Events are an excellent place to meet new people, make great contacts and expand your network. Here are our tips for doing event networking right and how mobile event apps can help you build stronger connections:
Get started before it gets started!
Make the most of your time at the conference by starting your networking before the frenzy of registration, receptions, and keynotes kick-in.
Download the conference event app before you get on the plane and you can search the attendee list for friends, both old and new. Send in-app messages to them before you even get onsite to set up meetings, drinks, lunches, or hallway chats.
Don’t be shy!
Tweet. Post. Blog. Get your voice out there. Everyone wants to network with the folks doing the talking. You can even use the mobile app to connect to your social networks and share all those juicy nuggets of education.
Refine your pitch
If you have to take the stairs to give your elevator pitch, you’ve got some work to do. The second most common question after “Who do you work for” is quite often (unless you work for a Fortune 100) is “What do they do”.
Make sure you can nail it clearly and concisely and in a way that might be relevant to the person you are talking to. You should also be able to do the same kind of pitch for your own unique role and what you do at your company.
Be accessible via the mobile event app
To get the most out of the event app, make sure you go into the settings icon and switch the toggle to “Show Email” and “Show Phone.” This will allow people to connect with you onsite.
Business cards still count
Don’t forget that there will be tons of peers, influencers, thought leaders and friends at this event, so make sure to bring the right amount of business cards. Do something unique to your own card so that they won’t soon forget your cool factor!
Also, when you get someone else’s card, take the time to make notes on each one so that you remember what made that person cool and why you should connect with them when you get back to the office.
Make meals count
Don’t sit with your friends and colleagues. Find a table with people you’ve never met before and make a point of making 7-9 new connections before you finish dessert. Meals are a great time to have more meaningful conversations and connections.
Make every minute count
As hard as it can be, leave the office at the office and stay out of your room. Take advantage of every networking minute available: early breakfasts and breaks, exhibitor halls and hallway conversations, cocktail hours and action-packed parties. Don’t miss a chance to network and meet more people!
Will you be networking at the HubSpot INBOUND 2013 Conference from August 19 to August 22, 2013?
We’re the official conference app provider and would love to meet you. Come see our award-winning event app platform in action at the INBOUND Mobile Lounge or our exhibition booth by Club INBOUND.
