific conversations or topics discussed. This reinforces your connection and keeps the relationship alive. Hope it helps:)

If you are able to, pre-connect with conference attendees. It will allow you to have warmer interactions and give you an excuse to connect with people as well as look for them during the event.

A favorite networking tip - screenshot your LinkedIn QR code and make it the background on your phone. In the more virtual world we're living in, a lot of people no longer carry paper business cards, and digital ones have become more popular; however, neither of those options have guaranteed reciprocity…but the majority of professionals do have LinkedIn profiles. So not only does this strategy foster the reciprocal exchange of information, but it's also a cheeky talking point and takes the mental gymnastics out of remembering everyone you interacted with in the midst of a busy, often overwhelming, trade show/networking event - all you have to do is look at your connection requests to remember the details of all your new contacts!

I have a dot card that I carry with me to networking events. It has all my links and contact information on it and it is scannable with a QR code. I also make sure to not only exchange contact information with people I want to keep talking to but I also make it a point to schedule them in on my calendar for a follow up Zoom call. Set up the call at the event and don’t delay but make sure the events are purposeful and intentional. Make it count and don’t miss an opportunity by not being prepared. I always tell my clients “be ready so you don’t have to get ready.”

Networking: the social survival kit. Yet, in this preparedness parade, are we turning connections into transactional rehearsals? A stack of cards, a polished resume—check. But, does it risk turning into a corporate checklist? In this symphony of self-presentation, let's not trade authenticity for a rehearsed script. Yes, be prepared, but let it be a dance, not a monologue. Because the real networking magic lies not in the polished cards, but in the spontaneous notes that sync with the rhythm of genuine connections—a balance between readiness and the unscripted melody that makes your networking tune unforgettable.

?? These are my three conference commando must haves to #network my #ambition! ?? 1. Determine 3-5 speakers to engage with #before, #during, and #after the event! 2. Follow them on Twitter and begin to engage with their content before the conference. Promote their session and your #1 takeaway! 3. Laminate your LinkedIn QR profile code to the back of your phone so that you can connect & go!!! #LeadLoudly #bold #confident #fearless #leadership #connections #conferences

Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Have a concise and compelling description of who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for. Practice it so it comes out naturally. Bring Business Cards: Even in the digital age, business cards are still a quick and effective way to exchange contact information. Ensure they're up-to-date and professional. Bonus points to use a DOT Card or a QR Code card. Engage on social media: Before the Event: Share your excitement about attending and connect with others who'll be there. During the Event: Live-tweet sessions, share photos, and use the event's official hashtag. After the Event: Follow up with new connections and share your takeaways.

Follow up on all promising leads within a week. Quick follow up conveys genuine interest. Sit with new people instead of sticking with colleagues. Open conversations build fresh connections. Draw people out with open-ended questions. Find common interests and experiences. Listen more than you speak. Arrive early to events to maximize mingling time. Don't just talk to those you came with. Introduce yourself to attendees and speakers beforehand. Join impromptu gatherings and after-hours socializing. Many meaningful interactions happen outside formal programming.

Integrating LinkedIn into your conference strategy can be a game-changer. Prior to the event, research attendees or speakers and connect with them on LinkedIn with a personalized message. Share content related to the conference, sparking pre-event discussions. Meet people during the conference and connect on LinkedIn. Post daily updates or insights from the event, tagging relevant individuals or companies, which showcases your involvement and provides value. After the event, follow up with new connections using personalized messages, referencing specific discussions or sessions. Genuine engagement on LinkedIn can prolong the impact of your conference networking, turning brief interactions into lasting professional relationships.

As the person that usually represents the customer, I will first arrange to touch base with vendors and people that I already know. I also make time to simply walk the aisles, look at exhibit’s and stop and chat about anything that might be new to me or useful. Then I follow up on those after the meeting to learn more. There is still significant value for in person, meetings, and learning about new things even in this world of social media.

Mental preparation, is what I've found to be the most crucial aspect... ????♂? While having business cards, a notebook, and the essentials is vital, it's equally important to mentally prepare. Rehearse your elevator pitch, keep your body language open, and be confident. It's all about making meaningful connections, and that starts with a positive mindset. Plus, don't forget to set your goals and connect with potential contacts beforehand. I've seen amazing results by reaching out to them through social media a couple of weeks before the event. It's like planting the seeds of connection before you even meet in person.

Connecting with and supporting the event organizer, speakers, sponsors and media builds relationships with people who know pretty much everyone at the event and also elevates you to a higher level so you stand out from the pack. If you start before the conference begins, you won’t be going in cold and may even get called out during the event. One person who took my advice was offered a chance to pitch a media panel just because she had sent a note ahead of time about why she was looking forward to the presentation. It makes an impression and opens doors if you do it right.

Think about your introduction as your Branding Handshake. The time it takes to comfortably shake hands can be the deciding factor in your future. Imagine you are on an elevator with nine other people, just like you, going to an interview for the same opportunity. Right before the doors close, the CEO steps in. This decision maker says hello and shakes each person's hand. This is not the time to falter, drone on, or try to regurgitate your resume. What can you say during this brief handshake that will set you apart from everyone else on that elevator? That's your Branding Handshake. Brand to Land & #KeepRockingLinkedIn! Kevin On a Mission to Eliminate Organizational & Personal Blanding?

When you're observant about others in a positive way, you instantly become more memorable. Take time to notice someone's shoes, their custom nametag, their phone case, or something else that catches your attention in a good way. If it's not there, don't force it, but starting a comversation with a compliment is a great way to make a positive first impression.

When I meet someone at a networking event, I always make it a point to connect with them on social media. The goal is to stay top of mind with them through content after the event to continue to nurturing the relationship and establish trust.

If you're one of the exhibitors, have a plan for you you will followup the leads before the show even starts. The difference between great exhibitors and everyone else is the quality, relevance and timeliness of the followup. Did you promise something to a lead? Make sure your followup reflects that. Did you thank the person for visiting? Are you offering a followup relevant to what they saw? All these things make a difference, especially when it's delivered within a week of the end of the event.

While I connect with someone, I immediately send a quick note along with a LinkedIn connection invitation to proactively continue the conversation. Your message doesn’t have to be long. Simply thank them for their time, acknowledge a point in your conversation (so that you can be memorable) and where you met them. For example, if you had a brief conversation where the person mention that they’ve started a new job, you can say, “Hey, Sharon! It was such a pleasure to meet you at the AI Conference today. Thank you for chatting with me about your new job (and congratulations!)- I look forward to staying connected.

If you’re an attendee, do your research in advance. Look at the agenda ahead of time to see who will be in the room and what resources might be there for you- make intentional connections. Research the backgrounds of speakers and panelists- you may have something in common that might help you strike up a conversation and make a meaningful connection.

I like going into LinkedIn and sharing my LinkedIn QR code and getting theirs, so we can connect right away. Then next day send LinkedIn message about the meeting, convo, the value of the connection/ how you’ll support them etc,

Avoid falling into the habit of networking with people based on their job title, because job titles change! Also, be open to peer networking, or “networking across,” rather than only “networking up.” Networking amongst your peers can be a wonderful thing! Aside from wonderful, long-lasting professional relationships, it can lead to resource sharing, referrals, collaborations, partnerships, and more.

Attend sessions and talks outside your normal interests. Expanding your knowledge sparks new ways of thinking. Be willing to meet anyone and everyone. Some of the most random connections turn into amazing opportunities. Don't just talk to people in your industry. Branch out and connect with those in complementary or even completely different fields. You never know where a great connection or collaboration could come from. Come with an open mind, not just a rigid agenda. Let each conversation and experience guide you iteratively. Say yes to coffee meetings, even if you're not sure there's a fit yet. You never know where a connection will lead.

Besides being proactive, you should be open. Share with other about your stories and connect them to theirs There are many new friends and partners and the new things are, open to listen new topics and learn news knowledge. You may be supprised at things you don't know.

My strategy is to engage with everyone around me. (This includes other vendors!) Just because a person isn't a target prospect, doesn't mean that they don't know someone who could be! Referrals go a longggg way! If you can form relationships with your peers, referrals with naturally flow.

I work in IT and attend many IT events. I like to mix things up and attend finance and HR events. Ultimately things will lead back to IT, however it is really interesting to hear other departments problems. This means that when I return to my workplace, I have a greater view as to the challenges colleagues may be experiencing.

See it as relationship building, not “networking”. Be curious, learn about people and grow that relationship over time. The old “networking” mantra is so mechanical and non-personal. Think of everyone you meet as a gift, you just don’t know what that might be yet…

Networking for me is also about opportunities. Generating opportunities that could lead to partnerships talk openly about your challenges and what you’re working on listen carefully to what others are doing and see if there are opportunities for you to work together

Another pro tip for executives attending conferencing, trade-show and networking events is instead of passively attending activities that others invite you to, why not host a select group of people who you want to impress for your own drinks function? Stop waiting for others to find you in a big pond. Instead create a smaller pond and invite those you want to meet to that gathering.

At networking events and trade shows, I always use a QR code with my contact information as the wallpaper/lock screen of my smartphone.

Don’t be afraid to just walk up to a table of people and say hi. There was a time when I wouldn’t even think of doing this (the introverted side sometimes kicks in) but I’ve since found it to be very effective. Also as a speaker, I love it when people come up to me to talk as well. I try to be as available and approachable as possible. If you want to meet a speaker, go for it!