10 tips for meeting people at industry events - andrewchen

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1. Here are some tips I’ve learned from going to half a dozen such events in the last couple weeks: “If you can, use the time before the conference to ask people you’ve met whether or not they’re going to go.” Another option is to e-mail people that are working at the event, and let them know that you’re new. If they’re nice people, when you see them at the event, they’ll introduce you to a couple people. Either of these options should result in 2 or 3 introductions at the very minimum.

   In Events and field touches

2. Here are some tips I’ve learned from going to half a dozen such events in the last couple weeks: “You can tag along with them and they can introduce you to a couple people.” Another option is to e-mail people that are working at the event, and let them know that you’re new. If they’re nice people, when you see them at the event, they’ll introduce you to a couple people. Either of these options should result in 2 or 3 introductions at the very minimum.

   In Events and field touches

3. 2. Arrive early, and get some 1:1 time When there’s lots of people, and circles of 4 or 5 people that all know each other form, it’s tough to break in. The best time to meet people is when there isn’t much competition, and you can have a quick conversation to introduce yourself. So show up early, find someone who looks bored (checking their phone or whatever), and introduce yourself. That way, you’ll have a tiny bit of familiarity that you can reuse later on in the event. “They’re often milling around, waiting for something to happen, and you have a chance to speak to some of the more well-informed and well-connected people there.” 3. Sit next to interesting people, and introduce yourself There are several bad places to sit during a conference. One is at the very front, where people get intimidated by the speakers, so that the seats are usually empty. Instead, do yourself a favor – sit in the middle of one of the rows, and introduce yourself to the people to the left of you or to the right of you, as the event starts. This is another example of the easier 1:1 interactions that happen because of your captive audience.

   In On-site event prospecting

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