Maximizing your time at professional conferences

Turn Conversations into Connections: Make Every Moment at a Conference Count

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Attending a professional conference can be a game-changer for your career—if you approach it strategically. With the right preparation and mindset, you can turn a few days of panels and networking into lasting relationships and valuable insights.

This past week, I attended the Reuters Digital Health Conference! It was a wonderful time of learning and the opportunity for me to connect with people in the industry. I summarize some tips on how to maximize your time at conferences like these to help accelerate your career.

Before the Conference

• Research the agenda and identify key sessions and speakers relevant to your interests or goals

• Don’t try to do everything—choose a few events where you can go deep and engage meaningfully

• Reach out to attendees or speakers via LinkedIn ahead of time to introduce yourself and express interest in connecting at the event

• Setting up informal coffee chats or quick meetups in advance can make the conference feel less overwhelming and more productive

During the Conference

• Stay engaged and connect with people you sit around or the speakers after their talks

• Be prepared with a short personal pitch that includes who you are, what you do, and what you're looking to learn or contribute. Don’t be shy—everyone is there to meet people

• Prioritize quality over quantity in your networking: a few meaningful conversations will go further than adding a bunch of people you barely know on LinkedIn

After the Conference

• Follow up within a few days. Send personalized messages to people you met, reference your conversation, and suggest ways to stay in touch

• Reflect on what you learned and how you can apply it to your work or share it with your team

Professional conferences are more than just lectures—they’re opportunities to build your reputation, grow your network, and accelerate your development. Go in with intention, engage actively, and follow through. You’ll stand out—and get more out of the experience.