Seven steps to making new networking connections at party conferences
Party conference season is the perfect time for public affairs professionals to make new contacts. But with a packed schedule of events, fringe programmes and tight security it's best to plan in advance.
Depending on how you feel about networking, heading to party conferences – especially for the first time – and knowing how to make the most of them can be a daunting experience. Each conference represents a packed few days with lots going on and potential to forge new connections. With the busy autumn season underway, here's how:
1. Know what you want to get out of networking
Are you there solely for work purposes and to meet people that have knowledge or connections for your current role? Are you contributing to business development and scouting out potential new clients? Or are you also using conferences to build connections for your next role? Having a clear idea of your goals helps make navigating conferences, and focussing your attention, easier.
2. Have your elevator pitch ready
Depending on your networking goals, have your elevator pitch ready to go and in a voice that is authentic to you. Keep it brief – 90 seconds is a good time limit to aim for – and practise in advance.
3. Review the fringe programme
Take time before you arrive to go through the fringe programme and identify the events you most want to attend, keeping in mind who else is likely to be there and you want to meet. Have a loose schedule planned out but avoid overpacking your agenda, to spare yourself from endlessly dashing from one engagement to another. Don’t forget about events outside the secure zone, as these can be just as valuable and interesting as those inside the secure zone.
4. Map it out
Scope out which events are hosted where and try and gain a sense of your bearings in advance. Be generous when building in time to get to and from different locations, factoring in queuing time to get through conference security – which can be busy at peak times. This is especially helpful if you are planning to explore both inside and outside of the secure zone. On a very practical note, be sure to pack comfy shoes!
5. Connect with colleagues before you go
Where possible, identify colleagues – from your company or wider network – in advance to see who else is attending. It can be encouraging to know that you have a familiar face to say hello to and head to events together, especially if it’s your first time navigating conferences. Having said that, avoid the temptation to spend all your time with the same people and try to attend at least the odd event solo or explore exhibition stands on your own.
6. Set up meetings in advance
It can be helpful to schedule a few meetings with industry connections for when you are there. Aim for meeting times that don’t clash with major speeches in the main hall or fringe timings when people will be busier. Otherwise, be open to going with the flow and making the most of chance encounters and informal conversations at events or drinks receptions.
7. Take notes and follow up
Exchange contact details with new connections and keep a careful record of names, notes and any actions from your conversations. Even brief bullet points are better than nothing. You – and your colleagues – will appreciate it when it comes to logging and following up on interactions afterwards.
Michelle Langley is a CIPR Greater London committee member, and public affairs manager at the British Academy, the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences.
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