10 Tips for Networking, Energy-Stoking, and Getting the Most Out of a Professional Conference  

As a freelance writer, I find that attending and covering conferences is one of the most valuable things I can do to drum up new business and make new professional connections. And while I don’t consider myself a tech expert, the work I do for tech-based clients – including attending conferences — requires me to keep up in the conversation and stay abreast of what’s happening in the industry.

Whether you’re a digital marketer, a web developer, or a freelancer like me, you might very well find yourself in the mix at a tech conference where you’re expected to learn, promote your company, and network. Here are my tips for keeping your cool and not only surviving, but thriving at a tech conference.

1. Attend the Opening Party
This might seem like an easy agenda item to skip: you might be tired from a long day of travel or nervous to jump into the bullpen, but diving into a tech conference headfirst is the best way to get started and feel like you’re a part of the action.

So you should do your best to attend whatever opening events your conference offers.  Whether it’s a party or a ceremony, the first hours of a conference are a great time to break the ice with other attendees and get a feel for the personality of the event.

2. Set Networking Goals
Especially if you’re an introvert, this technique is super-helpful.  Set networking mini-goals every day to give yourself some encouragement in reaching out and introducing yourself to new people.

For example, if you’re at a cocktail hour, tell yourself you’ll stay until you meet and connect with at least three new people. Or, if you’re attending a session, tell yourself that to get the most out of it, you have to introduce yourself to the person next to you.

It might not seem like a lot, but you’ll be amazed at how accomplished you’ll feel when you urge yourself to get outside your comfort zone.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothing
At a tech conference, wardrobe runs the gamut; you’ll see the classic “hoodie and flip-flop” ensemble standing next to a pencil skirt and heels. Simply put: wear what makes you feel confident.

Tech conferences are usually non-stop, with an agenda that spills over from day to night. Chances are, you’ll need outfits that can take you from a day full of sessions to a night full of cocktail parties – so jeans, no-fuss blouses, and simple dresses will be your best friends at this type of event.

4. Don’t Skip Out on the Keynote
Even if a keynote doesn’t seem relevant to your career path, try to find time to catch it and listen. Often, you learn the most from speakers to whom you (initially) might think you can’t relate.  Plus, you don’t want to kick yourself later for skipping a speaker your company or client paid for you to go see.

And if nothing else “Hey, what’d you think of that keynote?” is a great ice-breaker at the closing party.

5. Live Tweet a Session
If you’re at a tech conference, chances are you’re also active on social media. Take advantage of a large, concentrated audience to grow your following by live-tweeting a session or sending regular updates from the conference floor.

Another pro tip: if you’re bad at keeping track of business cards, follow the people you meet on Twitter, right after connecting with them. It will give you better insight into what they do and will help you remember them after the conference is over.

6. Savor Some Downtime
Don’t try to do it all. Even the most extroverted of us (ahem … guilty) need a moment to ourselves to relax and unwind. Start your day with a quiet coffee or sneak away before dinner for a glass of wine, party of one. Creating some downtime for yourself is also key if you’re planning to get any work done — aside from power networking — at the conference. I typically have to write at least one or two articles, so finding that time where I don’t feel pressured to be anywhere or do anything else is key to my sanity in an otherwise busy, fast-paced environment.

7. Explore the City
Tech conferences can often take you to a new city. While it’s important to immerse yourself in your conference environment, take advantage of the fact that you might be visiting an exciting place outside your hometown.

Just this year, tech conferences have taken me to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Austin — all for the first time. It’s great to take the opportunity to explore some local restaurants, landmarks, and attractions. I promise you won’t regret it!

8. Be Assertive
Maybe you speak tech with the best of them, or maybe you work on the periphery of tech like myself. If so, it can be intimidating to jump into a conversation that’s dominated by jargon you’ve never heard before.

But it’s not helpful to second-guess your own expertise. If your strengths are in a field outside of tech, then the tech experts likely want to learn from you. Enter every conversation with a confidence that you have something to offer (because guess what? you do!), and you’ll find that you start to feel naturally more comfortable and at ease in situations that once felt daunting.

9. Follow up with New Contacts Post-Conference
So, you set your networking goals and pushed yourself to meet dozens of new professionals who you will strengthen your network…now what?

Answer: Don’t forget to follow up with all of your new conference connections after you get home, without waiting too long, in order to connect when the event is still fresh in everyone’s mind.   Also, when following up, always remind the contact how you met — and if you have something specific you discussed to refer to, even better.

10. Have Fun!
You’re a sharp girl, so there’s no doubt you have your best professional intentions in mind when you head off to your next tech conference. That said, don’t forget to have fun!  It’s not often that you get to attend an event where everyone is this excited to meet other professionals, learn something new, and experience a unique event in a new city. Take it all in and enjoy.  You’ve worked hard for it!