How do you network at an automotive engineering conference?

Networking is a vital skill for any automotive engineer who wants to advance their career, learn from others, and find new opportunities. However, attending an automotive engineering conference can be intimidating, especially if you are not sure how to approach people, what to say, and how to follow up. In this article, we will give you some practical tips on how to network at an automotive engineering conference and make a lasting impression.

1 Prepare before the conference

Before you head to the conference, do some research on the speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees. Find out who are the key players in your field, what are their interests and challenges, and what are their goals and projects. This will help you identify who you want to meet, what you can offer them, and how you can start a conversation. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with them beforehand and express your interest in their work.

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Neeraj Kumar

Marketing Student with Automotive Sales & Service Expertise | Oxford Brookes University | Area Manager Service at Suzuki Motorcycle India | Territory Manager with Mahindra Two Wheelers
(edited)
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In my experience, starting a conversation with the theme of the conference and then building the conversation to the mutual benefit always helps in connecting.

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Fran Ribas

Strategic Marketing Director at IRP Systems
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try not to stalk them, but instead build a small link before the conference: let them know you will be there as well, so they have a friendly face, and advance any topic that can be of their interest

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2 Have a clear purpose and goal

When you arrive at the conference, have a clear purpose and goal for your networking. Do you want to learn something new, find a mentor, get feedback, or explore a collaboration? Having a specific objective will help you focus your efforts and avoid wasting time on irrelevant or superficial interactions. You can also prepare a short and clear pitch that summarizes who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for. This will help you introduce yourself and spark interest in others.

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Alexander Pelkmann

tl;dr - 🤝🚀💻
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Check out who are the sponsors/exhibitors of the conference. Do you have something to talk about? Take notes the old fashioned way, not with a computer. Block your calendar way beforehand to avoid disturbance during the conference.

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3 Be proactive and approachable

Don't wait for others to come to you. Be proactive and approach people who you want to talk to. You can use the conference agenda, the breaks, the lunch, or the social events as opportunities to initiate contact. You can also join groups of people who are already talking and politely introduce yourself. To be approachable, smile, make eye contact, and use open body language. Avoid crossing your arms, looking at your phone, or frowning.

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Florică Mitriș

Software Product & Platform Engineering Specialist at Accenture
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Beside having very clear in mind which are your goals and expectations from an event, being approachable is one of the most important aspects. After all we are human beings and the rules of interactions are no different from everyday life. Consequently all the aspects are important, from a smile, eye contact, body language to the ability to keep a conversation engaging and find common interests and goals.

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4 Ask open-ended questions and listen actively

One of the best ways to network is to ask open-ended questions that invite others to share their opinions, experiences, or insights. For example, you can ask them what they think of a presentation, what they are working on, or what they are passionate about. This will show that you are genuinely interested in them and their work, and that you are not just trying to sell yourself or your ideas. Listen actively to what they say, nod, make eye contact, and give feedback. Avoid interrupting, dominating, or arguing.

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5 Follow up and stay in touch

After the conference, don't let your connections fade away. Follow up with the people you met and express your appreciation for their time and conversation. You can also remind them of what you discussed, share some relevant resources or information, or suggest a next step. For example, you can invite them to join your network on LinkedIn, ask them for advice, or propose a collaboration. Stay in touch with them regularly and keep them updated on your progress and achievements.

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Fran Ribas

Strategic Marketing Director at IRP Systems
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apart from LinkedIn groups, you would want to ask if you could be added to any other group in different platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp, where important information can be shared

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you network at an automotive engineering conference?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Prepare before the conference

2 Have a clear purpose and goal

3 Be proactive and approachable

4 Ask open-ended questions and listen actively

5 Follow up and stay in touch

6 Here’s what else to consider

Automotive Engineering

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How do you network at an automotive engineering conference?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Prepare before the conference

2 Have a clear purpose and goal

3 Be proactive and approachable

4 Ask open-ended questions and listen actively

5 Follow up and stay in touch

6 Here’s what else to consider

Automotive Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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