10 Proven Tips for How to Network at a Conference
As a premier event for retail and ecommerce leaders, CommerceNext brings together top executives, innovative brands and industry experts, creating the perfect environment for networking. To make the most of your experience, follow these proven networking tips and put them to the test at the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show in NYC this June.
Mastering Conference Networking: Pre-Event Prep
Plan Your Days to Meet the Right People
Define your goals before the conference. Are you looking for a mentor, job opportunities or industry insights? This helps you focus on the right conversations and events.
Create a daily agenda, prioritizing sessions that provide networking opportunities, such as workshops, breakout discussions and social events. Research attendees and speakers beforehand. Many conferences publish attendee lists or have apps where you can connect in advance.
During sessions, write down the names of speakers that interest you. Organize your notes with headers such as the session name, the speaker’s name, key points, quotes, action items and any info on the speaker. Use these notes to follow up and potentially form a relationship with them in person or online.
Choosing Sessions That Are Best for Networking
Not all sessions offer equal networking opportunities. While keynotes and panels are valuable for learning, smaller sessions—roundtables, niche meetups and interactive workshops—allow for deeper engagement.
Leave room in your schedule for impromptu conversations. Some of the best networking happens in hallways, coffee breaks and casual meetups outside the official schedule.
Inquire about getting on the guest list for specific conference events. Many conferences offer exclusive parties and special events that are great for making connections in a casual, fun setting. You can reach out to the events or marketing teams of the conference via email and ask about being put on a guest list. Many conferences share contact information on their website.
Attendees of the 2024 CommerceNext Growth Show pose for a photo at the Yacht Rock Welcome Cruise, a social event perfect for networking at the conference.
Pre-Network on Social Media to Boost Your Visibility
Before the conference, engage with attendees online. Use event hashtags like #CN2025 on LinkedIn, Twitter (X) and Instagram. Introduce yourself, share posts and comment on discussions to increase your visibility.
Conference hashtags, like #CN2025, are a great way to stay up to date with conference information and to network with attendees and speakers.
During the event, continue engaging by live-posting key takeaways, sharing photos and tagging speakers or fellow attendees. After the conference, follow up with people you met by connecting on LinkedIn and commenting on their posts.
Make a Good Impression to Your New Connections
Be approachable by smiling, making eye contact and keeping your phone away when chatting.
Keep your badge visible and use it as a conversation starter. Prepare a simple, confident introduction: “Hi, I’m [Name], and I work in [Industry/Role]. I’m excited to learn more about [Topic] at this conference.”
Badges are a great way to start conversations and use as background information when making new connections.
Beyond the Sessions: Use Events and Breaks to Connect
Networking happens everywhere. Attend social events, stay at the conference hotel for casual encounters and take advantage of coffee breaks and meals to start conversations.
Talk to vendors—they’re usually easy to approach and well-connected in the industry. Avoid focusing only on VIPs; meaningful connections can come from anyone at the event.
How to Engage in Networking at the Conference
Now that you’re ready to start networking, you can dive into forming connections through your conversations. After your conversation starter, have your elevator pitch ready. Keep it short and sweet, but personable. Adjust your elevator pitch with information suitable to each person you talk to.
Good networking is about engaging, not just talking. Keep conversations balanced—ask open-ended questions and listen actively. Here are some conversation starters:
- “What inspired you to attend this conference?”
- “What’s been your favorite session so far?”
- “What are the biggest challenges you’re working on?”
Remember, you can leverage your current network while making new connections. Use your network to network. Ask an existing connection to introduce you to someone new, and introduce people across networks to form an even more meaningful and connected network.
Follow-Up through Email and Social to Strengthen Connections
Networking doesn’t end when the conference does. Within a few days, send a short, personalized message referencing your conversation:
“Hi [Name], I enjoyed our conversation about [Topic] at CommerceNext! Let’s stay in touch.”
If relevant, suggest a follow-up call or meeting to continue the discussion. Staying engaged beyond the event turns a brief interaction into a lasting professional relationship.
How to Work through Networking Struggles
Breaking the Ice
If networking feels intimidating, start with a buddy. Engaging in conversations together can build confidence. Once comfortable, branch out to form individual connections.
Here are some easy icebreakers:
- “What’s been the most interesting session for you so far?”
- “How have you enjoyed being in New York?”
- “What are you looking forward to the most?”
- Find more icebreaker questions here.
Keeping Conversations Flowing
Keep the focus on the other person by asking open-ended questions:
- “What’s your role, and what do you enjoy most about it?”
- “What’s a big challenge in our industry right now?”
- “What was your biggest takeaway from [session]?”
Know when to wrap up—end on a positive note, exchange contact info and mention a follow-up.
Networking with Senior Execs
When networking with someone more senior, approach the conversation with confidence. Do your research to understand their background and interests, and find common ground to spark a meaningful discussion. Be concise and respectful of their time—ask thoughtful questions and listen actively. Focus on building a genuine connection rather than immediately seeking favors.
Follow up with a personalized message that reinforces your conversation and expresses gratitude. Most importantly, approach networking as a two-way street—offer insights, resources or perspectives that could be valuable to them.
Avoiding Networking Burnout
Networking is valuable, but don’t overextend yourself. Take breaks, recharge and pace your social interactions. If you make a mistake in conversation, don’t dwell on it—use it as a learning experience. If you don’t have an answer to a question, offer to follow up later.
Networking Tips for Introverts and Extroverts:
For Introverts:
- Prepare ahead
- Have go-to questions
- Practice your introduction
- Take breaks when needed
- Join smaller gatherings
- Follow up digitally
For Extroverts:
- Be a connector
- Maximize social events
- Balance talking & listening
- Adapt to the setting
- Follow up & stay connected
Networking Etiquette: How to Make Genuine Connections That Matter
Networking is about quality, not quantity. Focus on meaningful conversations rather than collecting as many contacts as possible.
- Respect people’s time—if someone looks busy, wait for a better moment.
- Listen actively instead of just waiting for your turn to speak.
- When exchanging contact information, ask if they prefer LinkedIn, email or something else.
- Always follow up to reinforce connections and express appreciation for the conversation.
Ready to sharpen your networking skills? Register now for the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show and put these tips into practice!
