This document provides tips for introverts on how to effectively network and socialize at conferences. It begins by explaining that introverts find large crowds draining and need alone time to recharge. It then offers strategies for preparing beforehand like getting organized, bringing business cards, and setting goals for interactions. During the event, it recommends wearing name tags, taking notes, choosing who to approach, asking questions of others, and exchanging contact information. It emphasizes following up after through casual notes and proposed next steps. The overall message is that conferences can be overcome through preparation, focusing conversations on others, and following up in a low-pressure manner.

1. AN
INTROVERT’S
GUIDE TO
CONFERENCES
Or how to talk people when you’d rather be in the corner.

2. Introvert Extrovert

3. Introverts tend to recharge by spending time alone.
They lose energy from being around people for long
periods of time, particularly large crowds.
…this is bad news for conferences…
…but you can overcome it!
FUN FACT: The difference between extroverts and
introverts could be levels of arousal – the extent to which our
minds and bodies are alert and responsive to stimulation.
http://www.fastcompany.com/3016031/leadership-now/are-you-an-introvert-or-an-extrovert-and-what-it-means-for-your-career

4. THE NIGHT
BEFORE.
Get your stuff together.

5. Don’t Be
Like Bert -
Do Your
Homework
• Know where you are going and when.
• Read over the list of speakers and workshops.
• Have comfortable clothes picked out in advance.
• Know the MMM Elevator Pitch
• Put together your “Business Bag”
– Business Cards
– Snacks
– Gum
– Phone Charger
– Notepad / Pen
– Tickets to Event
The moment when you realize you have homework on a Sunday night.

6. Yes,
Business
Cards Are
Still A
Thing
• If there was ever a time for business cards –
conferences are it.
• They can be carried in anything from a rubber-band to
a professional case. Just carry them.
• Don’t be ashamed to ask for someone else’s – that’s a
good opportunity to share yours in return.
• Keep the business cards you collect together in your
purse or wallet. Make them easy to find the next day.
• If applicable, write identifiable information on the card
you receive once you leave the conversation.

7. Challenge
Yourself to
Make Goals
and Use
Time
Purposefully
Attitude is everything. By making goals in advance, you can
begin to form a vision for your time there – and become
more purposeful in how you interact with others.
– Example Challenges:
• Have 50 authentic conversations where you exchange 50 business cards.
• Meet 3 keynote speakers and repeat back to them the advice you liked.
• Talk to 10 new people and find out what excites them in the field.
• Ask a question during a Q&A.
• Meet organizers of the event and ask about how you can be involved.
• Solidify three follow-up meetings from your new contacts.
• Select one speaker to meet and make plans for coffee at a later date.
• Invite one person back to Man Made for an office tour and chat.

8. GO TIME.
Part 2

9. Name Tags
Are
Important
So Please
Wear Them
– Not On
Your Pants
Kristen
Man Made Music
This is on purpose.Anything out of the ordinary gives others a way to break the ice.
Do what works for you!

10. Take Good
Notes
• There’s a lot to be learned.Take good notes so you can
better remember what was discussed.
– Not only for future reference, but to bring up in small chat
with fellow attendees.
• Notate the best way to reach speakers via social media
as well.
– It’s good to get in the habit of finding key words, phrases or
sound bites being used – that you can post to social media
with the conference hashtag while tagging the speaker.
– You’ll find fellow attendees may begin to like/retweet your
posts, which builds comradery.

11. Picking Your
Schmooze
Target
This is the hardest part.
• First, take a deep breath and look around the room.
• The best place to start is others who are alone and not
distracted…
• Then move onto people looking at their phone…
• Then 2 or 3 people having a mildly interesting
conversation…
• Then the host of the event…
– And even ask for help – “Hi, can you introduce me to so and
so?”
But if all else fails…

12. Be A Good
Schmooze
Target
• Be the kind of person you would feel confident
approaching yourself.
– Don’t look like you’re talking on your phone or distracted by
something serious / important.
– Keep open and warm body language, smile when you lock
eyes with someone.
– Sit somewhere that has seating next to or near you.
– Have something about you that’s noticeable or easy to
reference – whether it be an accessory or joke on your
nametag, etc. Helps people remember you and ideally talk to
you.

13. Turning
Small Chat
Into Big
Success
• People love to talk about themselves. It’s okay to be a
listener and ask lots of questions about them.
– Where do you work?
– Where do you live?
– What are you looking forward to this week?
– How did you hear about this conference?
– What’s been valuable to you so far?
– What could be done better?
– Any projects you’re excited about working on?
– Have you considered sound and music and if so, how do you
use it in your projects?
FUN FACT: Especially at conferences, you’re all there for
likely the same reason and motivations. Instant point of
unspoken bonding.You’re free to just say hi!

14. Turning
Small Chat
Into Big
Success
• When you feel the conversation is about to end, or you
need to move on to catch another person – don’t
forget to ask for their business card and remind them it
was nice to speak with them.
• If they don’t have one, have your notebook handy for
them to write down their best contact instead or input
it directly into your phone.
• If you see them at later points in the conference, say
their name and hello!
• If you feel a conversation is dragging and they’re not
getting signs you’re uncomfortable or need to go,
politely thank them for their info and that you’ll follow-
up, but for now you need to…get more food, another
drink, a better seat, or even that you were hoping to
continue making your rounds at the event.
FUN FACT: You may find yourself with a
“conference buddy” – usually one of the first
people you meet at the event, who you can tag
team the rest of the day with.These people are
great and worth finding!You know you’ll always
have the freedom to sit next to them and they can
even be a wingman when you need support
chatting with the key speakers.

15. Food
Breaks
• Especially for long conferences, food breaks may be
your only moment to yourself.
• However, they are also some of the easiest ways to
meet people. “Hi, is this seat taken?”
• Be one of the first people to the dining tables and have your
choice of seats.Then others will be forced to sit with you.
• …But don’t forget to take care of yourself.Take a 5-minute
walk outside or break to check your e-mail and recharge
alone if you need it.

16. THE MORNING
AFTER.
Part 3

17. Follow-ups • Keep it casual.A short and sweet note is appreciated
and will be briefly skimmed.
• Include some memories that reflect on the
conversation you had – either shared interests, a
project they are working on, or some other tidbit that
shows you were listening and care.
• Offer an actionable next step – to book a meeting later
that week, meet for coffee or exchange additional
information. Use dates and times when necessary to
keep things moving forward.
• This isn’t dating.You don’t have to wait 3 days to write
(or call).
– My rule of thumb: E-mail the next day, except if the next day
is a Friday.Then wait until the following Monday. Got it?

18. MOST OF ALL,
HAVE FUN.
It’s not so bad, really!

19. THANK YOU.
Kristen Lueck |SeniorStrategist, Culture and Innovation
Man Made Music | www.manmademusic.com
@former_case | @man_made_music