What do you do if you want to connect with philanthropy professionals at conferences and industry events?

Before attending a conference, I always research the agenda, speakers, sponsors, m and attendees to identify opportunities most aligned with my goals. This preparation allows me to formulate insightful questions and conversation starters, making every interaction more meaningful. I also seek out pre-event and post-event activities, such as workshops and socials, for more casual networking. This strategy ensures I make the most of the event, connecting deeply with like-minded philanthropy professionals and enriching my experience with valuable insights and relationships.

To connect with philanthropy professionals at conferences and industry events, research and prepare beforehand, actively participate in all aspects of the event, collect contact information for follow-up, and focus on building genuine relationships through shared interests and mutual assistance. These steps can help expand your network and establish valuable connections within the philanthropic community.

Do your research. Find out who's attending and who you want to network with. This should include speakers, sponsors, CEOs, and fundraisers. The more you know about someone, the easier it is to connect. Check out their LinkedIn profile, posts, experience, and comments. Compliments always help to break the ice, so once you've done your research, you'll be able to network confidently. Take your business cards, and always follow up with an email and a LinkedIn connect request. And don't forget to smile!

In my journey through philanthropic events, setting a clear objective beforehand has been a game-changer. It transforms how I navigate the sea of opportunities, focusing my energy on meaningful interactions and learning. This clarity helps me choose sessions and connections that resonate deeply with my mission, turning every conversation into a potential collaboration. Sharing a concise yet compelling introduction about my goals and work has not only opened doors to significant dialogues but also enriched my experience with invaluable insights and connections. This approach underscores the power of purposeful networking in amplifying my impact in the philanthropy landscape.

In my experience as an introvert in-person conferences often are nerve-racking and overwhelming. I’ve learned to start small, for example meet and greets at breakfast as it’s smaller groups. And using the conference app to join chat conversations and focused networking sessions (also called speed networking). Just have to jump in and go for it as I’ve learned people in philanthropy are welcoming and naturally good people. If that’s too overwhelming, in todays landscape, I have found there are plenty of virtual conferences, webinars, communities where it’s not as overwhelming to start to get comfortable putting yourself out there. Those interactions are less intimating.

As a funder it's hard at events because everyone wants to pitch you on their organization so the best option is to do a quick intro, hand off your information and do a follow up later if you are fundraising or looking for a job. I try hard to get to everyone and be open to all conversations but it can be hard.

My experience. I’ve always found It is beneficial to host a small group for drinks or dinner one evening. Using the conference app or a message board, make a small sign-up sheet for five people to meet in the lobby at a set time. Ask the site for some recommendations; maybe they can help with a reservation. Then, have everyone introduce themselves before sitting down and enjoy networking. You can also use this model for opening breakfast or coffee breaks. Before the session ends, announce that you’ll stick around and discuss what you just heard. Finally, I also recommend networking before the event. Find a list of attendees by state, Organization, or job title. Reach out and ask them to meet up when everyone arrives on site.