Index
- Pre-event preparation
- During the event
- Post event actions
Pre-event preparation
Create a List of Objectives / Outcomes:
- Networking Goals: Identify specific types of professionals you want to connect with, such as influencers within your industry, potential clients, or partners. Set a realistic goal for the number of new contacts you wish to make.
- Learning Objectives: Pinpoint key topics or trends you want to learn more about based on the event agenda.
- Visibility Aims: Determine how you want to increase your or your business’s visibility—by asking relevant questions, social media engagement, or direct interactions.
Leverage Social Media:
- Announce your attendance on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter using the event hashtag. This can alert your network and facilitate pre-event connections.
Engage with Organizers and Speakers:
- Connect with them on LinkedIn to express your interest in the event. A brief message about what you look forward to can lay the groundwork for in-person conversations.
Session Selection:
- For multi-track events, review the agenda in detail and prioritize sessions that align with your learning objectives. Consider balancing topics you’re familiar with and new areas for broader insights.
Prepare Your Pitch:
- Develop a concise self-introduction that highlights your unique value proposition. Prepare open-ended questions tailored to your objectives, which can also serve as conversation starters.
QR Code for Calendar:
- Generate a QR code linking to your scheduling tool (e.g., Calendly) to make booking meetings seamless. This shows professionalism and respect for others’ time.
Identify Key Exhibitors:
- Research the exhibitors and sponsors beforehand. Identify which ones align with your business interests or could be potential partners or clients.
Collect Contact Details:
- Plan to collect business cards or digital contact information. Having a digital business card ready can also facilitate this exchange.
Connect with Attendees:
- Use the event app, if available, to find and connect with other attendees. Utilize event-specific hashtags and Boolean searches on social media to identify people with shared interests.
- Set up meetings in advance when possible to ensure you connect with key individuals.
Engage with Event Hashtag:
- Follow and contribute to the event’s hashtag on social media to engage with relevant content and increase your visibility.
During The Event
Early Arrival:
- Arriving early can give you a strategic advantage in meeting organizers and exhibitors before the crowd sets in.
Utilize Email and Messaging:
- Politely reach out to attendees and speakers you wish to meet through email, linkedin and whatsapp messages. Be mindful of privacy and consent. However, this is a fantastic hack which helped me get many meetings.
Photograph Opportunities:
- Taking photos with new connections, especially influencers and speakers, can enhance your social media posts and provide memorable takeaways.
During The Event
Subtle way of pitching to the wider audience:
- Ask the relevant questions with the prepared self introduction during the session gives you the limelight to the wider audience.
Engage Deeply:
- Focus on having meaningful conversations rather than spreading yourself too thin. Quality connections often lead to more substantial outcomes.
Share Insights:
- Post snippets of your learnings and experiences on social media using the event hashtag. This can amplify your visibility and contribute to the event’s online discussion.
Post Event Activities
Share Learnings:
- Write a post-event summary or blog post highlighting your key takeaways. Tag people and companies involved to maintain engagement.
Personalized Follow-Up:
Send personalized emails to the contacts you made. Reference specific conversations you had to reinforce the connection and suggest next steps.
Conclusion
Implementing all of these strategies might not guarantee 100% of your desired outcomes due to various unpredictable factors. Nonetheless, by taking these comprehensive steps, you’re likely to see improved results. More importantly, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve done everything within your power to achieve your goals.
