How to network at a conference

Networking at a conference can be a great way to meet new people, expand your professional network, and learn about new opportunities. It is a key part of most conferences, but it is also the most difficult aspect to pull off successfully. Networking isn’t something many people are all that good at unless you have spent a lot of time at a lot of events getting to know strangers.

Get in the Right Mindset for Networking

Attitude is everything when it comes to meeting potential business contacts. If you've ever had a conversation with someone at a conference that hasn't ended well, and you aren't sure why, often it will be because you simply weren't in the right mindset to begin with. Luckily, this is something you can easily fix.

Think How You Can Benefit Them

It is common to approach a networking situation thinking about how each person will be able to benefit you and your business. This is a good thing to think about, but it should not be your main focus. Instead, you should think about what you can do for all the people you meet.

There are two benefits to this. Firstly, it will often make you more confident. You will be sure about your abilities, so you will be able to take control of the conversation rather than playing a game of 20 questions trying to find out what benefits each person you meet might be able to provide your business. Secondly, it will put you in a better position to make long-lasting connections. If you approach people immediately wanting to know what they can do for you then you might come across as needy or selfish. If, on the other hand, you are trying to help them out from the get-go they will be a lot more inclined to return the favour.

Grow Your Connections

A lot of people think of networking as being a bit like farming: you plant seeds and watch them grow. This is one of the best ways to view it. Your contacts might not be hugely valuable to you at first, but you have to allow them to grow.

As such, while you are networking you shouldn't see a contact as worthless if you have not immediately forged a meaningful connection. Often, it is fine to just have traded business cards, as they will grow to be incredibly useful in the future.

Plan to Avoid Awkward Encounters

At every conference, trade show and exhibition, you will spend a surprisingly large amount of time networking. This is part of what these events are set up for, after all. They are great opportunities to get to know people in your industry and make valuable contacts that could improve your business and make your job a lot easier! First, you need to find out everything you can about the conference you are planning to attend. Which people are attending, and who do you most want to talk to? If you're just starting in networking, it may be worth going for mid-level individuals rather than company CEOs. They may have more time to spare and be more interested in what you do in business.

You should be getting ready for a conference a good week or so before it begins. During this preparatory time, it is a good idea to research who is going to the event and whether they are worth networking with. Many key industry figures will have personal blogs and other websites that you can check to see if they will be in the same place as you. This gives you a clear idea of who to target when you next get a chance to do a bit of networking.

Come Prepared with Business Cards

Ahead of the conference or exhibition, you may want to print some business cards, containing your title, role description and contact details. Then, if you do meet people you'd like to do business with, you have something to give them. Unless they have your details, how will they be able to get in touch?

How to Network with the Right People

We’ve already touched on being prepared but understanding how to network with the right people starts with good preparation. At conferences, there are great opportunities to get to know people in your industry and make valuable contacts that could improve your business and make your job a lot easier! But separating the valuable contacts from the not-so-valuable ones can be overlooked at some conferences. For example, for every 1 valuable contact you add to your network, there could be 5 who aren’t valuable, so you need to figure out a way to distinguish this early on. Even with good preparation, you can format a list of questions to ask people early in the conversation to help identify if who you are speaking to is a valuable contact.

Once you’ve identified the valuable contact, give yourself extra time.  For many people, an event ends at the normal time. However, many attendees will be staying at a nearby hotel and the networking will keep going afterwards in the bar or restaurant. As such, it is a good idea not to miss out on this. If you’re able to identify where they are staying, you might be staying at the same hotel which can open further networking options. Suggesting dinner can lead to a full evening of extra time in which to network. Even if you are within driving distance of home, it is always better to get a bit more networking in while you have the chance.

Using Social Media to Network at a Conference

Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect before, during, and after the event. Networking apps can facilitate quick and efficient exchanges of contact information. If you post regular content on LinkedIn that is good quality, then people you add to connect with may find value in your posts and reach out.

It’s a good idea to engage with the conference on social media by live-tweeting sessions or sharing insights. This positions you as an active participant within the conference community.

Plan Your Next Conference with Cranmore Park

Mastering the art of networking at conferences requires preparation, active engagement, and thoughtful follow-up. Embrace these strategies to maximise the value of every conference attendance. If you’re looking to plan your next conference then look no further than the purpose-built Solihull venue for conferences, exhibitions and trade shows. To find out more contact us today by calling 0121 713 4450 or emailing info@cranmorepark.co.uk.