Build Your Network and Maximize Your Conference Experience

September 17, 2025Wendy Terwelp Leave a comment

By Wendy Terwelp

The pressure to net a return on your conference investment can be daunting: so many great speakers, sessions, people, and vendors.

In the following few paragraphs, I’ll show you how to create meaningful business connections before, during, and after a conference to help you reach your goals and get the most from your conference experience while ensuring ROI for you, your team, and your boss.

Before: Plan Ahead

Creating a conference strategy and networking plan well in advance of the event will save you time and yield better results.

Set goals. Who do you wish to meet at this event? If you wish to meet speakers, name them. How many new people do you want to meet? Choose a specific number of new people to meet each day you’re at the conference. Connect with colleagues from past conferences a few weeks ahead of the event, so you can coordinate a meetup if they’re also attending.

Conference networking is a chance to learn from peers and experts and solidify relationships that can propel your career. Planning ensures you connect and meet your networking goals.

Get Social.

Review your social media accounts ahead of the conference. Ensure your professional photo on social channels is current and that your social media bios and contact information are up-to-date and on-brand for your goals.

Schedule posts in advance of the event so you remain visible and stay top of mind while traveling.

Follow the conference’s hashtag and participate in conversations in real-time, when you can. You can also connect with new people, as well as other colleagues, and set up a time to meet onsite.

I once planned a guest spot for my conference session using X/Twitter’s DM (direct message) feature. It’s a terrific networking tool when you’re not in the same state or the same country.

Are you speaking at the conference? Provide valuable and helpful tips about your session topic on your social media channels and include the conference hashtag. Are you a conference-going pro, but not speaking? Share tips about the conference city, not-to-miss speakers, and conference-related events such as Networking Night.

Be Selfie Ready. The city will be filled with conferencegoers, people you need to know, even when you’re grabbing breakfast or having a cocktail with friends after a day of training. Also, everyone’s got a camera on their smartphone. You want to look fab in those photos, whenever and wherever they’re taken, dress appropriately.

During: Make Connections that Count

At the event, with its numerous people, sessions, and activities, it can be overwhelming for many.

These tips below will help you network effectively during the event – and beyond.

Ask Open-ended Questions.

“Is this your first conference?” is not an open-ended question because the person you ask will either say “yes” or “no.” Instead, ask, “What was your favorite session thus far and why?” or “Whose session are you hoping to see most?” or “What’s one concept you learned and are bringing back to your employer?”

Asking open-ended questions will encourage more conversation and learning from other attendees beyond the sessions. At one conference, an attendee shared a great synopsis of a session he loved, including voice demonstrations of the participants. Not only was this recap fun, but I got key takeaways about a session I missed.

By asking open-ended questions and showing genuine interest in others, you can easily turn casual connections into new friendships and collaborations.

Get a Seat at the Table — with Strangers.

Whether you’re sitting in a session, having lunch, or waiting in line, you’ve got an opportunity to meet a new person and network.

To ensure you have a successful interaction, have a sound bite ready. When people ask, “So, what do you do?” you’ll be prepared and stand out with a benefit-driven statement.

Connect with a Business Card or via LinkedIn.

When you ask open-ended questions, you’ll uncover at least one unusual or interesting thing you learned about each person you meet. Jot it down on the back of his or her business card along with the date and session where you met.

No card? Connect on LinkedIn. Then later, message them with a thank you and a reminder of the session or networking event where you met.

This strategy will help you follow up with your new contacts after the show. By reviewing your notes, you’ll better recall each person, and you can use your memory jogger to refresh your new connection’s memory when you follow up.

Use Social Media During the Conference.

Join the conference conversation online. An easy start? The conference app tracks social media posts using the conference hashtag in real-time. Jump in!

Attend Conference Networking Events.

Many side events are happening during a conference run, including vendor-sponsored meetups, book signings, dinners, and social gatherings. There is always something to do at the end of the conference day. To find out the latest, check your social feeds for the conference hashtag as well as conference resources like the onsite information booth, registration swag bag, conference app, and expo vendors.

Choose one and bring a new friend or coworker with you. You’ve got your sound bite and some open-ended questions – you’re ready to rock.

After: Follow Up

Follow up. While some conferencegoers are no longer using business cards since COVID, many still are, and you’ll walk away with dozens of business cards when heading home. That’s where the memory jogger is useful. If you promised you’d send a person an article on the topic you discussed, do it!

Stay connected. I prefer connecting on LinkedIn at conferences because it’s easy to stay in touch (and top of mind). Plus, you can learn more about each person via their LinkedIn profile.

When you make a conference action plan, it allows you to be confident, comfortable, and ready to rock your conference experience. You’ve got this!

To help get the most from your next conference, get my FREE Conference Networking Action Plan.

Wendy Terwelp wrote the book on networking, “Rock Your Network®,” which includes even more networking tips! She writes, speaks, and coaches on networking, personal branding, and career development. Need a speaker for your next event? Let’s chat!

Rock Your Network®: Never Burn a Bridge

October 18, 2023October 29, 2023Wendy Terwelp 4 Comments

Nick picked up a copy of my book when I spoke to his MBA class. He wrote me an email about the action he took after reading “Rock Your Network® for Job Seekers” and his terrific result – a new dream gig!

“Wendy,

I found your book very helpful when trying to find a job that would make me happy and allow me to do something I was “into.” I went to LinkedIn and read my friend M’s profile. In her description, she said she “loved” her job. From there, I was very proactive. Instead of Facebook messaging, LinkedIn, or email, I just picked up the phone and asked M to tell me exactly what she did for a living and how she and her parents started this fundraising company.

[Editor’s note: Woo hoo! See how Nick researched online, then reached out to make that personal connection by picking up the phone and reconnecting with his friend?]

Our phone conversation lasted about a half hour, and from there, she said she’d put me in contact with a local rep. All of a sudden she called me back and had set up a ride-a-long. The ride-a-long went terrific, and from there her parents (the owners) of the company called me and flew me to Minnesota to see the operation and meet me. After two days, I went home with an offer. Within the following week, I accepted the offer…! After I accepted, they flew me in to meet the entire sales group and staff for the end-of-the-season sales meeting (4 hours) and to introduce me to the company!

It was a crazy journey getting this job, but I CAN’T wait to start. I basically just used “networking” as the sole reason I got this job. I kept in touch with an old friend that I was really close with but didn’t see often. That ended up being enough and proved you should never burn a bridge. They also liked that I sought out M, NOT asking for a job, but asking to learn about what they do. From there I acted the part, whether it be dressing for the part when they picked me up from the airport to just being very proactive throughout this process. It’s crazy like you said in your book, how many jobs come from networking, compared to online postings. I guess I just want to say thanks because your book just gave me the confidence to not be afraid to pursue something that I believed in for a career!”

YEAH! You rock Nick! Nick wanted me to share his networking story with everyone – and he’ll be in the next edition of my book, Rock Your Network®. The bold items are my edits.

Here are the exact steps Nick took to land his new gig:

1. Reviewed his LinkedIn connections and read the profiles to identify people with interesting jobs he’d like to learn more about. (Research)

2. Picked up the phone! And reconnected personally. (Reach out)

3. Asked about his friend’s career to learn more about it. He did NOT ask for a job.

4. Shared common interests. This led to the additional connection with a local sales rep.

5. Took action – went on the ride-along and, as he said, “dressed the part.” He acted as if he already had the gig.

6. Never burned a bridge. Maintained relationships.

7. Was a go-getter. Nick took action and initiative, which got him results: a NEW JOB.

Call to action: Which of Nick’s steps can you take right now? Go for it – and share your story! I’d love to have your story in the next edition of my book, like Nick. Let’s roll!

Want more networking tips? Grab a copy of Rock Your Network®.

Wendy Terwelp, author of Rock Your Network®, writes, speaks, and coaches on career management, networking, social media, and personal branding. Need a speaker for your association, company, or private coaching to rock your career? Let’s talk!

6 Tips to Create a Networking Plan that Works

November 15, 2019December 18, 2019Wendy Terwelp 1 Comment

Would you like to get more results when you network? Here’s how to create a networking plan that works:

1. Schedule a regular time each week to network. Without a plan, we all get busy, and suddenly, when we need it most, our network is outdated or scattered. By scheduling regular time in your calendar to network, it not only gets done, but you’ll feel more confident and comfortable in networking situations, avoid binge-watching your fave show, and meet people who want to help you propel your career. People want to help you and see you succeed.

Think about how you feel when you help others, whether it’s recommending a favorite restaurant or referring someone to your preferred service provider, like a financial advisor, lawyer, career coach, or other service.

2. Schedule 10 minutes each day to use social media. I say 10 minutes or you’ll end up down the internet rabbit hole. Determine what actions you’ll take online. Here are a few to try: status updates, relevant links that demonstrate your thought leadership, and quick emails to those who’ve updated their statuses with wins. For example, if you read your LinkedIn notifications and a friend has landed a new position or received an award, send her a brief congratulatory note.

3. Determine which offline, in-person groups you will join and how often they meet. Take an active role in the organization, such serving as the chapter ambassador. This helps you meet more people and overcome some of the jitters of being in a new group. Click here for ideas on which groups to join.

4. Set networking goals for yourself. For example, when attending a new group, set a goal to meet three new people. Three people who need to know about you based on your career or business goals. Write this goal in your calendar where you’ve scheduled the meeting.

5. Prepare and rehearse your sound bite. Networking can take place any time, any where. Be prepared.

6. Update your network regularly with the action steps you’ve taken. If a friend referred you to a contact and you set up an informational interview, let your friend know that you made the connection and got results.

You’ve got to fuel your network to fire it up! Scheduling networking activities makes your network thrive. And regular contact with those in your network will help you achieve your career goals much faster.

Want more networking tips? Check out Rock Your Network^®, the book.

Wendy Terwelp, author of Rock Your Network®, writes, speaks, and coaches on career management, networking, social media, and personal branding. Need a speaker for your association, company or private coaching to rock your career? Let’s talk!

How to Use Social Media to Boost Your Personal Brand

June 26, 2019November 20, 2024Wendy Terwelp 6 Comments

Personal branding on social media can feel overwhelming for some professionals and consultants. Maybe you’ve struggled with it, too.

You want to be warm and approachable, but you don’t want to overshare. You want to be professional and polished, but you don’t want to be thought of as the boring guest at the cocktail party.

Decide How You Want to be Known

The first thing to do when using social media to uplevel your personal brand is to decide how you want to be known.

Pick a subject you’d like to focus on so you become THE Expert on that subject. This should be a topic you’re excited about because you’ll be sharing and writing about it for some time to become known as a Subject Matter Expert.

Choose Your Networks

While some gurus advise you should be on all the social media platforms, most professionals and consultants find their clients and cohorts stick to one or two social networks, depending on their industry or profession.

Don’t stress about this. Simply pick the two social networks where you get the most traction. These two social networks are ones you’ll update daily.

Keep Your Social Media Profiles Consistent

Review your profiles on all your social media channels. Would someone unfamiliar with you or your brand be able to tell you’re the same person on each social media channel?

If not, it’s time to align your social media accounts. Use the same profile picture, bio, and header image across all your social platforms. This makes it easy for visitors to recognize your brand, regardless of the social network they’re using.

Post Frequently

Maintain an active profile on your industry’s and your target audience’s most popular social networks. (A target audience consists of people who need to know about you.)

Some networks are better for posting multiple times a day (like X/Twitter), while for others, posting only 2-3 times a day (or a week) works better. This is another reason to choose only one to three platforms; activity helps you gain traction with your target audience. You also want to be able to effectively manage the social media channels you choose.

A dormant account can negatively impact your online brand.

To determine the best posting frequency, run a few short experiments. This will help you discover how frequently you should post and what times work best for your followers.

If you’re unsure what to post, follow the 4 out of 5 rule. This rule means posting 4 pieces of valuable content to your audience for every 1 piece of promotional content. Don’t be afraid to promote great content to your followers, even if you didn’t write it. When you’re the one who shares the latest news in your industry, followers will view you as the go-to source of trends and news in your industry. Curating great content counts.

Join Communities

Once you gain some traction with your personal brand on social media, look for communities of like-minded professionals or your ideal client tribe. Facebook and LinkedIn have groups. While some channels may use different terms for these communities, they all mean the same thing: an online gathering of people around one central subject, whether that subject is learning and development, social media, HR, healthcare, etc.

The great thing about groups is that they allow you to form connections with other members and give them value.

It’s also an easy way to do customer research and create your own professional learning network. You can discover what questions your audience frequently asks, what they struggle with, and what they would love to know more about.

Using social media to brand and enhance your online reputation is brilliant. Just remember to post and share valuable content that benefits your target audience.

Wendy Terwelp is an award-winning career expert and personal branding strategist who works with high-performing leaders and organizations wanting to advance careers, rock networks, and up-level their brands online and offline. Click the link to get your free personal brand self-assessment.

We are an affiliate partner of Postoplan.

Personal Brands are Portable

November 27, 2018June 23, 2023Wendy Terwelp 1 Comment

“No matter where you go, there you are.” —The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (motion picture) (1984).

And everywhere you go, your online reputation follows.

If you haven’t searched your name online recently, do so. Put your name in quotes, like this “Wendy Terwelp,” to narrow the search parameters.

Next, use these questions to assess your online brand and visibility:

Your Social Media Profiles: Have you chosen the right social media networks for your target audience? Do your social media profiles contain a current professional photo, your one word that represents you, and a clear brand story about your background and experience? Does your profile pop with your personality?

Your Network: Who’s in your network? And who needs to know about you? Invite those who are a fit for your current goals. And those whom you’re confident in referring to others. Is it time to review and prune some of your current connections? Your network reflects your personal brand.

Your Thought Leadership: TED talks say “ideas worth sharing.” Are yours? Review the content you’re sharing. Is it relevant to your goals and helpful to your network and target audience?

Your Personal Brand Hub: If you haven’t done so already, grab your name as a domain. This way you can create and curate content about you in a personal brand hub. When people search on your name, this on-brand content will rise to the top of the search.

Time Savers: Maintaining a highly visible brand online doesn’t have to be time consuming. You can repurpose your content. If you’ve written an article or blog post, use quotes from it in other social media, like Twitter or LinkedIn, and include a link to your post. Take advantage of tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Postoplan to schedule posts in advance for consistency. And keep the conversation going by addressing responses in real time.

I invite you to share your results in the comments.

And if you’d like help in up-leveling your brand online, let’s talk!

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