Some tips on making the best of attending a conference / workshop / school.
All the papers are available online, talks might be recorded and you can take photos of slides.
👉 Prioritize meeting new people over attending every single talk.
It's comfortable to walk together with people you already know and talk in your own language. But, you will be a lot less approachable to people who want to connect with you!
👉 Reserve some solo time.
👉 During networking sessions, be mindful of how you stand in a group. Leave some space for other people to join the conversation.
Use context to start an easy conversation
Where? Lunch table, coffee line, seatmate, gift bag line, taxi line, elevator, restroom line, charging station
👉 Look for opportunities everywhere!
👉 Don't seat at an empty table or an empty row.
👉 Don't just try meeting senior "pope". You can find a new enthusiastic collaborator among your peers
👉 Prepare your presentation (elevator speech) in advance.
Visual cues telling people NOT to talk with you:
❌ Check cellphone
❌ Work on your laptop
❌ Wear an headphone
👉 Put down your screens and meet people!
👉 Nervous? Grab a cup. You will have your hands occupied, you can fill silences by drinking, you can escape by saying you are going to refill...
- Compliment: "It was great talking with you."
(optional) Excuse: " I am going to grab another croissant!
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Follow-up item: "I will follow up with you on twitter/email." / "See you around in the social dinner tonight."
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After the conference, follow up with the people you meet and thank them by email, a following on your favourite social media... This simple step goes a long way!
Based on my own experience and this thread