Tips to Maximize Networking at Conferences

Networking can feel difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Following a few simple guidelines can 10x your results. The primary reasons most people struggle with networking is because: - They focus on the wrong people - They make it all about their own needs If you want better results from your networking? 1. Talk To People You're Genuinely Excited To Engage With Don't just reach out to someone because they might be able to help you get a job. Reach out to people who will help you level up no matter what. Reach out to people who are doing things you're genuinely interested in. That will make things much more authentic. 2. Give 3+ Times Before You Ask Don't get stuck on the number 3. The lesson here is to focus on giving value or making it about the other person first. The more you do that, the more social capital you build. That makes you more likely to get a "yes" when you do ask. 3. Engage In Ways That Create Energy For You Networking doesn't have to be a 30 minute Zoom call. It also doesn't need to be a boring email. Networking can be: - Engaging with LinkedIn content - Connecting with someone at a virtual event - Going for a walk while you chat with them on the phone - DMs on a social platform - Etc. You'll be most effective when you do this in ways that feel good to you. 4. Always Open The Door For The Next Interaction Way too many people finally land that networking convo, but have no idea what to say after to keep things going. Make a point to have a few questions or strategies that keep the door open. One of my favorites is to ask for a small piece of advice. Then you can act on it and follow up with your results. 5. Thank Everyone Who Helps You Not just the people who refer you in. Not just the people who actually got on a coffee chat with you. Thank the people who replied, who introduced you, who offer small pieces of advice, and everyone in between. Thank them when they initially help you. Then thank them again when you land that job. A small thank you note goes a long way.

As we go into SXSW weekend, I thought I would share some in-person networking tips from my LinkedIn Strategies for Founders guide. In my corporate days, a conference meant shaking hands and collecting the most business cards I could. (Do people even have business cards anymore?) I know realize it's about making real connections, ones that actually move the needle. Here's how to do it right: 1️⃣ Be memorable, not generic. Have a super short intro and tell them something about you that will stick. (Mine: "I am an angel investor, board director, and startup advisor. I also have the best pet in the world, Amber the Chicken Dog." People remember me because I have the best dog ever - and that she is a Chicken Dog.) 2️⃣ Ask better questions. Instead of "What do you do?" try: "What's the most exciting thing you're working on?"  "What are you hoping to get out of this event?"  "Who is the person you want to meet here?" 3️⃣ Listen more than you talk. People love to talk about themselves. Let them. You'll come across as a good listener and a thoughtful person. 4️⃣ Give before you take. Offer a connection, an insight, or a resource before you ask for anything. (But always have your own ask ready to go!) 5️⃣ Follow up. A quick DM or email within 24 hours makes you stand out. Don't forget to remind them exactly where you met and what you talked about. (It will help you remember as well!) Here are my biggest hacks: ✅ Have your phone screen saver be your LinkedIn QR code. ✅ Ask them to connect with you (don't have them follow). ✅ You've then got the list of all the people who connected with you to follow up with them. Send them a message after you accept the connection (see above). ✅ Take notes when you're talking; they'll be honored you find the discussion so worthy. Networking isn't about selling yourself. It's about building relationships. And relationships open doors that a cold email never will. ----- I'm Katie Dunn, an Angel Investor, Board Director, and Startup Advisor. I prepare founders for fundraising, and they gain confidence, resources, and connections. Check out my LinkedIn Strategies for Founders guide (link in Featured Section).

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

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

I hate to break it to you all, but I’m a fraud…. I am not the extrovert that everyone assumes I am. In fact, the first picture you see is me hiding in the bathroom mentally preparing for a networking event. For those who don’t know, a couple weeks ago it was CBC week. Essentially this means everyone and their mother came to DC. Everyday there were a multitude of events from networking and mixers, to late night parties. Despite what y’all see on here, I am not the most outward person (a faćade I know) To be honest, I normally get anxious when networking. I feel awkward randomly walking up to someone I don’t know and trying to start a conversation. I’m scared it’ll feel forced or I’ll seem too overbearing. However, as a young professional, I’ve made a pact to myself to do things that put me outside of my comfort zone and going to networking events alone is one of them. As daunting as it may seem, once you have a strategy for networking, things seem to work out just fine. So here are some things I do to prepare for networking events: 1️⃣ Review event attendees Most events posted on platforms like Eventbrite and LinkedIn will display who is attending the event. I always try to make it a priority to look into the attendees at least once before the event. As I do this, I note who aligns with my interests or work to remind myself to connect with them at the event. 2️⃣ Make a list of common questions to ask If there’s one thing people like to talk about, it’s themselves. Due to that, I have a running list of questions to ask individuals who I meet. I try to ask a mix of questions that are both personal and professional. Here are some examples: ✨Tell me a little about what you currently do. Is there anything you would change about your current role or industry? ✨Where are you from originally? How did you experience growing up shape who you are today? (side note, if they’re from the area in which you’re networking in them, you could also ask about their favorite local spots) ✨If you weren’t in your current field or role, what do you think you’d be doing instead? 3️⃣ Set goals I have learned that you do not have to network with the entire room to have had a good experience or make your mark. In fact, I would argue that having a few good conversations outweighs having 50 basic ones. Thus, the goals I set for myself are focused on making genuine connections. I normally set the goal of having at least 3 genuine conversations over the course of a 2 hour networking event. So far, I’ve been hitting the mark! 4️⃣ Monitor my social battery I do not believe in forcing ANYTHING. So when it comes to a point when I’m all talked out, I leave. There is no shame in it. There is no blame in it. I encourage you all to do the same. You do not need to make yourself stay in a place in which you are overwhelmed. — What are some ways you prepare for networking events? #tipswithtaylor #networking #genz

It’s Conference Season: Do This Before You Attend👀 Here are 5 things I highly recommend doing ahead of any tech conference if you want to walk away with more than just swag: 💼 1. Submit your resume to the event portal
If the conference shares attendee resumes with sponsors, use that. It’s a chance to get on someone’s radar before you even say hello. 🔎 2. Check the sponsor list and highlight your target companies
Go in with a plan. Knowing who you want to talk to helps you skip the small talk and focus your energy on real opportunities. 🗣 3. Have your elevator pitch ready
Conferences move fast. You should be able to confidently say who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for—in 15 seconds or less. 🖥 4. Update your professional profiles
Assume everyone you meet will look you up. Make sure your LinkedIn, portfolio, and resume reflect the version of you you’re pitching. 📱 5. Make your digital business card your lock screen
It eliminates awkward fumbling and makes exchanging info seamless. Just one scan and boom—connected. Conferences are too valuable to just “see what happens.” Go in with a strategy, show up with intention, and follow up like it’s your job. #RenderATL #ConferencePrep #NetworkingTips #TechEvents #CareerMoves #BlackInTech ——————————————————————— 🙋🏾♀️Hi, I’m Naya! ✨I share tips & insights for new and aspiring tech professionals 🤓Follow for daily tips & insights

I’ve exhibited at 6 conferences in the last 4 months. These conversations have led to dozens of deals. Here’s the counterintuitive “don’ts” that helped us stand out: 🚫 Don’t be in the booth.  Be in front of the booth, around the booth, but never in the booth. Being behind the booth makes you seem closed off and separate from your prospects. Instead, my approach is to stand in front of the booth, make eye contact, and smile. You’d be surprised how many potential prospects won’t talk to you because you’re hiding behind your booth. Thanks Hilmon Sorey for this tip! 🚫 Don’t talk about the product until you’re asked.  Everyone at the conference is trying to sell their product and attendees are tired of it. Instead just try to be a fun presence that people want to talk to. One way Gabe Villasana and I do this is by raffling a whiskey bottle. Instead of saying “Do you need AI for proposals?”, we open with “Do you like whiskey?” This almost always leads to a conversation where an attendee will ask us unprompted about our product. 🚫 Don’t demo. This is probably my most controversial advice. At a conference, people are being exposed to hundreds of new ideas, products, and people. Seeing a demo will blur with all the new things they saw and experienced. Instead I like to talk through our product, the problems we solve, and book a meeting on the spot.

Conferences are expensive. Flights, hotels, tickets, it all adds up. And at pre-seed, every dollar counts. So if you’re showing up just to “check it out,” don’t bother. Go in with a plan. Here’s how I before you go: 1) Make a hit list. Who do you NEED to meet? Investors, potential partners, early hires? Find them on LinkedIn, Twitter, and the event app. 2) Get intros NOW. If you wait until you’re at the conference, you’re too late. Ask mutual connections to make introductions before you land. 3) DM investors. Most won’t respond, but some will. Keep it short: “Hi [Name], I’ll be at [Conference]. Would love to connect, are you doing any office hours or meetups?” 4) Find the side events. The best networking isn’t at the main stage, it’s at private dinners, happy hours, and investor-hosted roundtables. Research them and RSVP early. 5) Rehearse your 10-second hook. No one wants a full pitch at a conference. Nail your “we’re building X to solve Y, and we just hit Z milestone.” Make it crisp. Conferences aren’t magic. But if you put in the work before you go, you can walk in with meetings lined up instead of just hoping for a lucky break. Who’s heading to SXSW? What’s your prep strategy? 👇

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.

🎯 5 Networking Tips to Build Authentic Relationships in 2025 As many of you know, I’m being extremely intentional about networking and building relationships this year. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards! it’s about creating genuine connections. Here are 5 tips to help you thrive at your next networking event: 1️⃣ Come Prepared: Know who’s attending and do a little homework on the people you’d like to connect with. Have a goal in mind—whether it’s to meet 3 new people or find someone with a specific expertise. 2️⃣ Find Common Ground: One of my favorite ways to strike up a conversation is by noticing something interesting about someone or giving a sincere compliment. For example, yesterday, I complimented a woman’s stylish glasses, and we started chatting. Turns out, she also lived in NYC for a few years, and we hit it off! 3️⃣ Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of small talk, dive deeper. Ask things like, “What brought you to this event?” or “What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately?” People love sharing their stories! 4️⃣ Be a Connector: Sometimes the best way to network is by connecting others. If you know someone who can help the person you’re talking to, make the introduction. It’s a powerful way to add value. 5️⃣ Follow Up: Networking doesn’t end when the event is over. Send a LinkedIn request or a quick email saying how much you enjoyed meeting them. Relationships are built through consistency. ✨ The key to great networking is authenticity! Show up as yourself, be curious, and look for ways to create meaningful connections. 🌟 Bonus tips: wear something unforgettable, colorful, sparkly or a funky fashion piece that helps you stand out from the crowd that could be a conversation starter!! 💎 I love my sparkly Rhinestone Betsey Johnson Boots 💎 What’s your favorite networking tip? Let’s build relationships together this year! Drop your thoughts in the comments. 👇 #NetworkingTips #RelationshipBuilding #ProfessionalGrowth #Authenticity #Leadership