It’s conference season again. I’ve used this technique over and over and it really works.
Get a copy of the attendee list.
Do a little LinkedIn research and find some interesting people.
Identify a time before the conference starts when everyone is not occupied, like breakfast on day 1. (Often conferences start in mid morning, allowing travelers extra time to get there, but the hotel guests have little to do to occupy them.)
So, play into that and invite some pre-selected colleagues to join you for breakfast in a nearby diner or the hotel restaurant, but make it a bit more intriguing. A week or so ahead of the conference send out an update as well as post to affiliated groups on LinkedIn:
“Attending the 2016 {XYZ} Conference? Announcing an informal peer meetup at breakfast on {date}. I’ll be the guy with the red tie in the coffee shop at 730. Join me for a roundtable conversation of what we are looking to learn at this conference. But it’s no fun unless you come sit, eat and meet with us.”
I have met so many interesting people this way. And throughout the conference you will see the people and have new colleagues to compare notes with, during and after the conference. A great way to make new connections too.
The same goes for smaller meetings as well. Try it.
Agreed! Excellent! Yes! Thanks!