Tips for Starting Conversations at Conferences

Most people don’t know this, but I’m an introvert. Yet, I’ve attended 9 conferences this year alone and plan to hit even more next year. For introverts, conferences can feel overwhelming due to the lack of social structure. Walking around aimlessly trying to find someone to talk to is draining. But showing up to a morning run is much lower risk. So here’s my guide for introverts to crush it at conferences: DO: ☑ Plan meals ahead of time with someone. I live by the mantra, “Never eat alone” (great book too). ☑ Book meetings in advance. This cuts down on unstructured time and helps avoid feeling like a loner in the crowd. ☑ Announce you’re going on social media. It’s a great way to find out who else is attending and make early connections. ☑ Reach out to people you already know. This helps you recharge by connecting with familiar faces, but don’t spend all your time with them—you want to meet new folks too. ☑ Use the conference app. Reach out to attendees with shared interests. You’ll already have a topic to connect over. ☑ Speak at the conference. It’s nerve-wracking, but you'll get so much more from the event and instantly connect with attendees. This way people approach you vs you having to approach strangers. ☑ Organize your own side events. I’m known as the “fitness guy” at conferences because I always organize a morning run or pickleball tournament. It’s an easy way to connect with like-minded people. ☑ Stay at the event hotel. You’ll naturally bump into people from the event and build connections without even trying. ☑ Ask thoughtful questions. Skip the small talk and ask something like, “What made you start your business?” or “What’s giving you the most energy these days?” These questions lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. ☑ Maintain good energy. Good energy attracts good energy. You'll have more engaging conversations when you're in a positive state. Take a break or do whatever you need to do to keep your energy high. ☑ Allow for some unstructured time. It’s unnerving, but often the best connections happen when you’re not planning them. DON’T: ☒ Rely on organizers to make the event introvert-friendly. You have the power to make it work for you with the tips above. ☒ Force yourself to stay out late. If late-night parties aren’t your scene, don’t sweat it. I thrive in the morning activities I organize instead. ☒ Feel obligated to continue low-energy conversations. Politely excuse yourself and move on. ☒ Try to be someone you’re not. Be authentic. Lean into the discomfort. Over time, you’ll make peace with it. ☒ Remember, the introvert’s superpower is being thoughtful and intentional. If you play it right, you’ll get more out of a conference than most extroverts, despite having fewer conversations overall. Quality connections > Quantity of them. There’s more I could share, but I’m hitting LinkedIn’s character limit. Hope this helps you thrive at your next event! You rock. —Wes

Conference season is picking back up, and I keep seeing the same mistake over and over: incredibly smart people walking away from rooms they paid to be in with nothing but a stack of business cards and a LinkedIn request pending. So I'm sharing the exact framework I use to make sure that doesn't happen to me, as someone who builds professional communities for a living. I call it the 3 C's: Connect, Common Ground, Collaborate. It's not a script. It's a structure that keeps me from defaulting to the forgettable credential-dump most of us were taught. Connect starts with your full name. Ladies, that means first AND last. Then share what you're currently passionate about and how your work ties into it. Don't forget to weave in your value as context, not as a credential. If you want to know more about articulating your value, see my previous post. Here's what that sounds like for me in practice: "Hi, I'm Sadasia McCutchen. I'm here because AI is fundamentally changing how work gets done, how GTM teams operate, and how product and engineering decisions get made. As Head of Ecosystem at SignalFire, I build rooms for leaders to think through this together, and I'm actively exploring what those rooms need to look like right now." Then end with a real question. Something like: "What's been the most useful community or room you've been in lately that's actually helped you make better decisions around AI?" See what's happening? My value isn't listed as a credential. It's woven into why I'm there. That's the difference between an introduction that lands and one that gets forgotten by the time you reach the reception. Common Ground is about listening for what you actually share, not just surface-level overlap. Not "oh, we're both in tech." The shared tension, the shared curiosity, the problem you're both quietly trying to solve. Collaborate is where most people drop the ball. Once you find common ground, name it out loud. "It sounds like we're both thinking about X, and I'd love to keep this conversation going." Then actually follow up. The whole sequence takes maybe 90 seconds. But it's the difference between leaving a conference with a stack of business cards and leaving with two or three conversations you actually want to continue.

If networking makes you anxious, here’s one of my favorite confidence shortcuts: Confidence comes from purpose. When I used to go to big conferences, the breaks were the hardest part. Everyone wandering around, trying to figure out who to talk to… and I’d freeze. So I gave myself a simple purpose: Get in line. Any line. I’d stand in the longest Starbucks line, grab a tiny coffee, then get in another line for a snack, then another line for a treat. Every time I stood in line I talked to the person ahead of me or behind me (whichever one seemed less interested in their phones). And it worked. I ended up meeting dozens of people this way. Lines give you a gentle, built-in way to talk to people without the pressure of walking up cold. I’d say something simple, “Learn anything cool at this conference so far?” This worked super well for quickly getting to do a chemistry check with someone. If it worked, we would sit down together or take a walk. If not, we wished each other well. But the real magic trick is this: After you get your coffee or snack, stand near the spot where people step out of the line. That moment when someone turns back toward the room — drink in hand, scanning for who to talk to — that’s your opening. You can make it super easy and warm: • “Love that coffee. Is it good?” • “What brings you here today?” • “Such a fun event, right?” They’re relieved someone spoke first. You’re relieved you had a purpose. And the conversation flows naturally. It becomes a win-win. Networking doesn’t have to feel scary. It just needs purpose. At your next event: • Find a line • Chat with the people around you • Say hello to the person who steps out next It’s one of the easiest ways to have great conversations without forcing a single moment.

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

Small-Talk Tips In the 2nd act of my career, I've become a leader of a professional networking group for data practitioners, Data in the D. Networking events used to scare me, and I avoided them. Now I actively promote them every month and bring people together. People can change🙋🏽. I know there are many folks out there like I was who despise these events. However, I've found they're essential to career growth. For those of you who are nervous about networking events, I've thrown together this quick guide to some phrases you can practice before attending. The biggest challenge I've seen people face is knowing how to start a conversation and leave. ✅ Start a conversation (Initiate) ✅ Continue the conversation (Engage) ✅ Leave the conversation (Exit) 🗣️ Initiate (Walk up to someone) "Hello." "How are you today?" "My name is ...." "I work at (Company X) and I do (Interesting job Y)" "So how did you hear about this event?" "How do you know (Mutual person A)?" 🗣️ Engage (Keep talking) "What are some interesting things you're working on?" "How did you first get involved in (Interesting career Q)?" "Have you faced (Problem Z) before?" "In your experience, what do you think about (Concept Y)?" "What do you do outside of work?" "Where do you live?" "How long have you been at (Company X)?" 🗣️ Exit (Shake hands and walk away) "It was nice talking to you. Let's connect on LinkedIn (pull out phone and scan QR code)." "Well, it was nice chatting with you. Enjoy your evening." "I think I'm going to head out. Thanks for the chat." "I just saw someone I know, I'm going to go say hi. Excuse me." "Excuse me for a moment. I need to go say hello to someone." "I'm going to chat with some other people. It was nice to meet you." "I'm looking to get some other feedback as well. I'm going to go talk to some other people." "Let's go join that group over there." One of the best ways to have a conversation with someone is to act like you've known them you're entire life. Your approach completely changes. What are some of your Small Talk Tips? #careergrowth #professionalnetworking #strangersarefriendsyouhaventmetyet

Has anyone ever told you about the unspoken rules of networking… Or did you find out the hard way, like I did? For those Founders just starting their own business, or scaling it up to meet even greater needs and levels of success - let me save you the pain and bestow a bit of practical advice. Networking can be overwhelming. The barrier to entry on these types of events can often be higher than they should be. This is something that I’d like to see changed about the industry. There are so many great ideas out there waiting to be capitalized upon! 🚀 From one founder to another, here are the main things you should direct your focus on when participating in a networking event: 👨 Physical - Dress well, maintain your appearance. - Smile, maintain eye contact and posture, and lock down a solid handshake. - Don’t let your body tense up, it gives you an unapproachable demeanor.  🧠 Mental - Set an objective for the event. Clients, conversation, knowledge? Go in with a goal. - Stay curious - ask questions. Always seek insight from your peers. - Provide value. Search for ways to provide value to others before asking for something in return. - Embrace what makes you authentic. Confidence in yourself acts as a magnet to those around you. 📚 Knowledge - Stay up to date on industry trends for conversation. - Connect with people from various industries and backgrounds. Building a diverse network will bring fresh perspectives and opportunities. I was in the nightlife industry at one point! - Nail down a concise and compelling elevator pitch. Value prop and confidence.  🤝 Connections - Attend relevant events. Build rapport with frequents, and the rest will fall into place. - A good business card is critical. - Use tech for connection purposes - I have a phone background that has a scannable QR code that redirects to my Linkedin. - Follow up with connections promptly. Send personalized messages to solidify their memory of you.  💬 Conversation - Ask more than you tell, until the appropriate time comes. - When joining a group conversation, observe the dynamics before jumping in. - Use body language to signal your interest in joining the conversation. - Develop conversation starters that go beyond business. - Don’t overdo active listening. Make sure you like & save this list for later reference! #founder #startup #entrepreneur #networking #tips

I’ve been to 100s of networking events. And I still regularly doubt myself as I first walk into the room. 🤔 Do I belong here? 🤔 Will anyone want to talk to me? Quite quickly, that fear disappears after the hardest bit – finding that first person to say hi to. You realise people are there to chat, not judge. Reflecting on what’s helped me enjoy rather than fear events, here’s some tips I hope are useful to share. 📄 Practice Your Intro: Explain what you do, succinctly. ❓ Ask Questions: Show genuine interest in others. 🌦️ Small Talk: If you're stuck, chat about the weather! 🗣️ Join Conversations: Don’t be afraid to step in, but listen first rather than interrupt. 🤝 Be a Connector: Introduce people who might benefit from knowing each other. 📧 Follow Up Promptly: Stay in touch with those you want to connect with further. 😊 Smile: A friendly face goes a long way. 📸 Capture the Moment: Take photos and share them on social media. It's a great way to promote the event and help the organisers. Remember, everyone else probably feels the same fear – so say hello and make it easier for them as well as yourself!

How to make networking less painful. If you’re like me, the idea of ‘networking’ feels pretty darn… 🤮 Not only does it fill me with mental images of painful schmoozing; it also throws me into a downward spiral of self doubt and anxiety. What do I say? Why does everything feel so forced? What if no one wants to talk to me? Okay, so it’s possible I’m projecting a bit. But the fact remains: A lot of people struggle with networking. So for anyone else who cringes at the thought of being thrown into a room full of strangers and having to ‘network’, fear not. I’ve spent the last 2 years making every mistake possible — and learning along the way — so you don’t have to. 😎 Here are my tips for going from awkward to… less awkward… at networking. 1. Remember that everyone else is in the same boat. Whether they were forced into the event for work or came of their own free will, they’re stuck in a room full of people they don’t know — same as you — and trying desperately not to spend the whole time awkward and alone. So trust me when I say: They will greatly appreciate you taking the first step to initiate a conversation. 2. It’s okay to admit that you’re nervous. Remember what I said about everyone being in the same boat? I can guarantee you’re not the only one feeling a little awkward. Saying something like, “Oh, gosh. This whole networking thing is so stressful,” is almost certain to garner a relieved, “Oh my gosh, I know!” in response. Cue the beginning of a wonderful friendship. 3. Lean into oversharing. Hear me out. Let’s say you initiate a conversation with the standard, “Good to meet you! How are you liking the event so far?” Which of the following two answers seems more likely to kick off an engaging conversation? Option 1: “It’s great! Thanks for asking.” Option 2: “Not gonna lie, the ambience is great, but to be honest, I didn’t really get any clear takeaways from that panel.” Not only will this instantly make you feel more human and relatable, it also gives the other person something to work with. Will they agree? Disagree? Ask a thoughtful follow up Q? The possibilities are endless! Trust me — people will appreciate the candor. 4. Don’t go into a conversation with a set agenda. Agendas are for meetings and presentations. They’re not for networking discussions. If you try to force the conversation in a certain direction, the other person is going to feel it, and they’re going to be put off. Let the conversation go where it will. Open yourself up to other people’s ideas and interests. Where do they want to take the discussion? You can always follow up with them over email for any Qs you didn’t have a chance to ask. 5. Don’t worry about not vibing with everyone. That’s okay! Sometimes people just aren’t interested. Politely excuse yourself from the conversation (the classic “gotta run to the bathroom” works every time), and try again with someone new. What are your top networking tips?

Conferences used to drain me. As an introvert, I would stand awkwardly holding a coffee, wondering how everyone else made networking look so easy. Here are 5 hacks that helped me—and might help you too: 1/ Create Your Personal Energy Zones: Don’t try to network the whole time. Set specific "on" times for socializing and give yourself "off" breaks to recharge. The key isn’t to stay active but to be strategic about when you are. 2/ Be a Connector, Not a Networker: Shift your focus from trying to meet people for yourself to helping others connect. It’s less stressful, and you'll be remembered as someone who brings value. 3/ Use "Curiosity Openers": Instead of preparing boring questions, try asking what excites them about their work or what drives them. It turns small talk into meaningful conversations. 4/ Leverage Your Quiet Presence: You don’t have to be loud to make an impact. Own your silence. Sometimes, standing calmly in a room of chatter makes you more approachable and memorable. 5/ Network After the Event is Over: Some of the best connections happen in the follow-up. Use LinkedIn or email to deepen conversations after the initial meeting, where it’s quieter and more personal. Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By embracing our strengths, we can build meaningful connections. == P.S.: What are your go-to networking tips? Share them in the comments! #introvert #personaldevelopment #networking