How to Network at a Conference Effectively
What if I say something awkward?
How am I supposed to talk to all these people?
Am I even qualified to talk to the speakers?
Networking is not my thing. Can I just learn and leave?
If these thoughts run through your mind at events, you’re not alone.
You’ve registered for Search Africon, and now you’re staring at the event schedule, wondering if you can just attend the sessions and skip the rest.
No, you can’t just learn and leave.
For many of us, especially introverts, the networking aspect of conferences can feel like an internal battle, scarier than your first public speaking experience.
Yet, making meaningful connections at events like Search Africon can be the difference between merely attending and transforming your professional journey.
Whether you’re a first-time conference attendee, an introvert, or a digital professional, this article offers practical strategies to help you build genuine connections. These strategies will enable you to navigate the networking experience with confidence, without the awkwardness or pressure.
What Networking at Conferences Is NOT About
Before we look at strategies for effective networking, let’s clear up some misconceptions about networking you must have heard.
- First, networking is not about pretending to be someone you’re not just to appear important.
- It’s not about collecting as many business cards and phone numbers as possible like some competitive sport.
- Networking is not about selling yourself aggressively to everyone you meet, despite what you may have heard about “shameless marketing.”
- Lastly, networking is not about only connecting with “important” people or dignitaries at the conference.
True networking is about building authentic relationships that provide mutual value over time. With that in mind, let’s look at how you can make the most of your Search Africon or conference experience
Pre-Conference Preparation
Effective networking begins long before you arrive at the venue. Proper preparation ahead can reduce anxiety while maximizing potential connections.
Join The Event Online Community Before The Conference
Join the Search Africon event community to connect with attendees in advance. Engaging in the event’s group before the conference will make it easier to start conversations in person on the event day.
Review the Conference Schedule
Take time to thoroughly review the Search Africon schedule at least a week before the event, then plan your attendance strategically. This preparation allows you to:
- Identify sessions, workshops, and speakers aligned with your professional interests
- Prepare questions for speakers or panelists you’re particularly interested in meeting
- Note potential networking opportunities during breaks, lunches, or dedicated networking sessions
By preparing your schedule in advance, you’ll move with purpose, giving you more confidence and creating natural opportunities for meaningful connections.
Define Your Networking Objectives
Clear goals are important for successful networking. Ask yourself:
- What specific career goals am I currently pursuing?
- What knowledge gaps am I looking to fill through conversations?
- How might connections at Search Africon help advance these goals?
- What types of professionals would be most valuable to connect with?
Instead of aiming to meet everyone, set realistic objectives like this:
- Connect with three professionals working in e-commerce SEO.
- Find a potential mentor specializing in on-page SEO.
- Identify potential collaboration opportunities with content writers.
Quality and strategic connections always trump quantity. Five meaningful conversations will serve you better than 50 business cards collected.
Prepare Your Personal Introduction
Your introduction, often called an elevator pitch, is important for making strong first impressions. And you know what they say “first impression matters.” A good elevator pitch for a conference like Search Africon should:
- Be 20-30 seconds long (about 3-4 sentences)
- Clearly communicate who you are professionally
- Highlight your unique perspective or expertise
- Include a conversation opener
Here’s an example of an elevator pitch
“Hi, I’m Sarah, an SEO analyst for MiraMoney, a fintech startup in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I specialize in local SEO strategies for financial services. I’ve noticed AI is really changing how SERPs appear lately. Have you observed any interesting trends in your industry?”
Beyond your introduction, focus on genuinely learning about the other person rather than just selling yourself. Also, prepare several conversation starters relevant to Search Africon or the person, such as:
- What session did you find most valuable so far?
- I love your shirt! Where did you get it?
- How has Google’s latest update affected your strategy?
- Where are you visiting from?
- Is this your first time attending Search Africon?
Prioritize Self-Care
Networking requires physical, mental, and emotional energy. To sustain yourself throughout the conference:
- Get adequate sleep before and during the conference
- Take short breaks between sessions to recharge
- Stay hydrated and eat regularly
- Set personal boundaries for socializing to conserve your energy
- Balance social interactions with quiet recovery time
If you’re visiting Lagos for the first time or need help locating the venue, review the Search Africon Guide to Visiting Lagos for directions. Likewise, for recommendations on accommodations that provide comfort and convenience, helping you arrive early and ready for networking opportunities, check the guide as well.
During the Conference
With proper pre-conference preparation complete, it’s time to implement your networking strategy during the event itself.
Engage Proactively
Even with the best preparation, you need to take initiative:
- Position yourself where conversations naturally occur (during refreshments or breaks)
- Make eye contact, smile, and approach people warmly
- Join conversations by politely introducing yourself when there’s a natural pause
- Join official networking activities and informal gatherings
- Be genuine rather than trying to impression
For introverts, try the “five-seconds rule.” When you see someone you want to meet, give yourself five seconds to approach them before overthinking creates imposter syndrome barriers.
Sustain Conversations
Starting conversations is only half the challenge; sustaining meaningful dialogue is equally important. You don’t want awkward silences to cripple your networking efforts.
- Practice active listening. Focus on understanding rather than planning your next comment
- Ask open-ended questions that invite detailed responses
- Share relevant experiences that add value to the discussion
- Look for common interests or challenges to deepen the connection
- Be present and avoid scanning the room or looking at your phone while speaking with someone.
Here are effective open-ended questions to show genuine interest and sustain conversations.
- That’s interesting! How did you implement that approach?
- What challenges did you encounter when trying that strategy?
- How did that experience change your perspective on International SEO?
- What resources would you recommend for someone interested in learning more about that?
Express Gratitude
Never underestimate the power of genuine appreciation. Appreciation makes people more willing to maintain relationships and offer help in the future.
- Thank speakers after their presentations with specific observations about their speech
- Express gratitude to fellow attendees for insightful conversations
- Acknowledge organizers and volunteers for their efforts
- Send brief thank-you messages to particularly valuable connections before the day ends
A simple “I really enjoyed our conversation about local search strategies. Your perspective on multilingual optimization gave me several new ideas to explore” can leave a positive impression and build lasting connections.
Post-Conference Actions
The days following Search Africon are important for turning brief encounters into valuable long-term relationships.
Follow Up
Networking Tools to Consider
Attending Search Africon with the right networking tools can make your networking efforts more effective.
Personal Networking CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Create a simple yet effective system to track your new connections.
Download and make a copy of this template for your use.
This organized approach ensures you remember important details and maintain meaningful follow-up.
Digital Tools
Consider using these digital tools to streamline your networking efforts.
- Canva and HiHello for creating personalized digital business cards
- Calendly for scheduling follow-up meetings
- Google Keep or Evernote for conversation notes
- Buffer or Hootsuite for scheduling social media engagement with new connections
Traditional Notebooks
Despite digital advances, a notebook and pen remain invaluable for quick notes during conversations:
- Jot down names, companies, and key discussion points
- Note the specific follow-up actions you promised
- Sketch ideas or frameworks discussed
- Capture book recommendations or tools mentioned
- Record specific details for personalized follow-up
- Develop a short hand-taking system that lets you capture key points while maintaining eye contact during conversations.
Here are more networking tips from a few of our conference-going friends.
Now What's Next? Kick Out Your Frenemy - Imposter Syndrome
As you implement these strategies at Search Africon, you might hear that inner voice suggesting you don’t belong among “experts.” This is imposter syndrome, and it affects even the best professionals.
Remember;
- Everyone at the conference has knowledge gaps
- Your unique perspective is valuable
- Questions also contribute to conversations
- Authentic connections form through vulnerability, not perfection
Here are five networking imposter syndrome and comebacks you can always look at to boost your morale.
The professionals you admire at Search Africon once stood where you stand now. Your presence and participation are essential to the community’s growth.
Final Thoughts
Effective networking at Search Africon isn’t about pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about authentically connecting with others who share your professional interests and challenges. By preparing thoughtfully, engaging meaningfully, and following up consistently, you’ll build valuable professional relationships that enhance your career for years.
Remember that every connection you make adds knowledge, opportunity, and potential collaboration to your professional journey. You got this!
Are you attending Search Africon this year? Don’t forget to check out the Search Africon Conference Schedule in preparation for an effective networking experience.
What networking strategies have worked best for you at past conferences? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Chioma Anunobi
Chioma Anunobi is an experienced SEO content writer for Tech brands. She uses storytelling to create engaging content that boosts brand visibility.
Deborah Oyewole
Deborah Oyewole - SEO Analyst & B2B Content Writer for SaaS
Deborah is an SEO Analyst who also crafts highly engaging and informative SaaS and Cybersecurity content. Her passion for exploring new ideas fuels her dedication to SEO, constantly pushing her to discover innovative strategies and insights.