Tips for networking effectively at conferences and events

To make the most of attending a conference or exhibition, you should plan to network effectively with both exhibitors and other visitors.

A conference or exhibition is a unique opportunity to meet with businesses you wouldn’t normally have access to. It’s worth spending time planning your attendance to make the most of that opportunity.

Here are some tips on networking effectively at conferences and events.

Before the event

Research who will be there

Finding out who will be at the event before the date will give you a head start. Some event management companies will release a list of exhibitors or attendees. Whether they do or they don’t, they’ll certainly promote their event sponsors, so it is worth finding out who they are.

Keep checking the event website for updates and find out if there is a social media hashtag for the event. Exhibitors and visitors will use that hashtag across social channels. You can see who’s promoting their attendance and interact with posts to engage with people who will be there and perhaps arrange meetings to take place on the day.

Post your attendance on social media

Not only can you use social media to research who will be at the event, you can also use it to promote your own attendance. Post that you are looking forward to the conference or exhibition, tag the event page and use the hashtag. Ask who else is attending to create a conversation.

Make sure you have business cards or literature to hand out

Be prepared! Make sure you have up to date business cards, either traditional or digital, and any promotional literature, ready to take and hand out. This might be a good opportunity to review your business cards and promotional literature to ensure they maximise your potential for engagement.

At the event

Plan your route around an exhibition

At an exhibition, avoid a scattergun approach when visiting stands. If it’s a large event you may find you run out of time, so it’s a better approach to check the event brochure to find out who is exhibiting, pick out exhibitors who interest you and seek out their stands. Once you’ve done that, visit the rest of the stands. Wherever possible interact with exhibitors by commenting on their stand

or taking part in games or prize draws. These are a great way of having fun while nurturing new relationships.

Spend time in networking and dining areas

Allow yourself a rest! Just do it in the right place – the networking or dining area. Here you can meet other visitors and join in conversations that could benefit your business. At the very least, you will make new connections which is always time well spent. If speaking to people you don’t know takes you out of your comfort zone, this is the best time to do it!

Remember a conversation is a two-way communication

No doubt you’ll be eager to tell everyone about your products and services, but it’s vital that your first impression doesn’t come across as ‘salesy’, intimidating or boring! Listening is key here. Show interest in what you’re being told and ask questions to show you’re paying attention. The more conversational your interactions, the more chance you have of engaging interest and developing new connections.

After the event

Follow up conversations you had at the event. This is hugely important. Failing to follow up undoes all the work you’ve put into your attendance.

If you had a full conversation with someone, a telephone call is the best way to follow it up. The connection has already been made so there is no need to fear making that call! Otherwise, an email or direct message on LinkedIn is a good way to carry on the conversation. Always refer to your meeting at the event and be as natural as possible in your approach.