Ever feel like submitting your resume online is like tossing it into a black hole?

Well, you’re not alone! The secret to landing any dream opportunity you desire lies in networking at conferences, where you can meet like-minded professionals eager to help you grow in all aspects of your life.

The magic happens in conferences, with chance encounters turning into long-lasting connections and transformative experiences.

Whether you’re fresh out of college, a 25-year-old professional, or a seasoned expert, this article’s got your back! I’ll be sharing the ultimate tips and tricks on how to prepare for networking and the steps you should take to maximize your opportunities for success.

Why Is Networking the Key to Success?

You know what they say these days?

It’s not always about what you know, but who you know.

Did you know that a whopping 85% of jobs are filled through networking, according to a LinkedIn,

Yes. That’s right! The connections you make at conferences can be your golden ticket to landing that dream job.

Success stories are all around us! As a senior in college, I scored an amazing 9-month internship in Congress, both in Nevada and Washington DC, all thanks to networking at conferences and events wherever I went.

And guess what? Unlike many peers who weren’t getting paid or struggled to find housing, my networking savvy helped me secure free accommodations AND a paycheck while working in Congress.

(There was no other way I could have done the internship if not for housing and income!)

Sure, conferences might seem intimidating at first sight, but with the right mindset and tools, they can be your career’s best friend. The possibilities are truly endless when you seize the opportunity to network. Dream job or internship? Check. Business partner? Hell yeah. Want to launch your own venture or simply seeking inspiration? Networking at conferences is the answer.

Pre-Conference Networking: LinkedIn to the Rescue!

Remember this golden rule: networking starts before the conference. That’s right, it’s never too early to make those valuable connections. In fact, DON’T want until the day of the conference to begin your networking. You’ll be putting yourself at a huge disadvantage.

You can begin building relationships with fellow attendees and speakers weeks, even days, before the event.

Once you’ve got your hands on the conference agenda, complete with a list of speakers, attendees and sessions, it’s time to hunt down the people you’re most interested in connecting with. Make a list, find them on LinkedIn and hit that “Connect” button.

But don’t stop there! Break the ice by introducing yourself via a personalized message by sending a LinkedIn note. Let them know you’ll be at the conference and would love to meet up. This way, you’ll avoid any awkwardness or surprises when you finally meet face-to-face.

Need some inspiration? Here’s two examples of short and sweet LinkedIn note messages that fits within the character limit:

(Note: tailor them as best you can to fit the character limit!)

Template and Examples

LinkedIn Template (copy/paste)

Hi [Name], I saw that we’ll both be attending [conference name] 2025 and I wanted to reach out and introduce myself. I’d love to connect with you in person and [mention something you want to learn more about from them]. Hope to see you at the conference! – [your name]

Example #1:

Hi Maria, I saw that we’ll both be at the National Youth Conference in March and I wanted to reach out and introduce myself. I’d love to connect in person and learn more about your involvement in youth organizing, as I’m an organizer too. Hope to see you at the conference! – Alan

Example #2:

Hi Troy, I saw that we’ll both be at the ACLU conference in 3 weeks and I wanted to reach out and introduce myself. I’d love to connect with you in person and hear more about your experience as a civil rights lawyer, as I hope to work in civil rights law. Hope to see you at the conference! – Alan

Remember, LinkedIn has a character limit, so it’s important you craft a clear and concise message when reaching out. Make every word count!

Once someone accepts your connection request, consider it your foot in the door. A well-written note paves the way for building strong relationships right from the start.

Don’t forget to dig a little deeper into their LinkedIn profile. Jot down any fun facts, like shared hobbies, programs, and college they attend (or have attended), or an interesting article they’ve posted and shared you can bring up during your in-person conversation! These nuggets of information are perfect conversation starters when you finally meet face-to-face.

Craft Your Networking Game Plan

To make the most of your conference experience, it’s essential you establish your networking goals and objectives beforehand. By setting clear intentions, you’ll navigate the conference with purpose and confidence and get the most out of it!

Check out these examples of specific networking goals and objectives for a conference:

1. Goal: Connect with 5 new people at the conference
   • Objectives:
     • Attend at least 1 networking event or social gathering each day of the conference
     • Exchange business cards or contact information with 10 new people
     • Follow up with at least 5 people from the conference to nurture these budding relationships
2. Goal: Land a volunteer, internship, or job opportunity at the conference
   • Objectives:
     • Research attending companies or organizations and pinpoint 3 that pique your interest
     • Compile a list of 5 insightful questions for each company or organization, including inquiries about potential roles in your field
     • Offer them a copy of your resume and share your LinkedIn profile
     • Send a thank-you email post-conference and stay in touch with representatives—this could lead to invaluable referrals for internships or job openings

Use these goals and objectives as inspiration, but it’s encouraged you create your own goals + objectives and stick to them! They’ll help you navigate the entire conference so that you accomplish what you set to do.

Master Your Elevator Pitch

Crafting the perfect elevator pitch is a crucial step in building a successful career. In just 30 seconds, your pitch should tell who you are, the value you bring, and why others would want to work with you.

In fact, check out our article on how to create an elevator pitch that will leave a lasting impression.

A well-crafted elevator pitch helps you clearly communicate your intentions and goals at a conference, making it easier for others to understand how they can support or collaborate with you—and vice versa!

Check out the two templates below to kick-start your elevator pitch journey, tailored for college students and young professionals.

Remember, it’s essential to have a general elevator pitch template, but be ready to tweak it based on the situation and your audience.

College Student Template + Example:

Template:

Hi, it’s nice to meet you. My name is [NAME]. I’m a [GRADE] at [COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY], where I study [MAJOR].

I am passionate about [TOPIC/CAREER AREA] and have spent time practicing skills related to it while involved in [ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS].

I’m looking forward to learning more about [TOPIC/INDUSTRY] and connecting with other professionals who share my interests.

I’m interested in [GOAL/OBJECTIVE] and would love to hear any advice you think might be helpful while attending this conference. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today!

Example:

Hi! It’s nice to meet you. My name is Alan Cruz. I’m a sophomore at Ohio State, where I study journalism and media. I am passionate about amplifying voices and sharing stories, and have spent time practicing my skills while involved in the student newspaper at Ohio State and interning at a local news station in Cleveland.

I’m looking forward to learning more about social media journalism and connecting with other journalism professionals who share my interests. I’m interested in securing an internship in the field of journalism, specifically with a health & wellness magazine, and would love to hear any advice you think might be helpful while I’m attending this conference. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today!

 

Young Professional Template + Example

Template:

Hi, it’s nice to meet you. My name is [NAME] and I’m a [JOB/POSITION] at [COMPANY] where I [DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO].

I’m here at this conference to learn more about [TOPIC/INDUSTRY] and to connect with other professionals in the field of [CAREER FIELD]. I’m interested in [DESCRIBE SPECIFIC INTEREST] and have experience in [RELATED AND RELEVANT SKILLS/EXPERIENCES].

I’m looking for opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge with others in the field. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me today!

Example:

Hi, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Alan Cruz and I’m a Digital Marketing Specialist at HubSpot where I help companies improve their digital marketing and social media efforts by using our software and tools.

I’m here at this conference to learn more about marketing software and AI digital marketing tools and to connect with other professionals in the field of marketing. I’m extremely interested in learning more about new marketing software tools and have experience in developing and hosting trainings on how clients can use marketing software and AI tools to increase their conversions and leads on their websites and social media. I’m always looking for opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge with others in the industry. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me today.

 

Break the Ice and Connect at Conferences

The big day has arrived, and it’s normal to feel a bit nervous about approaching people at the conference. But don’t worry—you’ve been preparing for this moment, and we’re here to help you make the most of it!

Since you’ve already started networking on LinkedIn, you likely have a list of people you’d like to meet. Begin by seeking out those who have accepted your LinkedIn connections and are familiar with you. These conversations will be the easiest to start, giving you the perfect opportunity to warm up and gain confidence.

Remember the goals and objectives you set for yourself. Let them motivate you to strike up conversations and remind yourself why you’re at the conference: to invest in your future success.

Claim it. Own it.

To help you break the ice, here’s a list of 30 conversation starters you can use in different contexts and settings:

10 Professional & Career-Related Questions:

1. What brought you to this conference, and what do you hope to gain from it?
2. Which industry trends are you most excited about right now?
3. Can you share some challenges you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame them?
4. What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were starting out?
5. Tell me about an interesting project you’ve worked on recently. What did you learn from it?
6. What’s a skill or expertise you’d like to develop further in your career, and why?
7. How do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field?
8. What are some of the best networking events or conferences you’ve attended, and what made them valuable to you?
9. Can you recommend a book or resource that’s had a significant impact on your career?
10. What’s a goal you have for your career in the next year, and how are you working towards it?

10 Fun and Lighthearted Questions:

1. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
2. What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done in your career?
3. If you could work with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
4. What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you at work?
5. If you had to describe your job with a meme, which one would you choose?
6. Which fictional character from your industry would you be and why?
7. If you could only listen to one podcast for the rest of your life, which one would you pick and why?
8. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received, and who shared it with you?
9. If you could swap jobs with anyone at this conference for a day, who would it be and why?
10. If you could have a career-related superpower, what would it be and why?

10 General Questions for Any Situation:

1. What do you like to do for fun?
2. What’s your favorite travel destination, and why do you love it?
3. What’s your all-time favorite movie or TV show?
4. Tell me about something you’re currently working on that excites you.
5. What was the last book you read, and what did you think of it?
6. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
7. What’s something you’ve learned in the past year that has changed how you approach life or work?
8. What are you passionate about, and how did you become interested in it?
9. If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
10. What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the chance to yet

Use open-ended questions that encourage the other person to share more about themselves!

The goal is to get to know people and build relationships. These questions can be used as springboards to dive deeper into topics that resonate with both of you.

Remember that not every connection you make will have an immediate impact on your career. Sometimes, the purpose of a conversation is to forge new relationships with people who share your interests. Over time, these connections may evolve into something bigger, but the key is to continue engaging and nurture those relationships.

Be open to the possibilities, and don’t be afraid to take the initiative. Use the questions provided to spark conversations and establish connections with new people.

As you continue to network and interact with others, you’ll find yourself growing more comfortable and confident in your ability to forge meaningful relationships that will benefit you in the long run!

The Art of Staying Connected: Exchange Contact Info and Follow Up

You’ve now met some awesome people and started building connections, but it’s not time to drop the ball just yet! The most crucial step is to exchange contact information and follow up with your new friends and connections!

Conferences can feel like whirlwinds of meet-and-greets, with little time to really get to know anyone. You might chat for a few minutes, then suddenly it’s time to move on to the next session.

So, what’s the key to keeping those connections alive?

Exchange contact info, of course!

When you’re swapping details, make sure you’re on the same page about communication preferences. Whether it’s email, texting, or a good old-fashioned phone call, let your new connection know what works best for you. The point is to ensure they know how to reach you effectively.

And if they don’t volunteer their preferred mode of communication, don’t be shy—ask them directly! Once you know their go-to method (text, email, call), make a note of it and use that to stay in touch. No misunderstandings, no awkwardness—just smooth sailing from here on out.

A simple question like, “What’s the best way to reach you or communicate with you?” shows that you’re considerate and want to meet people on their terms. And that’s a surefire way to leave a lasting impression!

Following up is your secret weapon for staying on someone’s radar. You never know when they might stumble upon an opportunity that’s perfect for you, and guess whose name will be top of mind? Yours!

So, remember to swap those business cards and contact details, and make a point to follow up with everyone you meet. You never know where these ongoing conversations might lead!

Read our article on why following up is important and tips on how to follow up effectively with new connections!

The Ball Is In Your Court: Nurture Your Relationships

After the conference, the ball’s in your court to nurture those new relationships. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so give yourself some time to build and maintain these connections.

Think of nurturing relationships as a long-term game with a huge payoff. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Connect via Social Media: Stay in the Loop

In this digital age, social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok are the perfect tools to keep the conversation going. Share articles and resources related to your industry and common interests to show you’re keen on maintaining the connection.

Schedule Follow-Up Chats and Meetups: Keep it Personal

If you’re in the same city, why not catch up over coffee or lunch? And if distance is an issue, virtual chats and phone calls work wonders. These meetups help you get to know each other on a deeper level.

Stay in Touch with Updates: Show You Care

Cultivate those relationships by staying in touch. Drop them a text or email after a few months to check in. Share updates on your life, and if you’re working on a project that could use their expertise, don’t be shy! Collaboration can lead to great things.

Gratitude goes a long way, too. Sending “thank you” messages or expressing appreciation for their support can strengthen your bond.

Never underestimate the power of saying “thank you.” After all, a little gratitude can make a world of difference.

Networking is An Ongoing Quest

In the game of life, networking is an ongoing quest. Whether you’re eyeing that promotion or seeking new opportunities, getting to know others is part and parcel of your professional journey. But fear not—networking can be both meaningful and enjoyable.

Remember, networking is a two-way street: it’s about staying connected, sharing information, and fostering relationships that transcend professional boundaries.

Sure, not every networking endeavor will be a home run. You might encounter people who aren’t interested or those who seem keen but ultimately ghost you. Don’t sweat it. Dust yourself off and remember that there are countless others out there eager to connect with you. All you have to do is seek them out.

How can you tell when you’ve found your tribe—those who have your back and want to see you thrive? Simple: strike up a conversation, make a connection, and discover the possibilities.