My 5 Step Plan for Effectively Networking at Professional Conferences

5/21/2012

BY MEGAN THREATS

As a future information professional, my membership in professional organizations is essential to my success. Professional organizations and associations provide members with valuable resources related to the advancement of a profession. Members of professional organizations have increased accessibility and knowledge of new advancements in a field. Possibly the greatest benefit that membership provides is the opportunity to connect and network with other professionals at conferences.

In 2009, I attended the Annual American Library Association Conference & Exhibition in Chicago, IL. While at the conference I sought out workshops, presentations, and events that catered to my areas of interest. At the time I was double majoring in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy and Comparative Cultures & Politics in the James Madison College at Michigan State University. I knew that I wanted to pursue graduate study, but I wasn’t sure which field I would enter. At a career workshop mixer, I met students that were enrolled in information-related graduate programs. By networking at the event, I was able to learn about the evolving field of information science. The students, faculty, and information professionals I connected with helped influence my decision to enter the information science field.

Following the conference I continued to build relationships with members of the organization. By cultivating those relationships I was able to gain career advice, mentors, and access to other opportunities that would benefit my growth as an information professional. My network of colleagues helped me to secure scholarships, fellowships, and academic support to continue my career development. Attending a professional conference and effectively networking proved to be a life-changing experience.

How exactly do you network at a professional conference? Depending on the size of the organization, conference events can be pretty overwhelming with droves of people in attendance. Here is my 5 Step Plan for Effectively Networking at Professional Conferences:

Step 1: Join a Professional Organization

Find out which professional organizations and associations are in your field.
Many professional organizations offer reduced membership rates for students.
Many graduate programs, like the M.S. in Library and Information Science Program in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University, will pay the membership fees for students.

Step 2: Attend a Professional Conference

Conference registration fees along with travel & lodging accommodations can be expensive. Many professional organizations offer student scholarships and grants to cover the costs.
Often, professional organizations have several annual conferences that vary in size. Choose a conference that is best suited for you.

Step 3: Develop a Plan of Action for the Conference

Prior to the conference look at the conference agenda and figure out which workshops & events you would like to attend.
Locate professionals that will be presenting at the conference, and make a note to meet them during the conference
Plan to attend the career fair at the conference. Aside from seeking a new job position, career fairs provide rising professionals the opportunity to see the diversity of companies seeking new talent.
Update your resume/CV and business cards. Bring both of these items with you!

Step 4: Interact

When interacting at the conference be sure to connect with individuals that will be able to help you develop academically and professionally.
Have your elevator speech ready! Everyone at the conference has their own agenda to adhere to. You may only get 2-3 minutes to connect with someone, so make the most of your time. Make a lasting impression!
Exchange business cards, and make sure you look at the card before tossing it into your conference bag. You may have more in common with the person than you realize.
Network with other students! It is great to have friends at other institutions in your field. You will establish a group of like-minded colleagues that can keep you motivated and informed about future opportunities.
Connect via social media. Locate people you want to meet with during the conference on Twitter and tweet them! This has worked for me on several occasions. Most recently at SXSW and the 140 Cuse Conference.

Step 5: Follow Up

Don’t just come back from the conference with a stack of business cards. Send follow-up emails to people you interacted with.
When sending a follow-up email be as specific as possible. At conferences you meet hundreds of people; it is easy to forget a name. (This is why your elevator speech is so important. Make an impression!)
Schedule an appointment to meet with new connections after the conference. Virtual meetings via video conference call are just as effective as face-to-face meetings.

As I prepare to attend the 2012 American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim, California I want to know what you think of my 5 Step Plan for Effectively Networking at Professional Conferences.

Megan Threats is a second-year graduate student pursuing her M.S. in Library and Information Science with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Information Systems and Telecommunications Management. She received her B.A. in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy and Comparative Cultures & Politics from the James Madison College at Michigan State University. Aside from being a Graduate Assistant for the Global Enterprise Technology Program, she is the Co-Editor of the GET Blog. Her research interests include technology and information management, cyber security, information technology systems, information policy, and governance in the information age. Contact her at mvthreat@syr.edu & find her on Twitter - @TrillScott