Print this. Bring it to every event. ✓ every box.
1. Define your goal
One goal per event. Are you looking for customers, investors, co-founders, hires, or learning? Write it here:
2. Research the attendee & speaker list
Identify 10–15 people you specifically want to meet. Look them up on LinkedIn.
3. Prepare your 30-second introduction
No jargon. No buzzwords. Practice it out loud 5 times.
4. Set up your follow-up system
CRM, spreadsheet, or notes app. Create a template: name, company, discussion, promises, follow-up date.
5. Pack your kit
Phone + laptop charged · Battery pack · Business cards · Notebook + pen · Comfortable shoes
6. Register for side events
Dinners, after-parties, coffee meetups. These fill up fast — register early.
7. Arrive early
The first hour is the best time to meet people. Walk in during the coffee/registration window.
8. Lead with curiosity, not your pitch
"What are you working on?" beats your elevator pitch every time.
9. Take notes after each conversation
Name, what you discussed, any promises made. Step aside for 60 seconds after every meaningful chat.
10. Attend sessions that matter, skip the rest
Use non-relevant session time for hallway conversations and 1-on-1s.
11. Be visible on social
Tweet from the event. Tag speakers and organizers. Post a photo of a valuable session.
12. Follow up within 48 hours
Personalized message to every meaningful connection. Reference something specific from your conversation.
13. Connect on LinkedIn with a personal note
"Great meeting you at [event]. Really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]."
14. Write a debrief
What did you learn? Who did you meet? What actions came out of it? What would you do differently?
15. Add warm contacts to your CRM
Set a reminder to check in with high-potential connections in 2–4 weeks.