Meet Big Important People at Big Important Conferences—Without Spending More Than $10

I work in sales, and one of the best places to find potential buyers is at industry conferences. The problem? Attending these events can cost $2,000 or more, not to mention travel and hotel expenses. That adds up fast.

But an old boss of mine once taught me a simple yet powerful technique that allows me to meet key decision-makers at major conferences—without ever paying the registration fee.

The Trick? Meet the Speakers Over Coffee

Almost every conference publishes a list of speakers, and these are usually some of the most influential people in the industry—after all, they were selected to be on stage.

Since I know they’ll be at the event, I make a list of the ones I want to connect with. Then, I reach out via LinkedIn or email and invite them for a quick coffee break.

Here’s a version of my message:

“Hey [Name], I see you’re speaking at [Conference Name]. Would you like to take a quick break from the exhibit hall and grab a coffee? You can extend your networking and relax. My treat! ??”

Sometimes, I’ll add a P.S.:

“Feel free to go all out—latte, cappuccino, whatever you like! It’s on me.”

It may make sense to add a better reason why they would want to meet with you, like “I can share a new report entitled “XYZ.”

You’d be surprised how often this works and leads to amazing meetings.

Bonus Tip: No Interest? No Problem.

If no one bites, I simply don’t go. No wasted time, no wasted money.

One Small Step: Pick the Right Spot

Before reaching out, I always check with the venue to see if there’s a Starbucks or another café that’s easy to access. That way, I can include:

“Let’s meet at the Starbucks in the lobby.”

This technique really works!

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