Engineering Conferences And Networking Events

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

Someone said "You should teach a transition class at events like these" while at the Air & Space Forces Association annual event in DC yesterday I explained that I have done that before...but attendance at these major events typically fell into 2x buckets: 1 - many of the senior leaders attending weren't even thinking about their transition, so they focused on talking with friends, attending events & industry engagement 2 - the ones in their transition window were hell-bent focused on "finding a job" by going to pitch themselves to every major defense contractor in attendance #quinnsights Going to these booths and saying "I'm the ...." doesn't tell them anything about what you want or can do Companies don't come to these major events to hire (they come to sell and form partnerships) And that events like these (AFA & AUSA) don't typically "get you a job" They give you an entry point (someone to speak to & maybe build a relationship) #militarytransition But the key to every event is FOLLOW UP What should you do? 1 - connect with them on LinkedIn every time Show them your QR code right there and wait for their connection request to come through (sneaky way to ensure they do) 2 - Go into My Network each night and look at your newest connections They are organized chronologically, so they will all be people from the event 3 - Send them a quick note on LinkedIn saying how great it was to meet them at (insert event name) and that you would love to stay in touch for advice This locks in that you met face-to-face in their Inbox...always leaving a reminder there in case either side reaches out (not a cold pitch) 4 - Make a networking spreadsheet that tracks the people you met AND who responded For the ones that responded, asked some simple questions or for a short advice phone call, if appropriate For the ones that didn't - send an additional follow up message one week later to thank them again and add a short easy question (they'll be back from the event & likely have more time) #militarytransition Once you get to the calls, ask questions to learn and listen more than talk to find your success Questions? Is there anything you would add? And will I see you at the AUSA Fireside Chat/Transition Panel on Tuesday Oct 15 from 1300-1500 in Rm 147A/B in the Washington Convention Center?

Over the years, I've developed strategies to turn the overwhelming influx of information from events into actionable steps for business success. If there’s one piece of advice I always hold true, it’s this: To make an event successful, boil down all your action items to three key things and understand how you're going to measure their success. Trade shows are perfect for gaining new insights, networking, and generating ideas. However, the sheer volume of information can be paralyzing. You'll encounter countless sessions and speakers filling you with knowledge and inspiration. But the reality is—you won't be able to remember everything shared. Before attending, take the time to understand the current challenges your business faces. Review the agenda, research the speakers, and consider reaching out to them. Knowing your business’s pain points will help you filter the vast amount of information you receive and identify what’s immediately applicable. During the event, develop a system to categorize the information: 1️⃣ Immediate Action Items - Things you need to implement immediately. 2️⃣ Future Reference Material - Information not relevant today but might be useful later. 3️⃣ Less Relevant Data - Content that doesn't apply to your business. After each session, highlight or underline the key takeaway. Annotate these notes with your thoughts and potential action items. At the end of the day, or before attending social events, rank these action items based on: 📌 Level of Effort (LoE): How hard it is to implement. 📌 Return on Investment (RoI): The potential benefit it could bring. Visualize your action items in a quadrant setup. By placing your action items in this context, you can make informed decisions about where to invest your time and resources. 📌 Low Effort, Low Return 📌 Low Effort, High Return 📌 High Effort, Low Return 📌 High Effort, High Return The goal is to walk away with three focused action items—your “action list.” These should be tasks that will significantly impact your business and are manageable. Knowing these will prevent you from being distracted by the remaining 90% of content that doesn’t align with your immediate goals. Happy Networking! #AmazonAccelerate #AmazonAds #Amazon

The RSA Conference is next week! 🎉 It's a whirlwind, so having a plan is key. Here are my top 5 tips to help you make the most of your time: 1. Plan Your Sessions and Expo Hall Visits: The RSAC agenda is packed. Take some time before you arrive to browse the sessions, keynotes, and workshops that align with your interests and professional goals. Use the conference app or website to build a preliminary schedule. Similarly, identify the exhibitors in the expo hall you definitely want to see. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure you prioritize what matters most to you. 2. Network Strategically: RSAC is a prime opportunity to connect with industry peers, potential partners, and thought leaders. Don't just collect business cards or LinkedIn connections; aim for meaningful conversations. Attend networking receptions, Birds of a Feather sessions, and even strike up conversations while waiting in line. Before sessions start, you can just introduce yourself to those around you. Be prepared with a concise intro and what you're hoping to gain from the conference. Follow up with key connections after the event. 3. Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: You'll be doing a lot of walking and talking. Wear comfortable shoes, bring layers as conference center temperatures can fluctuate, and most importantly, stay hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it often. Taking care of your physical well-being will help you stay focused and energized throughout the day. 4. Embrace Serendipity but Stay Focused: While having a plan is crucial, be open to spontaneous opportunities. A chance encounter in the hallway or an intriguing booth you stumble upon could lead to valuable insights or connections. However, don't let serendipity derail your primary goals. If a session you planned to attend is starting, get there early to avoid the line and get a good seat. Meet the speakers in the hallway after the session. 5. Take Notes and Follow Up: You'll be exposed to a wealth of information. Bring a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down key takeaways, interesting ideas, and action items. After the conference, review your notes and prioritize follow-ups with the people you met and the insights you gained. This will help solidify your learning and turn connections into lasting relationships. I hope to see you at RSAC! For those not able to attend, I look forward to meeting up with you next time. Reply with your tips and any questions.

Most people completely waste their networking efforts the moment they leave an event. I watch professionals collect business cards like trophies, then let those connections die in their LinkedIn requests folder. That's not networking - that's contact hoarding. The real networking magic happens in the 24-48 hours after the event ends. Here's how to actually convert those conversations into valuable relationships: 1. Personalized outreach within 24 hours - Reference specific conversation details, not generic "nice meeting you" messages. Stand out among the dozen other people they met. 2. Strategic LinkedIn connections - Include context about where you met and what you discussed. Transform anonymous invitations into meaningful relationship foundations. 3. Value-added follow-through - Share relevant articles, resources, or introductions that address what they mentioned. Show you were actually listening and can provide value. 4. Propose concrete next steps - Coffee meetings, collaboration opportunities, strategic introductions. Strike while the event momentum is hot. 5. Document everything - Record their professional goals, current challenges, and collaboration opportunities. This enables strategic relationship development over time. Here's what most people get wrong: they treat networking like contact collection instead of relationship building. The goal isn't a bigger contact list - it's developing professionals who proactively support each other's success. Stop collecting business cards and start building actual relationships. Your future self will thank you. What post-networking strategies have you found most effective for converting event meetings into valuable professional relationships? Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://vist.ly/3yrck #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #relationshipbuilding #professionalnetworking #careerstrategist

Forget the free food and swag. The real conference ROI? Stronger relationships. Here's how you do it: Was advising a founder headed to her first conference as an entrepreneur rather than just for fun / to hang out. These events can be intimidating and expensive so you want to make the most of your time and energy. Here's a recap of what we discussed: ◾ Know your goal. You are there to advance your business through relationships and new insights / information. Manage your energy, get enough sleep, don't eat too much of the free food if its junk. ◾ Chat everyone up. Your job is to build relationships with new friends and potential collaborators / customers. If you see people you know, great but don't spend all your time with them—use them to meet other folks "Can I join your group at lunch?" ◾ Small talk matters. Start w/ simple questions like "Is this your first time at XYZ Con?" "When did you get in / where did you come in from?" "What are you most hoping to get out of this event?" And be prepared to answer all those q's for yourself! ◾ Be choosy about the talks. Pick a few of the events you really think will be worth your time and ask a public question during the Q&A. It can make an impression for the speakers and also the audience (people will remember you and maybe start up a convo with you later) ◾ Be ready to connect. Have a QR code or link ready to your company / socials / mailing list. You'll completely forget to do this later and seconds matter b/c people get distracted / bored. ◾ Follow up with people. Do it right away so you don't forget who they were—email or social media DM. Remind them of how you met and share a memory or insight or piece of media that can help cement your relationship. Try to set up a call or at least be friendly on social in the DMs or in comments. ◾ All you need is a few good ones. It can feel overwhelming but if you can walk away from a conference with even just 2 strong relationships (which might happen slowly over time) for a conference to be a great investment. These days I don't attend as many conferences unless I'm speaking but early in my career these events helped me connect and deepen relationships with a lot of amazing people. What are your favorite tips when it comes to a conference?

Conference fatigue is real! Attending conferences can be rewarding and energizing, but the packed schedules, travel, information overload, and constant networking can quickly lead to fatigue or even burnout. Here’s a few ways to stay refreshed, focused, and make the most of your conference experience: ➡️ PLAN AND PRIORITIZE YOUR SCHEDULE: -- Review the agenda in advance. Highlight the sessions, speakers, and events that align with your goals. Focus on quality over quantity and don’t feel pressured to attend everything. -- If you’re traveling across time zones, use jet lag apps like Timeshifter or StopJetLag to help your body adjust. These apps provide personalized plans to optimize sleep, light exposure, and meals, which can significantly reduce. -- Schedule intentional downtime. Block out periods for solo walks, quiet meals, or short breaks in your room to recharge. Over-scheduling is a major contributor to event fatigue. -- Build in transition time between sessions. Even five to ten minutes can help you reset and prepare for the next event. ➡️ PREPARE FOR NETWORKING AND MEETINGS: -- Carry old-school business cards and a pen. -- Have your LinkedIn QR code or a digital business card ready for quick sharing. Digital cards (using apps like HiHello, Inc. or Popl) are increasingly popular. -- Download the conference app if one is available. They often include networking features, schedules, and ways to connect with other attendees efficiently. ➡️ DURING THE CONFERENCE: -- Limit distractions and avoid multitasking during sessions, meetings, or conversations. -- Be intentional and selective with your #networking: Focus on meaningful connections rather than collecting as many business cards as possible. -- Take notes during or immediately after key conversations and sessions. This helps you remember details and makes follow-up easier. -- Listen actively and ask thoughtful questions-engaged participation is more valuable than passive attendance. -- Designate some “no-conference” time: Block out periods where you don’t attend any sessions or meetings to decompress. -- Skip non-essential social events (like early breakfasts or late-night mixers) if you need rest. Prioritize your well-being over FOMO. -- Pay attention to your body and mind. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, take a break, even a short one can help you reset. ➡️ SCHEDULE TIME FOR FOLLOW-UP: -- Review your notes and contacts as soon as possible after the event to combat the “forgetting curve”. -- Set calendar reminders to follow up with new connections-ideally within a month, and then periodically (such as quarterly) to maintain relationships. -- Send personalized LinkedIn connection requests to everyone you met, referencing your conversation to reinforce the connection. -- Use #technology to your advantage: AI-powered apps can help summarize sessions, organize notes, and remind you of action items. What’s your best tip to avoid conference fatigue❓

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

We got 45+ demo calls booked after a massively successful SaaSBoomi conference. Here’s how we did it, and how you can make the most of any conference: 1️⃣ 🎙️ Get a presenter slot: If an opening comes up to do a live demo, jump on it immediately. While securing a slot isn't entirely within your control, there are some things you can do to increase your chances. For eg, we constantly post on LinkedIn to improve the odds that people have heard of us. Neel Balar is very active at founder networking sessions, and happened to meet the #SaaSBoomi organizers at their Bangalore mixer. 2️⃣ 👉 Know your audience: If you get a presenter slot, tailor your demo to resonate with your crowd. For eg, the SaaSBoomi audience mainly comprised Indian founders, so we got their attention by converting a product demo video from an Indian to American accent, showing Clueso (YC W23)'s power for international sales. Prajwal Prakash also dedicated significant effort to build our English-to-Tamil auto-translation, which received huge applause from the crowd in #Chennai when we translated a Hubspot help article and demo video to #Tamil. 3️⃣ ✋ Network, but DO NOT sell: Talk to as many people as you can, but do not push your product on them. Don’t be shy, just go up to and start talking to people. Networking is particularly easy if you get to present; many people will have seen your demo and will initiate conversation with you. Do not sell your product unless they tell you how it could be helpful for them. People will walk away from you if you make it look like you’re trying to get something out of them. 4️⃣ 🍀 Maximise your luck: At the closing ceremony, we got front-row seats for the stand-up tech roast. For better or for worse, they picked on us for 30 mins straight: our company’s name, our age, and our lack of travel experience. The show was hilarious, but more importantly, nobody could leave the conference without having heard of Clueso. 5️⃣ 🧠 Learn: Attend the conference sessions; they offer valuable insights. At SaaSBoomi, I found the sessions on building the optimal landing page by Shruti Kapoor and Ashwin Ramasamy, and Wardley map strategizing by Prasanna Krishnamoorthy, especially enlightening. Not to mention the inspiring talks by legends like Girish Mathrubootham, Krish Subramanian. 6️⃣ 🏡 After going home: Follow up with anyone who expressed interest in your product. Again, don’t push your product on them. Gently remind them that they expressed interest in your product and politely request for a follow-up call.   7️⃣ 👕 BONUS TIP – make sure to wear your company t-shirts! Have your company logo in large at the front, and an inviting tagline at the back. Many people will see your tagline and that becomes a conversation starter.  Put these tips into practice at your next conference, and let me know how it goes! ✨ Special thanks to Hemant Mohapatra, Nivedha Venkatesh for an incredible event and the SaaSBoomi team for giving us this opportunity.

How to Network Better at Tech Conferences 🚀  Tech conferences are a goldmine for building valuable connections, but many people either overthink networking or don’t approach it strategically. Here’s how to make the most of your time and build meaningful relationships:  1️⃣ **Identify Who’s Attending** – Check the attendee list, speaker lineup, and event hashtags. Announce on LinkedIn that you’ll be attending to attract connections ahead of time.  2️⃣ **Reach Out Beforehand** – Don’t wait until the event! Message people you'd like to meet, whether speakers, recruiters, or peers, to set up quick chats.  3️⃣ **Engage in Real Conversations** – Instead of just exchanging business cards, focus on learning about people. Ask about their work, interests, and challenges—real relationships matter.  4️⃣ **Schedule Meetings** – Many conferences have scheduling apps. Book time with key people before the event ends, so you don’t miss out.  5️⃣ **Follow Up Afterward** – The real networking happens post-conference. Connect on LinkedIn, send a thank-you message, and keep the conversation going.  💡 Pro tip: Share conference insights on LinkedIn while you’re there! Tag people you meet and engage in discussions to maximize visibility.  Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about creating opportunities. Who else is leveling up their conference networking this year? Let’s connect! 🔗💬  #Networking #TechConferences #Cybersecurity