How to Create a Networking Plan for Events

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

It's wedding season here in The Channel! AKA the time when all the Technology Solutions Distributors host their large national events (Telarus, AVANT Communications, AppDirect, Sandler Partners, Intelisys)   Here are my recommendations on how to get the most (as a supplier) out of these events. **In no particular order** Take Notes of Connections: These events are busy and chaotic. Have a predefined way of tracking the conversations you had and the follow-up needed. Don’t think you are going to remember them all. If you are successful, it could be dozens of people you need to follow up with, and remembering them all is next to impossible.   Be Fully Present: Commit to the event wholeheartedly. Set your out-of-office replies, and focus on engaging with everyone there. Utilize every meal and meeting as a chance to connect and exchange ideas. Move around, meet new people, and foster relationships.    Join After-Hours Networking Events: Stay for the late-night gatherings. You don’t need to drink to be at the bar. This is where real connections are made in a relaxed setting. Use this time to get to know others on a personal level and not be so quick to pitch your product. Prepare Thoroughly for Meetings: Do your homework and schedule meetings with partners at the event. Prepare before meetings to understand their business and how you can add value. Have an agenda and ensure every meeting ends with a Scheduled Next Event (SNE).   Commit to Education Sessions: Participate in the sessions, even if you think you need to know the content. It’s a chance to learn what’s relevant to your partners and competitors. Use it as a professional development opportunity.   Perfect Your Elevator Pitch: Practice until it’s second nature. Be clear, concise, and confident in delivering your unique value proposition in 30 seconds or less.   Expand Beyond Your Circle: Resist the urge to stay with your colleagues. Use this time to meet new people. Spread out and make new connections that can lead to potential partnerships and opportunities.   Attend the Awards Dinner: Top sponsors have prime seating with Top Trusted Advisors, creating an invaluable networking opportunity at the dinner. Make sure to attend these ceremonies to connect with key players in the industry.   Use the Registration List Effectively: Relying just on your marketing team to send out a canned email after the event is a less effective way of growing your market. Use the list to do research and find the partners you believe you could add value to their business and reach out to them by phone.      These channel events are a great way of meeting new partners and connecting with the ones you are already finding success with. These are some of the most productive and expensive events in the industry. PRO TIP: To get an ROI out of the event put together a strategic vision and plan tactical activities with detailed metrics before the event.  

After hosting over 150 events for founders and investors, here’s what I’ve learned: If you’re attending events without a plan, you’re wasting time. Founders need to strategize their attendance just like they strategize their product or pitch. Here’s how: 1. Define your goal Are you meeting investors? Developers? Potential users? 2. Know who you need to meet Write names or roles down 3. Figure out where they’ll be Not every event attracts the same crowd 4. Go to the right rooms Targeted events work better than popular ones 5. Don’t network just to network It’s great to catch up with friends, but if you’re raising or hiring, stay intentional 6. Learn how to exit a conversation Not every chat needs to go on forever. It’s okay to pivot and move on Your time is your runway. Treat events like a business asset, not a social distraction #foundertips #startuplife #vcnetworking #eventstrategy #techfounders #entrepreneurmindset #businessgrowth