Networking is easier if you don’t make it about you. Connect or talk with 15 people with the angle of trying to be a helpful resource to at least one person - by passing on your know-how, a person you could connect them with, or a recent article book or paper.

Party like it is 1999

+1 on setting a reasonable goal. I try to have 3 meaningful conversations at the official happy hours. One woman I connected with ended up giving me business about 3 years later.

Thank you! I am such a fly on the wall type, so these are really helpful. Funny enough I have so many emails asking for a meet up, including this guy who has been a bit of a pest. I recognized him by his name tag. He literally sent me an email while Im seated beside him. I dont want to meet with him because it's a sales pitch...

Sorry PP here. This was more for a networking reception. I've been to so many of tehse. But conference tips are the same (minus the bar).

Have a reasonable goal in mind and once achieved, just enjoy yourself. Takes the pressure off.

Go straight to bar and get a drink. Try to start conversation with someone in the bar line (this can potentially be your first networking opportunity). You an say something about the event "what a great event. have you been to this before?" or "hi my name is X and i'm with X. what brings you here?"

If no one in bar line, then approach groups of 3+ and say "Hi, my name is X, mind if I join you guys?".

Avoid approaching a duo as they could be having a private conversation.

Before you walk in tell yourself that this is going to be an amazing event and you are going to meet X number of awesome people. A couple of deeper contacts are better than 10 small talk contacts.

I hate going to conferences. How do I make the most out of it? I always feel like a weirdo.