The year is coming to an end, and the team at PESGB are busy preparing for our first EVER virtual conference PROSPEX 2020! We’re aware that for many of you, this will be your first time attending an event in this format, so, we’ve created these top tips to networking successfully at a virtual event.

Jazz up your profile!

When you can’t meet in person, you profile will be the first (and possibly the only) impression you’re able to give, whether you’re an exhibitor, speaker or attendee. Take the time to personalise your profile by adding a clear photo of you (preferably in a business setting), make use of tags, and add links to your website and LinkedIn profile. If you are thinking of adding a bio to your profile ensure you add details you would want to know about someone else, keep it professional and don’t forget to add a few hobbies or interests so we can match you with likeminded experts.

Be prepared to start the conversation

You might not be able to bump into your next business connection at a keynote, this is why proactive networking is more important than ever. You can message attendees at any time privately so, why not take the first step? Don’t forget to keep your intro message bespoke and personal, nobody wants a copy and paste introduction! Make sure you tell them a little about yourself and why you would like to connect.

(We’ll be ending PROSPEX with a networking event themed around the infamous Steam Passage pub. There will be 5 themed rooms and it will be the perfect place to catch up with connections old and new)

Don’t “Zoom” off

It might be tempting to sit and not make a peep during a presentation or networking event, but all the best connections will be made through proactive interaction. Virtual platforms have a multitude of ways to connect with attendees including private messaging, 1:1 Private video calls and virtual meeting rooms! Not to mention live Q&A’s and discussion boards to share jokes, images, organise virtual meet-ups and much more! Rather than zipping between sessions make sure you utilise the tools made available to you for the best networking experience possible.

 

Written by Freya Jacobs – Events and Communications Officer

Thank you to Dave Offer for inspiring this post with his ‘Contact 5’ initiative. You can find out more here