How to Be Prepared to Get the Most Out of a Networking Event: Insights

We’re getting ready for IT Arena, one of the largest tech conferences in Eastern Europe, held in Lviv, Ukraine. Attending tech events like this requires solid preparation.

Both Anastasiia S. and I have gathered practical insights to help businesses make the most of such events.

1. Define Clear Goals

Before attending any event, it’s essential to define your objectives. Are you looking to meet potential clients, explore partnership opportunities, or gain insights into the latest tech trends and market dynamics? Setting clear goals helps you structure your approach.

Additionally, researching your target customers can make attending these events even more valuable. It gives you a great reason to have focused conversations that lead to meaningful connections.

2. Research and Plan Ahead

Familiarize yourself with the speaker lineup, agenda, and attending companies. This allows you to prioritize sessions that align with your business goals and identify whom you’d like to meet.

Reaching out to key contacts beforehand via LinkedIn or email can set the stage for productive discussions.

From our experience, taking a proactive approach is crucial. Try to schedule meetings in advance to ensure you maximize your time.

Tip: If there is a conference application, schedule meetings via the app.

3. Leverage Networking Opportunities

Networking is the heart of events like IT Arena. Based on our experience, the most impactful connections come from authentic and thoughtful conversations. Don't restrict yourself to structured networking events – often, the best interactions happen informally, over coffee or during breaks.

Be prepared with an elevator pitch that’s short but effective. It should not only explain what your business does, but also emphasize what makes it unique and globally scalable.

Personally, I’m not a fan of the "hard pitch." People tend to forget those details quickly. Instead, they will remember you as a person, who was focused more on making a sale, than on building healthy communication.

Focus on keeping the conversation engaging and enjoyable for both parties. Our clients often come in with a hard-sell mindset, but we’ve found that establishing genuine connections leads to better results.

Tip: Ask insightful questions, listen more than you talk, and avoid overly scripted conversations. People remember meaningful exchanges, not just polished pitches.

4. Be Ready for Unplanned Opportunities

While it's great to have a structured plan, leave room for spontaneity. You might meet someone unexpectedly who offers valuable insight or connections. Take advantage of these moments and remain open to new opportunities — whether it's visiting a side event, party, etc.

5. Prepare Your Team

If you’re attending as part of a team, make sure everyone is aligned with the goals and strategy. Delegate responsibilities so you can cover different sessions and maximize networking. Assign roles for social media coverage, meeting coordination, and post-event follow-ups to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Tip: Still good to have a digital or regular business card.

6. Engage on Social Media

Being active on social media during the event can greatly boost your visibility. At IT Arena, live-tweeting or posting on LinkedIn about the sessions you’re attending, the people you’re meeting, and the insights you’re gaining can lead to further engagement.

Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags to connect with like-minded professionals and participants. We’ve seen how effectively this can extend networking beyond the event itself.

7. Follow Up Post-Event

The event doesn’t end when the last session concludes. Following up with the contacts you made is critical to nurturing those relationships. Summarize key takeaways, personalize your follow-ups, and show genuine interest in discussing what you talked about. Suggest actionable next steps to keep the conversation going.

Tip: A well-timed follow-up email can turn a brief conversation into a long-term partnership. Be thoughtful and persistent, without overwhelming your new contacts.

Final Thoughts Events like IT Arena are more than just conferences – they are a platform for innovation, partnerships, and global expansion. By setting clear goals, networking effectively, and presenting your global vision, you can walk away with more than just business cards – you’ll have real opportunities for growth.

At Go Global , this is a strategy we usually recommend to our clients.

Let us help you maximize the result and time investment!

If you are looking for Global Expansion — contact us now for a consultation now.

https://calendly.com/natali-goglobal/30min

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Cheers! Have a great week)

Natali Trubnikova

CMO at Gart Solutions

Co-founder & Marketing Consultant at Go Global .