by Monica Davidson

Conference season has begun and the hustle is a-happening. As someone who attends a lot of events and gatherings, I consider myself to be quite the Schmooze Cruise Captain. However, conference success is not about collecting the most business cards, aggressively pitching your ideas or making small talk. Events and gatherings like these are golden opportunities to make meaningful connections, share a little about yourself with others, and build relationships. 

In other words, the hustle is really just about finding, and making, new friends. 

Here are my tips on how to bring your best to professional mingling, with some extra insights for those for whom extroversion does not come naturally.  

Do Your Homework

Before you even step into the conference venue, research the event thoroughly. Study the speaker lineup, the agenda, and check out who will be there (if you can). Create a list of people you want to meet, including industry influencers, creative collaborators, and potential clients. If you can, reach out to them beforehand using LinkedIn or an email. Introduce yourself (or say hello again if you’re already known), mention that you’ll be attending, and offer to keep an eye out for the chance to connect in person.

No pitching, no desperation, just connection. 

Get Your Intro Ready 

You will be asked “what do you do” and “where are you from” a hundred times, so get your answer ready and make it sound as natural as you can. Add a little personal touch, if you can. If the room is right I will tell people that I “help creatives get their business sh*t together”. It works more often than not! A sentence or two about who you are and what you do is enough.

The secret to a great introduction is letting the other person talk so you can listen attentively and ask loads of questions. 

Frock On

What you wear is more important than you might think. As arts professionals, we have a license to bring a twist to our sartorial choices that reflect our personal brand. You don’t have to wear a suit. Colourful and casual is fine, as long as you can find the balance between polished and distinctive. Your uniqueness is your greatest networking asset so let your creativity shine and focus on comfort both inside your clothing AND inside your skin. 

Smile at a Stranger

Since conference networking works best if you’re attempting to build genuine relationships, take a deep breath and make eye contact with a stranger. Smile, say hello. Approach the interaction with curiosity and generosity. Ask thoughtful questions with genuine interest. Listen actively. Remember to make space for other people to join the conversation. If you’re brave enough, join in a group conversation if there’s space, sit in an open seat at lunch, and look for the people who are smiling back. They’re the ones who get it (I’ll be one of those people!).

Aim to Engage

Conference charm is the ability to make someone feel like the most interesting person in the room. Don’t aim to impress, aim to engage. Finding ways to help other people feel comfortable and interesting is an art, and the real secret to subtly opening doors to potential connections without aggression, desperation or wankery.

Put Your Phone Down

Your phone is a barrier, not a bridge, at professional events. When you’re scrolling through emails or checking social media, you’re physically present but mentally absent. You’ll miss those powerful unplanned moments of interaction like a casual chat in line for coffee, where the real networking happens. Put your phone away, and be genuinely present. That, combined with a friendly demeanour, should be enough to get a professional connection started.

Follow-Up is Everything

The real hustle begins when the event is over. A few days after meeting (no more than a fortnight), send personalised follow-up emails or LinkedIn messages to the people you’ve met. Reference specific conversation points, share relevant resources, send your portfolio if appropriate, and propose concrete next steps like a coffee chat or collaboration discussion. You may be surprised at how well this works as a step towards a meaningful professional relationship. 

Finally, a note for the nervous networker. The good news is that most conference attendees are also hoping to meet new people. The bad news? Not every interaction will result in a profound connection, and you will encounter some wankers who should have read this article. Treat each conversation as a learning experience. Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and continuously refine your networking approach.

Hopefully I will see you out and about at a creative conference soon. Keep an eye out for me!