How to Network at a Conference When the “Peopling” Feels Overwhelming

Learning how to network at a conference can be overwhelming, there is so much “peopling” to do.

You know how it goes at these things. You walk into a room with your badge on and a fresh cup of coffee in your hand, while you scan the room for a familiar face. Conversations are happening everywhere with people who seem to be effortlessly introducing themselves, laughing, exchanging cards, and making plans to connect later.

Meanwhile, you are just trying to figure out where to stand.

Networking at events is tiring, even for people who are comfortable with talking with others. Between introductions and the inevitable “So, what do you do?” question, it can feel like SO MUCH conversation in a short amount of time.

But all that peopling is often where the real value of a conference comes from.

The sessions can spark new ideas, but a good conversation can lead to a helpful resource, a referral, a future client, or a person to call for a fresh perspective. You do not need to collect 50 business cards. A few genuine connections are worth much more.

Network at a Conference Without Meeting Everyone

NEWS FLASH!! You do not have to meet everyone at the conference.

Bouncing from one conversation to the next, to the next, well, that will just make attempting to network at a conference feel like work. Set some ground rules for yourself to just meet a few (maybe 3) new people and reconnect with a few people you had already met. Try to find a potential resource for your business, maybe speak with a presenter whose session caught your attention.

Whatever your goal is, make it specific. Have a purpose, instead of wandering around the room, hoping that the right person will find you.

It is good to have a framework to let you take a breath. Having a long strong conversation doesn’t leave you “behind.” Taking the time to build rapport is more valuable than just adding another name to your contact list.

Make the Conversation About Them

The big fear is that you won’t know what to say. How do I fill the awkward silences or deliver the perfect elevator pitch?

It is not on you to carry the entire conversation.

Some of the best networking conversation starters are simple questions that show genuine curiosity. Ask someone what brought them to the conference. Find out which session they found most useful. Ask what projects they are working on or what challenges their organization is facing this year.

Good conversation topics:

• “What has been your favorite session so far?”
• “What made you decide to attend this conference?”
• “What kind of work are you focused on right now?”
• “What is one thing you hope to take away from today?”
• “How did you get started in this field?”

The key is to listen, and just wait for your turn to talk.

This is where our UB4me approach will help. Networking is not just about what another person can do for you. You want to learn what matters to them and consider how you might be helpful.

Maybe you read an article relevant to your conversation and you can share it with them. Or perhaps you have resource to recommend and you introduce them to someone in your network. Or you offer an idea based on your experience. When people feel heard, they will remember the conversation—and they will remember you.

Keep Your Introduction Short and Natural

It is inevitable that someone will ask, “What do you do?” Have an answer ready, but it don’t sound like you practiced it in the mirror.

Keep it short and conversational. Share who you help and how, then let the other person ask questions if they want to know more.

For example: “I help organizations build stronger communication, leadership, and customer service skills through practical training.”

They now have a clear sense of your work. If they want to know more, they will ask. If their organization has a related need, your conversation may naturally move in that direction.

The most effective way to make professional connections is to be clear about what you do without making every conversation feel like a sales pitch. Be yourself. Let the connection develop naturally.

Follow-Up, Follow-Up, Follow-Up

Are you that person who meets someone at a conference, has a great conversation, and then goes back to work and never talk to them again?

Follow up while the conversation is still fresh. Within a day or two, send a short email or LinkedIn message. Mention where you met and something that you talked about so it has that personal feel and not like spam.

For example:

“It was great meeting you after our leadership session at the conference. We talked about building stronger feedback habits, so I wanted to send along the article I mentioned. I thought you might find it helpful.”

The message does not have to be long. But try to be meaningful. The goal is to encourage a response and keep the conversation going.

If you promised to share a resource or make an introduction, give them the contact information. That is how a quick conversation becomes a relationship. Networking at events is so much more than gathering business cards, shaking hands, and polite small talk.

Next time you head to a conference, embrace the peopling. It is really not as hard as you think. Don’t try to work the whole room or impress everyone you meet. Start with one conversation, ask a few good questions, and see where it goes. Remember, a handful of genuine connections will make the event worthwhile long after it is over.

Three Tips To Network at a Conference

1. Set a realistic goal before you arrive. Decide who you want to meet, what you want to learn, or how many meaningful conversations you want to have.
2. Use questions to build rapport. Bring a few networking conversation starters, listen carefully, and focus on what matters to the person you are speaking with.
3. Follow up quickly and personally. Within 24–48 hours, send a message that refers to your conversation and offers a helpful resource, idea, or next step.

This information is from the Improving Communications Networking & Interviewing class. Need to find a way to improve your overall communication skills? Register for one of our upcoming public classes.

Photo by International Railway Summit on Flickr

Want to learn more about the power of networking and the UB4me approach? Join us at our next Networking and Interviewing workshop with Improving Communications. Let’s build connections that matter!