How can you network with colleagues to build professional relationships at a conference?

Before you leave for a networking event, it's important to know who will be in attendance. Ideally, you should even have some familiarity with at least a few of these individuals. If you have already had previous communication and ongoing conversations with them, it will be easier for you to integrate into the event. Go online and do some research. Often, you can find out who will be participating in the event and identify the people you want to connect with. This will make your networking efforts more strategic.

When attending conferences, I’ve found that utilizing the conference networking/message apps really helpful. Check out who attending similar masterclasses or topics, reach out for coffee catch up to share notes or observations. Also using LinkedIn to share observations and invite others to share theirs, and invite coffee catch ups during breaks

Don't worry about coming up with new phrases and conversation topics for each person you meet at the event. Instead, do the opposite. Prepare a script that you can repeat to every person you meet and polish it to perfection. The people you talk to won't know that you've already told the story to five other people, and in the end, what's wrong with that? If improvisation is not your thing, why should you force it?

Taking the initiative in networking has significantly impacted my interactions at events. Approaching speakers and fellow attendees with a genuine smile and friendly comments helped break the ice. Sharing thoughts on sessions or seeking their opinions created meaningful connections.

As Matt Abrahams said in his book "Think Faster, Talk Smarter" - you have to aim to be interested, not interesting. Ask good questions and truly listen to the answers. That will create a meaningful conversation, which will lead to making a meaningful connection.

There is little point in having a great conversation at an event, making all sorts of promises, and then not following up. Great relationships require regular nurturing, and this applies doubly when the relationship is just starting.

After every networking event, it is important to reflect on the lessons learned. What went well? What could have been improved? Did you communicate your stories effectively? How did people react? Did you stick to your plan? What obstacles did you encounter? Were there any unexpected responses that caught you off guard? Which conversations resulted in tangible actions, and which did not? Why didn't they lead to action? What changes will you make next time? What preparations do you need to make? When will you begin?

Setting specific improvement goals based on identified strengths and weaknesses has guided my continuous growth. Seeking feedback from peers and incorporating their insights has provided valuable perspectives. Staying abreast of new networking strategies and tools has enhanced my confidence in diverse networking scenarios.