A tech conference like TechEd, Cisco Live or VMworld is like spring break for IT professionals. It’s an opportunity for geeks from around the world to make their pilgrimage to the designated venue to learn, discuss and debate the latest technology for a few days. It’s a place where a geek can be a geek, a judgment-free zone where you and your fellow IT pros can get your “geek” on. Don’t just sit in your hotel room watching re-runs of “MythBusters.” Go out and talk with people!
A conference is more than the sessions you go to during the day; it’s all about the social events and making contacts with other IT professionals. It’s about building your personal network. Knowing how to network is crucial to getting the most value out of conferences, but I realize it can be intimidating. Don’t let that hold you back! With VMworld 2013 fast approaching, I’ve compiled a list of pointers that can help anyone make the most of their tech conference nightlife.
- Check the conference website – Often times the conference will post an agenda of the daily activities and special events that are organized directly by the conference. These are usually included with your conference price and most often open to all attendees.
- Check conference forums/blogs – There is usually a forum or blog that will list what to expect at the conference and potential parties or meet-and-greets. Blogs are a great source for finding out where the parties are at and how to get on the attendee list.
- Reach out to your vendors – Don’t be shy about reaching out to your software/hardware vendors about conference meet-and-greets. A LOT of vendors go to these expos, and depending on who they are, they could be sponsoring an evening party. Current customers often times get special private dinners or VIP access into the parties. This is your opportunity to talk face-to-face with product managers or developers, and discuss concerns or suggestions over a nice cold beer. Some vendors will even send out email invites weeks ahead of the conference, so keep a look out for those.
- Get social! – Twitter is like the instant news alert for tech conferences. Almost all the tech conferences have twitter accounts, and they are tweeting away. News and events break out on Twitter faster than they can be announced at a conference, so get in the know by following the conference Twitter account. Also, pay attention to any hashtags that are trending. Attendees who aren’t affiliated with the conference will likely be tweeting about events using the hashtag. If you hear of a party that sounds interesting, why not reply to someone’s tweet to see if they want to meet up ahead of it and go together. The worst they could do is not reply to your tweet. You’ve got nothing to lose!
- Break out of your comfort zone – You might be tempted to sit with your coworkers or current connections at lunches or in the session halls. But what good is that going to do? Don’t be afraid to sit among strangers and introduce yourself. Remember, everyone is at the conference to network, not just you!
- Ask a previous/current attendee - If you don’t ask, you won’t know, right? Ask coworkers or peers who have been to conferences before about the activities they attended. Their experiences can give you an idea of where to start. Don’t be afraid to ask fellow attendees what’s happening for the evening. Heck, if nothing is going on, ask if they want to hang out and start an impromptu gathering at the hotel bar. Some of my best times at these conferences have been from impromptu gatherings.
If you’re shy, don’t worry. I guarantee you that there are a few thousand other people at the conference who feel the same way. Remember, you’re not alone. If you and I happen to be at the same conference, send me a tweet. Let’s get together!
