Building meaningful connections at conferences can lead to career advancements, collaborations, and lifelong friendships. It's important not to overlook these invaluable opportunities for networking with your contemporaries in the geospatial community. With conference season in full swing, I wanted to explore the significance of networking and hopefully provide you with a few strategies to make the most of your conference experience.

Recognizing the Significance of Networking

Networking is more than just exchanging business cards or connecting on LinkedIn. It is a powerful tool that can open doors to new opportunities and expand your professional horizons. Here are a few key reasons why networking at professional conferences is crucial for your career growth. 

Conferences attract professionals from many backgrounds offering their knowledge and expertise. Engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees can broaden your understanding of technological trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities. Because geospatial technology is used throughout the spectrum of industries, you will not only pick up new methods and techniques to incorporate into your daily workflow, but you’re also guaranteed to learn how a tool you might regularly use is applied across various sectors. Most importantly, though, you’ll learn some things about yourself. 

In the coming days I plan to share 20 questions I’ve given my team of junior geospatial professionals to think about when as they explore geospatial (or industry specific) conferences.

• Map Nerds Unite! Networking allows you to forge connections with like-minded individuals who share your professional interests. These relationships can lead to mentorship, collaborations, and referrals; all of which will enhance your career to some degree. Here are a few examples of professional relationships that you might consider fostering at a conference:

A Professional Transition: If you’re looking to get your foot in the door of a different industry, attended a session hosted by someone from that field. Following the presentation, proactively seek out and connect with professionals working in that specific industry—ask them questions. Chances are that if they are presenting their work or research at a conference, then they don’t mind talk about it further. Be open to receiving guidance on which industry-specific skills to acquire.

Peer Support and Community Building: If you’re struggling with a specific GIS challenge, others in the field are likely experiencing the same issue or have in the past. Find those people. Support and guidance from fellows trying to overcome similar circumstance is a good environment for brainstorming and problem-solving.

Thought Leadership and Professional Recognition: Everyone attending the conference is there to soak up knowledge. Generally, people want to hear all the cool things you are creating. Present your work. You never know who might be in the audience and this connection might lead to the publication of your work or other professional recognition.

• Actively participating in networking events will help establish yourself as an engaged professional within your industry. Moreover, building a strong professional network will increase your credibility and visibility among peers and potential employers.

Strategies for Making Meaningful Connections:

Approaching professional networking with a purpose and strategy will significantly enhance your experience. Here are some strategies to help you make meaningful connections:

• I mentioned in a recent post that it’s a good idea to identify sessions and workshops that align with your professional goals; it’s an even better idea to think about the types of connections you want to make. Prior to attending a conference consider researching the speakers, potential attendees, and exhibitors. Use this information to set specific networking goals. For example, you may want to connect with industry influencers, discuss grad school options with a professor from a specific university, or shop for drone solution. Of course, though, let conversations be organic and don’t turn connections because they are not on some list you made.  This will help you focus your efforts and make your interactions more purposeful.

• A solid elevator pitch is essential for effectively communicating your value. The whole idea is that it you and another person should be able to highlight your expertise and interests in the amount of time an elevator ride might last. This will help you make a memorable impression when introducing yourself to fellow attendees. There is a ton of existing material online about crafting a great elevator pitch. Check out this outline from the Auburn University College of Engineering about what to include in your own Elevator Pitch. I might create a more detailed post on the subject later, but here are my three quick tips:
  

The Hook: Lead with a thought-provoking question, a bold statement, or relevant anecdote.

The Line: Use plain language that anyone can understand avoiding technical jargon or buzzwords that may confuse or alienate your audience.

The Sinker: Provide a next step to keep the conversation going—invite them to join you for lunch, attend your session/presentation, or connect on social media.

• Actively participate in conference sessions and ask questions during Q&A portion. This not only demonstrates your interest but also provides opportunities for post-session networking with speakers and attendees who share your enthusiasm. As mentioned earlier, chances are that if someone is presenting at a conference, then the LOVE talking about their work or research. Conferences these days have generally have an associated mobile app for attendees. If you aren’t keen on asking questions in front of a larger audience, check to see if the conference app has an attendee chat option.  Most do!

• Don’t just shove the collection of business cards you accumulated in your desk drawer after the conference. Follow up with the connections you made. Send a quick personalized email or LinkedIn message expressing your appreciation for their time. Let them know if you were able to apply a technique or solution they provided. Ask them the questions you didn’t think about in the moment. Suggest further conversations or meet-ups to continue the relationship.

Networking at a professional conference is a powerful way to expand your professional network, gain industry and personal insights, and create lasting connections. Recognizing the significance of networking and employing effective strategies will allow you to make the most of your conference experience as a first-time attendee. Remember, professional networking is a journey, and cultivating relationships requires time and effort. Embrace the opportunities that conferences offer, and you'll find yourself on a path to professional growth and success. Be sure to say hello when our paths cross at a geospatial or environmental conference!  

The next conference I plan to attend is the GIS of Alabama Conference in Gulf Shores (AL) hosted by the Alabama Geographic Information Office. More information can be found here with additional details forthcoming.