Tips for making your mark at an industry conference

Let’s be real—it’s always event season in the tech industry. At Offleash, we’ve already hit? some of the biggest cybersecurity conferences of the year, including RSA and Black Hat, and the calendar for the remainder of 2024 has more major conferences in store, like KubeCon, Microsoft Ignite, and AWS re:Invent. And that’s just in the next few days/weeks!

Having worked in tech PR for more than 15 years, I’ve attended countless events and learned how to maximize the value I get from being in attendance. And as a proud introvert, I’ve also figured out how to approach events in ways that align with my strengths. Here are a few tips that have helped me stand out at both large conferences and smaller industry gatherings:?

Prepare, prepare, prepare

This applies to almost everything in life: Preparation is key. Whether it’s a company cocktail hour or large industry event, do your homework beforehand. Review the attendee list, check out the venue online, and look through the agenda if available. Walking in with a plan and some knowledge of the people who will be in attendance sets you up for success.?

Set a goal

One of my go-to strategies for getting the most out of any event is to set a goal for your time there. It can be as simple as talking to one or two new people, or as ambitious as setting up several meetings. Giving yourself something to work towards can help keep you focused and ensure you get the most value possible from the event.?

Build ‘pillars’ into your schedule

Even if you’ve prepared ahead of time and have a set of goals in mind, walking into an event—especially a large conference—can still feel overwhelming. Create anchors throughout the day by scheduling meetings with key people or planning to visit specific booths. These “pillars” provide structure and ensure you’re always moving towards something productive.?

Refresh your elevator pitch

You might only have 30 seconds to make an impression at an event, so be ready with an ultra-sharp elevator pitch. Focus on who you are, what you offer, and why you’re there. End with a question to engage the other person. And don’t forget to exchange LinkedIn details or scan the QR code on their badge to keep in touch.

Work the room/conference floor and connect with others

Remember: Most attendees are at these events because they want to make new connections, so don’t be shy. Following your elevator pitch, find common ground to keep the conversation going and listen for opportunities to help—whether it’s making an introduction or offering advice. Make a mental (or physical) note of any next steps following your conversations.

Follow up and follow through

Your follow-up is where you’ll make a lasting impression. When following up with new connections you’ve met, be sure to mention key details from your conversations and follow through on your promises. Nothing impresses people more than doing what you said you would.?

But most importantly, be yourself and have fun! As mentioned above, I’m an introvert. You will likely never see me on a panel, and I live for one-on-one conversations and interactions. Get out there, make meaningful connections, and have a blast!

Bonus tip: Wear comfortable shoes, especially at big events. You’ll rack up a lot of steps, so choose your shoes wisely. Comfort is key!

??: Stephanie Schlegel , Account Director, Offleash PR