How to efficiently socialize during a conference?

CN
3 hours ago

Show genuine interest in others, and people will remember the feelings you brought to them.

Written by: Carlitosway

Translated by: Luffy, Foresight News

What people remember is your aura, not your presentation. As long as you master the right way to engage, there’s no need to chase after opportunities; they will come to you. Here are the specific correct practices.

TLDR

  • Make plans in advance, but also leave room for flexibility

  • Dress neatly and appropriately, showing your true self, avoiding over-dressing or being unkempt

  • Take the initiative to take photos together, seek consent before posting, and follow up promptly afterwards

  • Use NFC tools or QR codes to make sharing contact information smoother

  • Speak less, listen more, and ask deeper questions

  • Avoid excessive selling; instead, cleverly spark others' interest

  • Show genuine interest in others, and people will remember the feelings you brought to them

  • Continuously create relevant content before, during, and after the event

  • Sharing a villa with friends is better than staying alone in a hotel

  • Participating in surrounding activities is better than just focusing on the main venue

Prepare Before Departure

Update your personal profile. A week before the event, update your profile to include your destination. This can indicate your intentions and open up your network. Actively ask friends if they will attend, send private messages, or interact through public comments. These small interactions often lay the groundwork for subsequent offline communication.

Sign up for the main event, but also pay attention to surrounding events: dinners, parties, private gatherings, sports events. The real depth of social interaction often occurs in these settings.

If possible, book a private accommodation with friends. A shared villa can become your social headquarters, making it easier to invite others over; hosting small dinners or gatherings can build trust more quickly than simply sending private messages or making phone calls.

Dress and Act Naturally and Appropriately

You don’t need to over-dress, but if you dress like an ordinary person, others will perceive you as ordinary. Don’t walk around dressed head to toe in LV, and don’t wear a hoodie stained with drinks; a suit is also not necessary.

Stay mobile; offline social opportunities are often scattered throughout the city and require active searching. If your schedule is too rigid, you may miss unexpected surprises.

If you’re like me and occasionally wander from the sub-venue to a bar while slightly tipsy, that’s perfectly fine—just don’t end up like I did in Lisbon 2023, touching freshly painted artwork. It was because of that little incident that I met GratefulApe_eth, who still teases me about it.

Utilize Tools to Create a Good Impression

Bring NFC cards or QR codes. With a simple tap, they can access your X, Telegram, and all the relevant information you want to share.

After taking a photo with someone, proactively send it to them via private message. This is the simplest and most personable way to follow up, and it helps you remember "who is who."

If the other party has not publicly revealed their identity, be sure to obtain consent before posting the photo. Most people in the circle know what StarPlatinumSOL looks like, but someone like Wale, who has a recognizable voice but remains anonymous, requires extra respect for this information asymmetry.

The Art of Conversation

Don’t start by selling. Open the conversation with a question, “What do you think about… (a certain industry trend / event topic)?” is more effective than “I’m working on… (project introduction).” Your goal is not to leave a deep impression but to establish a connection, which stems from curiosity.

Show genuine interest in others. Let them speak more, guiding them to ask about your situation. A high-quality conversation will be like an unclosed thread, allowing you to reconnect weeks later. If you want to discuss your project, approach it from a relevant perspective, such as, “What we are doing might complement your current work.”

Leverage Your Strengths: Different Strategies for Introverts and Extroverts

Introverts can engage in deep conversations with others. Find a quiet corner and listen to what the other person has to say. When people feel valued, they will open up. As for extroverts? Be free and lively, remember others' names, and be happy to introduce friends to new acquaintances.

Both roles are highly valuable; the key is to be authentic. Being genuine is always more attractive than trying to act lively.

Stage or Brand

If you are giving a speech, don’t stick to the slides or notes; speak freely, as if you are telling a friend how you built something. If necessary, you can rehearse, but make sure it sounds unrehearsed.

When companies exhibit, focus on conveying brand culture. Prepare a concise introduction that can be understood in 20 seconds. Don’t bore your audience; this is your chance to win loyal users!

Reinforce Memory: Balance Recording and Experience

Record your experiences. Create content, but don’t overshare. If the content is valuable, post it in real-time, then reflect on it later.

Most importantly: don’t just focus on socializing; truly experience the host city—walk around, taste local cuisine, try jet skiing, or, like I did during Token2049 in Dubai, spontaneously join a desert trip.

Many people become exhausted from excessive socializing midway through the event, ultimately missing the second wave of activities; the real social magic often happens in these later occasions.

Situational Awareness: Implicit Social Skills

If the person you want to talk to is already engaged in conversation or there’s a long line in front of them, don’t linger awkwardly like waiting in line at a food truck. Go participate in other activities first, then look for opportunities to return and engage.

Observing calmly will always win more favor than impatiently urging.

Authenticity is More Important than Intentionality

Genuine interactive moments far surpass intentionally designed scenarios. Special thanks to @LeonAbboud_, who demonstrated the power of staying authentic through his actions. You never know who is watching you, but as long as you show your true self, others will remember you and approach you.

Summary Thoughts

I have attended several events such as NFC Paris, NFT Paris, Token2049, and each time I have gained new friends, work invitations, collaboration opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging in the industry.

In this world of "overwhelming private messages and anonymous accounts," the value of real offline interactions is severely underestimated. Your social network is, in fact, your invisible wealth. Just don’t forget that enjoying the process is equally important.

Additional Reminders: Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

  • Update your social media profile before the event

  • Carry smart contact-sharing tools (NFC cards / QR codes)

  • Compliment the other person's work before mentioning your project

  • Ask more questions and listen

  • Use photos to help with memory

  • Stay hydrated (especially when drinking)

  • Say others' names out loud to remember them

Don’ts:

  • Promote yourself or your project too early or aggressively

  • Interrupt others' conversations

  • Post photos of anonymous individuals without permission

  • Linger waiting to engage when others are clearly busy

  • Boast about your project without any background context

  • Drink excessively (unless you can ensure you remain composed)

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