Engineering Conferences And Networking Events

Never miss a chance to participate in industry exhibitions and forums. They are a perfect opportunity to understand the industry better, study competitors and view demos (which might be difficult otherwise), engage in meaningful discussions with peers, spot trends and bets the industry is making. Above all, you will have the pride of representing your organisation, showcasing your solutions / value differentiators thereby increasing brand awareness and winning customers. I have always raised my hand at such opportunities. I love to be involved right from stall and artifacts design, story boarding demos, planning fun competitions, to making presentations at such events. It has always led to enriched learnings and valuable networking. If you have been part of multiple day expos, I am sure you can relate to how we try to identify lean timings during the day when we can leave the stall to walk around and check out others, esp the competition! To make the most of such events, here are some tips to consider: 1. Be mindful of the attendees and customer segments who will visit and plan your stall tuned to their interest areas (what do they want + what do you want them to know). What you present, how you present, aesthetics, layout- everything follows. 2. If there is info on stall layouts/spots, guest speakers and panel discussions, plan for your must visit stalls and speakers ahead of time. Rotate stall manning accordingly. 3. Dry run your demos multiple times and in the exact configuration and environment expected at the event. Obviously, rehearse your speech in case you are presenting. 4. Expos are the best time to test ideas using small pilots and gauge user reaction. 5. Everyone loves gifts and take aways. Make it meaningful and memorable. 6. Ensure all members are aware of the lead gen process and follow it diligently. And if you promise to get back to someone on any queries, do ensure you close the loop post event. 7. Do not leave your stall unattended. 8. If you are an introvert and attending one such event, do not be bothered by lack of colleagues or friends accompanying you. You can look around at your own pace and slowly you will find yourself opening up, asking questions and enjoying the atmosphere. 9. Do network and have fun! If there are post event get togethers, do not miss it. What are your favourite events and memories? #learningneverstops #industryevents #learning #networking #businessdevelopment #professionaldevelopment #eventplanning #exhibitions #selfdevelopment ----------------------- Some memories: presenting at the IoT Congress in Barcelona, giving away an Alexa to a game winner, final test of a demo setup, cheering on participants at our immersive zone at Excon

I’ve been having lots of conversations about LinkedIn for events from organisers wanting to drive visibility and engagement, to exhibitors heading to upcoming tradeshows, and everyone in between. Whether you’re hosting, exhibiting, or attending LinkedIn can help you get more out of every event: ✨ More visibility 🤝 More connections 📈 More business outcomes Yet LinkedIn is often underused in the event space. A one-and-done post. A quick thank you. A flurry of activity... then silence. But here’s the thing: the event isn’t the beginning and it shouldn’t be the end. To get the most value, LinkedIn should be part of your strategy before, during and after the event. Here’s how to make the most of it: 🌠 1. Be LinkedIn Event Ready Your profile and company page shape your first impression often before anyone meets you. They should tell a clear, credible story that aligns with your event involvement. Organiser Tip: Create a LinkedIn Brand Kit for your speakers, exhibitors, and team – banners, hashtags, talking points, and example posts. Exhibitor Tip: Use an event-themed banner to show your stand details or branding. 🌠 2. Build Relationships Before the Event The most valuable connections rarely start cold on event day. The lead-up to the event is prime time to increase visibility, build familiarity, and position yourself as someone worth connecting with or visiting at the stand. Organiser Tip: Spotlight speakers, exhibitors, and sessions early and use tags to amplify. Exhibitor Tip: Shortlist people you want to meet - clients, prospects, collaborators, media and start connecting early. 🌠 3. Maximise the Event Experience Use LinkedIn to take people behind the scenes, amplify moments as they happen, and make your presence visible to those who couldn’t attend. Organiser Tip: Have someone live post from the floor, tagging participants and sharing session soundbites. Exhibitor Tip: Make it easy for people to connect with you it creates immediate pathways to keep the conversation going. 🌠 4. Keep the Momentum Going This is the stage where most people go quiet, but this is when the real relationship-building begins. Use LinkedIn to keep the conversation going. Share your takeaways. Follow up with new connections. Repurpose content into future posts. Organiser Tip: Share a highlight post and set the stage for what’s next even a “Save the Date” works. Exhibitor Tip: Send a personalised follow-up message referencing your chat. 🌟 Key Takeaways LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have to extend your event beyond the room. It allows you to build relationships before the first handshake, stay visible throughout the event and strengthen credibility and connection long after the banners are packed away. And if you'd like support to develop your own LinkedIn event strategy that's more than one and done, I’d love to help. Because showing up is just the beginning. #linkedin #events #eventmarketing

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

You're at a conference, surrounded by industry leaders and peers. You have two choices. 1. Blend into the background and wait for someone to approach you. 2. Take the initiative and start meaningful conversations. If you chose the second option, you're already on the right path to proactive networking! Why Be Proactive? Being proactive in networking means actively seeking out opportunities to build relationships rather than waiting for them to come to you. It's about taking charge of your career growth and opening doors that you didn’t even know existed. Here's How You Can Do It: 1. Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Whether finding a mentor, learning about new opportunities, or simply expanding your professional circle, having a clear goal will guide your interactions. 2. Prepare Your Pitch: Have a concise and compelling introduction ready. This isn't just about selling yourself but about making a genuine connection. Share who you are, what you do, and what you're passionate about. 3. Attend Events: Be present at industry events, webinars, and meetups. These are gold mines for networking opportunities. Don't shy away from introducing yourself and starting conversations. 4. Follow-up: After meeting someone, send a follow-up message. Whether through LinkedIn or email, a quick note expressing your pleasure in meeting them and a reference to your conversation can go a long way. 5. Give Before You Get: Networking is a two-way street. Offer help, share resources, and connect people who can benefit from knowing each other. Your generosity will be remembered. I once met a senior executive at a casual networking event. I proactively introduced myself, and after a few follow-up conversations, he became a mentor who significantly influenced my career path. This wouldn’t have happened if I had waited for him to approach me. So, step out of your comfort zone! BE PROACTIVE and watch as your professional network grows, bringing new opportunities and experiences your way! Ready to take the first step? Share in the comments how you'll be more proactive in your networking!

Last week I was in New York to attend IEEE UEMCON conference. Here is my experience. Do the following 10 things before you go to a conference. 𝟏. 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫: Volunteering for various activities help you get visibility and involvement. You can volunteer as a session chair, stage support, information table attendant, and so on. 𝟐. 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟: Identify relevant people from the conference program. Connect with them via email, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc, and introduce yourself prior to the conference. This will help you easily connect with them at the conference. 𝟑. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: Conference programs are released prior to the conference. Read the program carefully and mark what you want to attend and why. If it requires a pre-read, such as reading a research paper, read it in advance. 𝟒. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: The conference will be attended by academics and practitioners having expertise in your research area. Seek feedback on your work subsequent to the one you are presenting at the conference. 𝟓. 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: You will listen to several talks and presentations closely related to your research. Listen to them from the angle of how it relates to your research. At least take away 5 new ideas for your research from the conference. 𝟔. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: This is when you are in the limelight. This is your time to steal the show. So, give it your best shot. 𝟕. 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: If you really like a presentation, poster, or demo, go to the person and give him/her a thumbs up. It's a good way to connect as well. 𝟖. 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲: Don't sit in the corner of the room and look at your laptop all the time. When it's time to network, do network. Avoid small talk. Jump to topics like here is an idea to collaborate, try this for your research, and so on. 𝟗. 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: Keynote speakers are experts in their fields. These talks by keynotes are very informative and interesting. Keynotes speakers bring together their years of experience here. Don't miss them. 𝟏𝟎. 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧: Identify the places you want to see, the food you want to try, and the experiences you want to have in the city/country where the conference is taking place. Also, do join the trip or fun event organized by the conference organizers - it's often quite good and free too :) Any other point you want to add? #research #conference #newyork

REAL TALK: How to leave NSBE26 with more than just free merch and a tote bag. Conferences like NSBE can genuinely change your life/college experience. But that ONLY happens if you prepare. Here are some tips I’m using and you should too⬇️ ⭐️Research the companies BEFORE you go Do not walk up to a recruiter and say “So what does your company do?” Pick about 10 companies you are genuinely interested in. Look at their internships. Understand what they do. Know why you are interested. ⭐️ Apply to roles before the conference DO NOT wait until the career fair to apply. Many recruiters will just tell you to scan a QR code or apply online anyway. Save yourself the time and apply to roles before the conference. Also try to pre register for company events or interviews if they offer it. Spots fill up fast. ⭐️Fix your resume NOW not the night before Your resume needs to be clear and easy to scan in about ten seconds. Focus on impact. What you built. What you researched. What you improved. Print multiple copies because you will run out. 🫵🏿PRINT THEM OUT NOW AND PUT THEM IN YOUR FOLDER ⭐️Practice introducing yourself Networking is just talking. But talking with purpose. Practice a short introduction about who you are and what you are interested in. [Name, Major, School, What you are passionate about building or researching] Confidence matters more than perfection. ⭐️Do NOT only go to the career fair Some of the best opportunities happen outside of it. Go to workshops Go to company hospitality suites Talk to students from other schools Some of the most valuable connections you will make are with other students who might later refer you. ⭐️Follow up after the conference If you had a good conversation with someone connect with them on LinkedIn. Send a quick message saying it was great meeting them at NSBE. …. When you walk into NSBE you are surrounded by thousands of brilliant Black engineers, innovators, researchers, and future founders…This is what community looks like. Ask questions, learn from people, and be curious You never know which conversation might change your future. See you all in Baltimore.🤗 #NSBE2026 #NSBE #NSBE26 #STEMCommunity #AdvancingSTEM

How can our team adopt a recruiting mindset at conferences? 👷♀️Pre-Game. Glance at your current job openings & touch base with HR before the conference. If you are hiring Superintendents or Engineers en masse, know before you go. 🤝Work the meeting-before-the-meeting. Think beyond formal recruiting sessions. Every interaction - whether at presentations, coffee breaks, social events, or even waiting in line - is a potential opportunity to connect. 🚜Know that we're farming; not hunting. Focus on genuine relationship building rather than immediate hiring. Strike up natural conversations about shared professional interests, industry trends, and conference takeaways. This authentic approach makes people more receptive to future opportunities. 🤳Connect and collect. When you meet someone, exchange information and connect here on LinkedIn to keep in touch. LinkedIn connections stay with you while business cards don't. 💻Follow up & follow through. Send personalized messages referencing your conversations and stay in touch periodically. Even if they're not looking to move immediately, maintaining these relationships creates a talent pipeline for future openings. The real power of conference networking lies in its compound effect. As you build your network event by event, conversation by conversation, you create an ever-expanding web of talented professionals who know and trust your company. This not only helps fill current openings but positions your organization as an employer of choice. When employees embrace the recruiting mindset, they become ambassadors who can attract exceptional talent far beyond what traditional hiring channels can achieve. Get out there.

It’s September, and conference season is upon us! As the founder and president of a professional services company, I’m gearing up for several events with a clear business development plan to maximize these opportunities. Sales wasn’t always part of my career plan, but as an engineer at heart, I’ve learned that having a process for everything—even sales—is essential. Attending these events comes at a significant cost, both financially and personally, so making the most of them is crucial. Here’s a glimpse into my process: 1. Target Identification: I start by reviewing the list of presenting companies and attendees on the conference app. This isn’t just a quick glance - I carefully downselect those companies where I believe we can add value. 2. Deep Research: I then dive into deep research using LinkedIn, company websites, and other specialized research tools like Zapyrus. I look for key indicators that reveal who these companies are, where they’re headed, and where they might need support. This allows me to understand their challenges and goals, ensuring I’m prepared to offer meaningful solutions. 3. Grading Prospects: With research in hand, I grade each prospect based on our ability to help or add value. This grading is a structured evaluation, considering factors like company stage, technology focus, team composition, geographic location, etc.. Focusing on prospects that align with our expertise increases the likelihood of long-term partnerships. All research is captured for quick reference during the conference on, yes, you guessed it, a spreadsheet. 4. Customized Outreach: I craft personalized outreach emails 3-4 weeks before the event. These aren’t generic messages—they’re tailored to address the specific needs and opportunities I’ve identified during my research. The goal is to add value from the first touchpoint, setting the tone for a meaningful conversation at the event. This process isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about building a foundation of trust and understanding with potential clients and partners. In my experience, success in sales is often more about how you show up than what you’re actually selling. And of course, follow-up is key! After the event, I continue the conversation on LinkedIn, reinforcing connections and exploring further collaboration opportunities. Sometimes, I even facilitate connections elsewhere based on our discussions. Whether you're looking to connect with startups or investors, a structured approach can turn your efforts into tangible results. The key to success lies in preparation—knowing your audience, understanding their needs, and reaching out in a way that resonates. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming events! Let’s make the most of these opportunities and turn ideas into impactful collaborations. #LSIEurope #RESIBoston #MEDeviceBoston #Medtechcon #BusinessDevelopment #SalesStrategy #StartupSuccess #InvestorRelations

Conferences like #KubeCon can be overwhelming. Hundreds of talks. Thousands of people. Infinite FOMO. If you try to do everything, you'll get very little out of it. Here's what's worked best for me: 1️⃣ Go in with intent • Don't treat the schedule like a buffet. • Pick 2–3 themes you care about (e.g., OpenTelemetry, platform engineering, AI SRE) and let everything else go. • Depth beats coverage. 2️⃣ Prioritize conversations over sessions Some of the best insights don't happen on stage. • Hallway conversations • Birds-of-a-feather sessions • After-talk questions • Impromptu whiteboard debates One great conversation can be more valuable than five talks. 3️⃣ Talk to people outside your role or company You already know how your org does things. Seek out: • Operators from different industries • People earlier in their careers • Maintainers and contributors • Folks who disagree with you That's where perspective comes from. 4️⃣ Capture ideas, not notes You won't remember everything. Write down: • Things that challenged your thinking • Problems you didn’t know you had • Ideas worth exploring when you’re back Slides fade. Insights stick. 5️⃣ Follow up while it’s fresh The real value often comes after the conference. • Connect on LinkedIn • Send a short "great to meet you" message • Share one takeaway with your team • Turn one idea into action Otherwise, it's just an expensive memory. 6️⃣ Leave space for serendipity Some of the best moments are unplanned. • Say yes to a coffee. • Join a last-minute dinner. • Wander the expo floor with curiosity. Not everything valuable is on the agenda. KubeCon isn't about consuming content. It's about expanding your thinking and your network. 💬 What's your best advice for making the most of a technical conference? #Conferences #OpenSource #EngineeringLeadership #CareerGrowth

I’m excited to share some networking strategies I learned at ProductCon and ProductWorld that really transformed my experience. These are practical, hands-on tips that worked wonders for me, and I hope they can do the same for you. Before the Conference: • Get the Word Out Early: I kicked things off by posting on LinkedIn about my upcoming attendance, inviting folks to set up 1:1 meetings. This not only attracted great connections but also sparked conversations with my Discover colleagues. • Make Purposeful Connections: I reached out to key industry leaders ahead of time. For example, I connected with the Product School CEO, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia by highlighting our shared Spanish heritage and passion for product innovation—this led to a memorable meeting during a book signing event. • Do Your Homework: I researched which companies would have booths and sponsors, so I could plan targeted conversations with potential future employers. During the Conference: • Engage Genuinely: I made sure to share my LinkedIn profile and dive into conversations that truly added value. Whether chatting with Discover colleagues or industry pros, I focused on making every interaction count. • Plan Ahead for Key Meetings: I set up a meetup with Sarah Perkins, Head of Product, which turned into a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas and insights. • Learn From Every Encounter: A chat with Jay P., a Discover colleague, deepened my understanding of the money movement side of our business—a reminder that every conversation can offer fresh perspectives. After the Conference: • Follow Up Thoughtfully: The work doesn’t stop when the conference ends. I sent personalized thank-you messages and arranged 1:1 coffee chats to keep the momentum going. • Build Lasting Relationships: These follow-ups not only cemented new connections but also opened doors for mentorship, collaboration, and future opportunities. Try out these tips at your next event. By planning ahead, engaging meaningfully, and following up consistently, you can turn every conference into a launchpad for your professional growth. What’s your next move to elevate your networking game? #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #ProductCon #ProductWorld #CareerDevelopment #InsiderTips