How to Get the Most Out of Attending a Conference

Tyler, conferences are packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow—but without a plan, it’s easy to feel like you didn’t make the most of it. With a little preparation, a proactive mindset, and a focus on helping others, you can turn any conference into a valuable experience.

1. Do Your Homework

Preparation is key to making a conference worthwhile. The earlier you start, the better positioned you’ll be to make meaningful connections.

• Research Attendees and Speakers: Review the list of speakers, panelists, and attendees (if available). Identify the people you’d like to meet, such as industry leaders, potential collaborators, or peers.

• Reach Out Early: Don’t wait until the conference starts to connect. Many people’s schedules fill up quickly. If there’s someone you’re eager to meet, send a message in advance. For example: “I see you’re speaking at [conference]. I’d love to grab coffee or breakfast to discuss [specific topic]. Would you have time during the event?” Planning ahead increases the chances they’ll say yes.

• Understand Their Work: Research their background, recent projects, or posts on LinkedIn. This will help you approach them with thoughtful, specific questions, making you stand out.

• Set Goals: Be clear about what you want to achieve. Do you want to meet five new people? Get insights on a particular topic? Introduce yourself to a specific speaker? Having a game plan helps you stay focused.

2. Adopt a “Give First” Mindset

Networking is more meaningful when it’s not just about what you can get but also what you can give.

• Offer to Help: Ask questions like, “What are you working on right now, and how can I support you?” Maybe you can introduce them to someone in your network, recommend a helpful resource, or share your own insights.

• Be Generous: Share knowledge, ideas, or even a simple tip that might help them. For example, if someone mentions a challenge, suggest a tool, article, or strategy that could be useful.

• Follow Through: If you promise to share something or make an introduction, make sure you deliver. This shows you’re reliable and serious about building relationships.

3. Be Strategic About Networking

Once you’re at the conference, use your time wisely to make meaningful connections.

• Plan One-on-One Meetings: Conferences can be chaotic, so carving out focused time with key people is a smart move. In my experience, breakfast is an especially good option—it’s quieter, more relaxed, and perfect for meaningful conversations. Plus, it appeals to those who might prefer to skip late-night, alcohol-heavy events.

• Start Conversations with Purpose: Instead of small talk, lead with something specific. For example: “I enjoyed your presentation on [topic]. I’m curious—how do you see [related issue] evolving in the next year?” Thoughtful questions make you more memorable.

• Be Present: When you’re talking to someone, give them your full attention. Listen actively, ask follow-up questions, and avoid scanning the room for your next conversation or checking your phone.

4. Follow Up After the Conference

The connections you make at a conference are only as valuable as the effort you put into maintaining them.

• Send Thoughtful Follow-Ups: Reach out within a few days of the conference, referencing your conversation to make it personal. For example: “It was great meeting you at the [session/panel]! I really enjoyed our chat about [specific topic]. Let’s stay in touch.” LinkedIn is a great tool to do that.

• Engage with Speakers: If a speaker’s talk resonated with you, let them know. Be specific about what you liked, such as: “Your session on [topic] gave me some great ideas for [specific takeaway]. Thank you for sharing your insights!” Then, ask to connect or continue the conversation.

• Leverage Social Media: Share your key takeaways from the conference and tag the event or people you met. This keeps you visible and reinforces connections.

5. Stay Organized

It’s easy to lose track of the people you meet and the conversations you have. Keep notes on who you talked to, what you discussed, and any follow-up actions. A notebook, notes app, or spreadsheet can help you stay organized and make your follow-ups more personal.

The Bottom Line

Conferences are more than just sessions and panels—they’re about building relationships and creating opportunities. By planning ahead, focusing on helping others, inviting people to connect one-on-one, and following up afterward, you’ll stand out as someone who is thoughtful, professional, and genuinely invested in building meaningful connections. And don’t underestimate the power of breakfast—it’s a quiet, focused way to build relationships and stand out in a crowded conference environment. When you lead with generosity and purpose, the rewards will follow.

Helping you Thrive,

Judy

Founder, Selby Strategies

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