You're attending IT conferences and events. How can you master the art of networking?

Planning ahead is the first step to becoming an expert networker at IT conferences and events. Look through the speakers, attendees, and schedule of the event to find important people and programs that fit your objectives and areas of interest. Create a brief introduction to yourself and your business that is similar to an elevator pitch. Prepare your business cards and make sure your LinkedIn page is current. Establish clear objectives for your networking, such as making a set amount of new contacts or learning more about particular subjects. To effectively engage others in conversation, prepare your questions and themes. You'll be able to maximize the value of the event and form important relationships with this preparation.

Preparation is essential for effective networking, especially at IT conferences. Begin by reviewing the event agenda, focusing on sessions that align with your professional goals. Identify key speakers and attendees who could offer valuable insights or collaboration opportunities. Setting clear objectives—whether learning about new technologies or connecting with industry leaders—ensures your interactions are purposeful. By preparing ahead, you maximize your time, boost confidence, and increase the chances of building meaningful connections that can advance your career.

Another aspect of preparation is updating your online profile. Make sure they showcase your skills, achievements, and goals in the IT field. You never know who might look you up before or after the event, so you want to make a good impression and highlight your value proposition. Also, have some business cards ready to hand out to the people you connect with, or better still an easy way to electronically share your profile!

Develop a "Strategic Networking Blueprint" to maximize your conference impact. It's like crafting a battle plan for professional engagement - you're mapping out key targets and objectives. Implement a "Contact Priority Algorithm" to rank potential connections based on strategic value, ensuring you focus on the most impactful interactions.

Clearly state what you aim to accomplish, whether it's connecting with a specific number of candidates or acquiring knowledge about the latest technologies. Get to know the speakers, attendees, and companies so you can come up with interesting discussion topics. Incorporate networking opportunities into your schedule, both during sessions and in common areas. Engage with attendees online before and during the event using the conference hashtag. Generate engaging questions to kick-start conversations that go beyond typical introductions. Give your complete attention to every conversation, without getting distracted by your surroundings.

"Pitches" is the right word here. If you are going to a conference for the purpose of networking, remember that your goal when doing your elevator pitch is to build a connection that they perceive as valuable for what matters to THEM. For example, having different pitches ready to go based on if they are the CEO of a tech company or the CEO of a company that views tech purely as a cost center (or if they aren't a CEO at all) will allow you to increase the odds that you develop that quality connection.

A good elevator pitch should not only capture your value proposition, but also invite further conversation. To do that, you need to know your audience and tailor your message accordingly. For example, if you are talking to a potential client, you might emphasize how your IT solutions can help them solve their pain points or achieve their goals. If you are talking to a potential employer, you might showcase your skills and achievements in IT projects that align with their vision and strategy. And if you are talking to a potential partner, you might highlight your areas of expertise and interest and how they complement theirs.

In my experience, active listening is crucial for effective networking. Fully concentrate on conversations, showing genuine interest by asking insightful questions and offering relevant information. This approach helps you learn more and demonstrates that you value the interaction, leaving a lasting impression.

Engaging in active listening and genuinely wanting to understand others' experiences can make networking feel more effortless. For those who are not inherently extroverted, this approach can significantly reduce anxiety associated with networking. The real advantage lies in the opportunity to learn from others and build relationships that go beyond mere transactions. Personally, I've encountered numerous fascinating individuals through active listening, and I've been able to sustain meaningful, long-term connections with many of them.

Listening is first and foremost being truly interested in other people and what they have to say. Find out what interests them and what you can learn from them, regardless of what they can do for you. This part is not about yourself but it’s about the person you are interacting with.

1st rule:Be brave (not rude) when you are asking questions. Do not hesitate underlining issues or asking "good questions". You will be noticed. Start from short presentation of your name and company and/or position. 2nd rule: Enter into circles of people around interesting person. Do not shy. Take your chance:) It may change your career or... life.

Active listening also enables you to identify potential opportunities for collaboration or partnership with other professionals in your field. By paying attention to the challenges, goals, and interests of your interlocutors, you can find common ground and suggest ways to work together or exchange value. For example, you might offer to share your expertise, resources, contacts, or insights on a relevant topic. This can help you establish rapport and trust, as well as expand your network.

When I am at a networking event, I connect with people via LinkedIn using my iPhone. Quick and easy. People are more than happy to help...

When at a networking event, I always connect with people on LinkedIn. I have a plastic business card with NFC and a QR code which makes it easy to connect. Following-up the conversation afterwards and adding an new engaged member of your network is really valuable...

In my experience, digital connections are essential for networking. Stay active on professional platforms and keep your profiles updated. During events, connect with new contacts online, share insights from sessions, and participate in event-related discussions. This reinforces new connections and keeps you on their radar after the event.

Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with other attendees before the event. This can help break the ice and make in-person introductions smoother. Attend and Participate actively in sessions and workshops. These smaller settings are great for more intimate conversations and networking.

When engaging in follow up conversations, be natural and keep things simple. Go with the flow and maintain good communication

Scan the LinkedIn QR code and immediately connect. Then ensure you send a message a two over the next few weeks perhaps something in relation to the conference topics and discussions or maybe commenting about a post of shared interest which you gathered from your interactions.

One way to stay engaged with your network is to follow up with meaningful actions. For example, if you met someone who expressed interest in your IT strategy project, you can send them a link to your portfolio or a relevant case study. If you learned something valuable from a speaker, you can send them a thank-you note or a feedback survey. These actions show that you are genuinely interested in building relationships and adding value to your network.

Organize Your Own Meetups: If the conference schedule allows, consider organizing a small dinner or coffee meetup with a few attendees. This can create a more relaxed environment for deeper connections. Be Genuine and Listen. Approach conversations with genuine interest. Ask questions and listen actively. People appreciate when you show a real interest in their work and experiences. After the event, follow up with the people you met.

Don't force yourself to network. Do what you are comfortable with. There are multiple venues and good to be aware what resonates with you.

Speak, join a table at lunch, attend sessions and ask questions, listen to who is asking questions as well and seek them out, use the online app if they have one

In my experience, one effective strategy is to follow up promptly after the event. Send personalized messages to new contacts, referencing your conversation or shared interests. This demonstrates your commitment to building a meaningful connection. Additionally, attending workshops or breakout sessions can offer more intimate settings for networking. Engaging actively in these smaller groups can lead to deeper connections and valuable professional relationships.

Keep in touch, usually said quite lightly with not enough seriousness. It is really a shame that we lose our ponds and not maintain them strong enough to exchange knowledge and expertise, subsequently a lot of business opportunities may vanish with contacts we meet at such an event.