Building a Networking Plan for Your Next Conference

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

I used to come back from conferences with a stack of business cards and zero results. Now I have a system that actually works (and it's simpler than you think): My Pre-Conference Checklist: • I write down 3-5 specific questions I'm struggling with • I find the exact sessions and people who can help • I reach out before everyone's calendar gets crazy What I Actually Do There: I go in with clear intentions. • What do I need to learn? • Who should I meet? • Which tools might solve our problems? I focus conversations on getting specific takeaways I can implement The little things make a difference. • Use sessions for networking, not just sitting • Take notes on who to follow up with and why • Connect with people at the conference, not weeks later I've found that being intentional transforms conferences from expensive trips into valuable investments. ...and sharing what you learn helps the whole team win. ps But if you want to go deeper and missed today's Fraud Friday MRC preview. Grab it here. And you can watch it on the plane to Vegas: https://lnkd.in/ePcJgtvX

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

Forget the free food and swag. The real conference ROI? Stronger relationships. Here's how you do it: Was advising a founder headed to her first conference as an entrepreneur rather than just for fun / to hang out. These events can be intimidating and expensive so you want to make the most of your time and energy. Here's a recap of what we discussed: ◾ Know your goal. You are there to advance your business through relationships and new insights / information. Manage your energy, get enough sleep, don't eat too much of the free food if its junk. ◾ Chat everyone up. Your job is to build relationships with new friends and potential collaborators / customers. If you see people you know, great but don't spend all your time with them—use them to meet other folks "Can I join your group at lunch?" ◾ Small talk matters. Start w/ simple questions like "Is this your first time at XYZ Con?" "When did you get in / where did you come in from?" "What are you most hoping to get out of this event?" And be prepared to answer all those q's for yourself! ◾ Be choosy about the talks. Pick a few of the events you really think will be worth your time and ask a public question during the Q&A. It can make an impression for the speakers and also the audience (people will remember you and maybe start up a convo with you later) ◾ Be ready to connect. Have a QR code or link ready to your company / socials / mailing list. You'll completely forget to do this later and seconds matter b/c people get distracted / bored. ◾ Follow up with people. Do it right away so you don't forget who they were—email or social media DM. Remind them of how you met and share a memory or insight or piece of media that can help cement your relationship. Try to set up a call or at least be friendly on social in the DMs or in comments. ◾ All you need is a few good ones. It can feel overwhelming but if you can walk away from a conference with even just 2 strong relationships (which might happen slowly over time) for a conference to be a great investment. These days I don't attend as many conferences unless I'm speaking but early in my career these events helped me connect and deepen relationships with a lot of amazing people. What are your favorite tips when it comes to a conference?