Strategies For Effective Networking At Festivals

I talk to a lot of new founders and creatives who drop $$$$ on conferences hoping to bump into investors, land clients, shake hands and kiss babies. Their heart’s in the right place, but if investors see you blowing early-stage capital on $5K conference passes with no clear ROI, it raises a red flag: “Will this person treat my money like Monopoly cash too?” Here’s a better play, attend “Lobby Con.” That’s right, skip the badge, grab a latte, and park yourself in the host hotel’s lobby or bar for 8 hours a day. That’s where the real game happens. Keynote speakers, power players, and actual dealmakers aren’t at the expo hall, they’re lounging over Negroni’s. Do your homework. Identify 10–20 decision-makers before the event, then slide into their LinkedIn DMs or email inboxes a few weeks out. Try to get on their radar early and set up face-to-face time during the event. Why spend $5K on a conference pass when you can get further with a $20 coffee. Make an impression by hosting a small dinner or cocktail hour. Invite prospects or collaborators to a vibey restaurant and actually have a real convo. Relationships are built over hard drink, and finger food. Be the belle of the ball, not the ghost at the gala. If you’re gonna attend a conference, own it. Try to get on a panel, moderate a session, or find a creative way to get your face on the flyer. Visibility from the stage (or even just the website) changes the energy, suddenly they’re Googling you, not the other way around. Being positioned as a thought leader by the event itself is the ultimate credibility shortcut. And don’t forget: social media is your hype machine. Announce that you're attending on LinkedIn, Bluesky, or Instagram. Tag the event, share insights in real time, and follow up with new connections after the fact. It’s not about who you meet, it’s about who remembers you.

As we go into SXSW weekend, I thought I would share some in-person networking tips from my LinkedIn Strategies for Founders guide. In my corporate days, a conference meant shaking hands and collecting the most business cards I could. (Do people even have business cards anymore?) I know realize it's about making real connections, ones that actually move the needle. Here's how to do it right: 1️⃣ Be memorable, not generic. Have a super short intro and tell them something about you that will stick. (Mine: "I am an angel investor, board director, and startup advisor. I also have the best pet in the world, Amber the Chicken Dog." People remember me because I have the best dog ever - and that she is a Chicken Dog.) 2️⃣ Ask better questions. Instead of "What do you do?" try: "What's the most exciting thing you're working on?"  "What are you hoping to get out of this event?"  "Who is the person you want to meet here?" 3️⃣ Listen more than you talk. People love to talk about themselves. Let them. You'll come across as a good listener and a thoughtful person. 4️⃣ Give before you take. Offer a connection, an insight, or a resource before you ask for anything. (But always have your own ask ready to go!) 5️⃣ Follow up. A quick DM or email within 24 hours makes you stand out. Don't forget to remind them exactly where you met and what you talked about. (It will help you remember as well!) Here are my biggest hacks: ✅ Have your phone screen saver be your LinkedIn QR code. ✅ Ask them to connect with you (don't have them follow). ✅ You've then got the list of all the people who connected with you to follow up with them. Send them a message after you accept the connection (see above). ✅ Take notes when you're talking; they'll be honored you find the discussion so worthy. Networking isn't about selling yourself. It's about building relationships. And relationships open doors that a cold email never will. ----- I'm Katie Dunn, an Angel Investor, Board Director, and Startup Advisor. I prepare founders for fundraising, and they gain confidence, resources, and connections. Check out my LinkedIn Strategies for Founders guide (link in Featured Section).

Sometimes I really hate networking. The generic questions like “How’s work?” or “Nice weather we’re having.” The awkward silence feeling when neither person knows what to say. The fake-promise break off “Yes, let’s keep in touch.” or “I’ll definitely circle back.” I’m someone who loves quiet and enjoys deeper conversations. So, large events, like conferences, often feels like a chore. But I know networking is really important. And I do genuinely want to connect with people. So, over the years, I’ve learn how to network in a way that feels more me. Here are 6 strategies that have helped. I hope they help you too! 1/ Pre-connect online ➙ If the event has a guest list, I always reach out ahead of time. ➙ "Hey, I saw we’re both attending [event]. Would love to say a quick hello while there!" ➙ This erases the initial awkwardness and gives me an anchor.   2/ Set a micro-goal ➙ Instead of feeling the need to “network with everyone,” I set a goal. ➙ “I’ll have [x] real conversations and then I can leave.” ➙ This gives me purpose and permission.   3/ Use the buddy system ➙ If it’s possible, I bring a colleague or friend. ➙ If not, I’ll hook up early with someone I know. ➙ We tag-team conversations and give each other talk breaks.   4/ Have go-to questions ready ➙ When my energy is low, thinking on the fly is hard. ➙ I keep a couple of easy, genuine openers in my pocket: ➙ “What session are you most excited to attend?” or “What’s something interesting you’ve been working on lately?” 5. Reframe networking as a favor to future-me ➙ Just because I don’t love it in the moment, doesn’t mean I’m not grateful I went. ➙ When I've used all of my words, I exit gracefully (and guilt-free). 6/ Always follow up ➙ It’s impossible to connect with everyone, so this step is crucial. ➙ Reaching out post-event invites continued dialog and deepens connections that matter. Some people were born to network. Others, like me, were not. But showing up with a game plan really helps build meaningful connections that last. What is your networking survival tip? ___ ♻️ Share to support all forms of networking! 🔔 Follow Dr. Heather Maietta for coaching tips that stick.