Conferences and networking events can be fantastic opportunities to learn, make connections and discover new ideas.
But they can also feel daunting.
Walking into a busy venue full of people you don't know, figuring out who to speak to, deciding which sessions to attend and trying to make the most of your time can feel overwhelming — particularly if networking isn't something that comes naturally to you.
That's why, in Episode 6 of our podcast, we spoke to Deborah Ward-Johnson, an experienced event management expert, about how to get more from conferences and networking events.
Her advice? Preparation can make all the difference.
Start preparing before you arrive
One of the biggest mistakes people can make is treating a conference as something that starts when they walk through the door.
In reality, the experience starts much earlier.
Deborah points out that we're all different. Some people thrive in busy social environments, while others may feel anxious or uncomfortable. Taking some time to prepare can help reduce that anxiety.
Register early
It sounds obvious, but make sure you're actually registered for the event.
Having this sorted in advance removes one unnecessary source of stress on the day.
Know where you're going
Find out where the venue is, how you're going to get there and what time you need to arrive.
Knowing the practical details beforehand means you're less likely to arrive flustered and can start the day feeling more prepared.
Do your research
Look at the speakers, exhibitors and sessions beforehand.
Who is speaking? Which sessions are relevant to you? Are there particular businesses or people you'd like to connect with?
Having some idea of what to expect gives you a plan — without meaning you have to stick rigidly to it.
Decide what you want to achieve
Before attending a conference, ask yourself:
What do I actually want to get from this?
Perhaps you're looking to learn something new.
Maybe you want to meet potential clients or collaborators.
Perhaps you're researching a particular topic, looking for new technology or simply hoping to expand your network.
Whatever your reason, identifying it beforehand gives you something to focus on. You don't need to speak to everyone in the room or attend every single session. As Deborah explains, conferences give you access to a wealth of people and information. The key is to use that opportunity wisely.
Make networking easier before you arrive
Networking doesn't have to start with walking up to a complete stranger and introducing yourself.
There are plenty of ways to make the first interaction easier.
Use LinkedIn
Check the event hashtag on LinkedIn and see who else is attending. You might spot people you'd like to meet, existing connections you haven't seen for a while or speakers whose work interests you. You can even start a conversation before the event.
Use event apps
Many conferences now have dedicated apps where you can see who's attending, find information about sessions and sometimes message other delegates.
If approaching someone in person feels daunting, starting the conversation online can be a much easier first step.
Take a colleague
If you're attending with someone from your team, you don't necessarily have to stay together all day.
You can divide and conquer — attending different sessions, speaking to different people and sharing what you've learned afterwards.
Having someone familiar there can also make the whole experience feel more comfortable.
Look after yourself during the event
It's easy to get caught up in trying to make the most of every minute.
But conferences can be intense.
There might be hundreds of people, lots of conversations, constant noise and a huge amount of information to take in.
Deborah's advice is simple: look after yourself.
Drink water.
Take breaks.
Step outside for some fresh air.
Give yourself time to reset.
You don't have to be networking every second of the day to have a successful event.
Sometimes stepping away for five minutes can give you the energy you need to get back into the room and make the next useful connection.
Don't overlook exhibitors and sponsors
When you're walking around an exhibition, it can be tempting to avoid the stands because you assume you're simply going to be sold to.
But exhibitors and sponsors are also there to build relationships.
They often have valuable knowledge about their products, services and the challenges businesses like yours are facing.
So don't be afraid to stop, ask questions and have a conversation.
You never know where it might lead.
You don't have to meet everyone
There's often an unspoken pressure at networking events to collect as many contacts as possible.
But more connections don't necessarily mean better connections.
One genuinely useful conversation can be more valuable than a pocket full of business cards.
Focus on having meaningful conversations with people who are relevant to your goals, interests or business.
And don't worry if you don't come away with dozens of new contacts.
Quality matters more than quantity.
If you don't ask, you don't get
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Deborah's advice is to be proactive.
If there's someone you'd like to speak to, go and introduce yourself.
If there's a question you'd like to ask, ask it.
If there's an opportunity you're interested in, find out more.
You don't have to be the most confident person in the room.
You just need to be willing to take that first step.
Make your next conference work harder for you
A conference isn't just a day out of the office.
With a little preparation, it can be an opportunity to learn, connect, discover new ideas and build relationships that continue long after the event has finished.
Before your next conference, take some time to:
Register and check the practical details.
Research the venue, speakers and sessions.
Decide what you want to achieve.
Find out who else is attending.
Use LinkedIn and event apps to start conversations.
Give yourself time to take breaks.
Focus on meaningful conversations rather than meeting everyone.
Be brave enough to ask questions and make connections.
And remember — you don't have to completely change your personality to become a great networker.
Prepare in a way that works for you, give yourself a clear purpose and take the pressure off trying to do everything.
Listen to The Rest is Data Podcast
Want to hear more from Deborah Ward-Johnson?
🎙️ Episode 6: Maximizing Your Conference Experience with Deborah Ward-Johnson
Listen to the full episode for more practical advice on preparing for events, networking with confidence and making the most of the opportunities in front of you.
