The prospect of attending a conference with networking opportunities can be both exciting and daunting. You can make the most out of industry conferences, such as the 16th World Congress on Menopause this June, by following a few basic networking event tips. Preparing in advance of your next professional event can help you shake the nerves and make lasting connections to benefit your career.
Do Your Research
Don't wait until the day of the event to start networking. If you have a program or list of speakers, do a little online homework to learn more about those who interest you most. You can reach out to them in advance, which maximizes your time at the event and can help make networking easier. Even if you wait until the conference to connect, you'll have an automatic jumping-off point for conversation.
Be Prepared
This is one of the most important networking event tips: A little prep work ahead of time can pay off during the event. Write down your goals for the conference, think of some thoughtful questions you would like to ask, and be ready to talk about yourself and your career in a concise but interesting way. Don't forget to bring business cards, but dole them out sparingly — give them to people you connect with, not every person you see.
Join In
Whether you're gathering at a lunch table, joining a group conversation or participating in a team-building exercise, don't hold back. Treat your fellow attendees like potential friends and don't feel nervous about joining them. Remember that everyone is here for the same purpose. If you feel awkward or like you've interrupted something, you can always politely remove yourself.
Give, Don't Just Get
Networking is a two-way street. Yes, you're attending a conference to learn about your field and make connections, but you have something to offer, too. Think about what you can bring to the table. Can you help make a connection or share a contact? Be willing to contribute your skills and your network, and others will be willing to do the same.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
You don't need to work the room or race to meet everyone at the event. Through your prep work, you will have identified the people you would most like to connect with. Focus on those potential connections rather than blindly handing out your business card or spreading yourself too thin.
Putting These Networking Event Tips Into Practice
Industry conferences can be wonderful opportunities to connect with others in your field, but it's normal to feel nervous, overwhelmed or awkward. By following these networking event tips, you'll grow your system of connections while helping others build theirs. And don't stop at one conference: The more networking events you attend, the more natural the process will become.
