How to overcome being a NPC at a conference

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in a sea of new faces, unsure how to stand out and end up just existing? Conferences can be challenging, especially when you’re unsure where to begin. But they don’t have to be!

With a few simple strategies, you can move from being the quiet and discrete NPC to an active, engaging main character, leaving a lasting impression along the way:

1. Break the ice

In a social setting, breaking the ice is always a good approach. However, it can be intimidating and uncomfortable, so how can we do it more comfortably at a conference?

• Set intentional networking goals: Identify specific goals, like who you want to meet and what industries or topics interest you. Having clear goals helps you feel more confident and get a head start!
• Use the badge as a conversation starter: In a conference, you can use your badge to approach people and make it the necessary icebreaker. Don’t forget to make your badge memorable so that people approach you.

2. Find your tribe

Usually, the best way to become a party player is to find groups or communities that align with your interests and expertise. Connecting with like-minded attendees can make conversations feel natural, so you’re not constantly thinking, “What should I talk about next?”.

For the shy people, try to connect with others on social media before the event. A simple message can start the conversation online and make it easier to connect in person later.

3. Showcase your skills

Look for ways to share your expertise naturally. Conversations about industry trends or recent projects allow you to highlight your skills without coming across as intrusive.

In addition, a well-known benefit of upskilling — acquiring new and relevant competencies to stay updated in your role — is that it strengthens your skill set and helps you connect with peers and potential employers in the tech industry.

4. Create meaningful connections 

When it comes to networking, sometimes less is more. A quality-over-quantity approach often leads to the most meaningful connections. Here’s how to make your networking more effective:

• Focus on genuine, low-pressure conversations: Instead of big gestures, aim for small, meaningful chats over coffee or between sessions.

• Use event apps: With apps being trendy at conferences, many event apps list other attendees, allowing you to identify who you’d like to meet in advance, making it easier to approach and message the right people directly.

• Prepare conversation topics to steer your discussions:
  1. Questions about market trends and insights
  2. Career-related queries to gain different perspectives
  3. Professional experiences and case studies to share in relevant areas

5. Turn connections into lasting relationships. 

When building a connection, the most important part is maintaining it – that’s how the best relationships are formed. After the event, keep up the momentum to solidify new connections.

Here are some other ways to stay engaged and build meaningful connections:

• Personalised follow-ups: Mention something specific from your conversation to show genuine interest! 
• Share industry news or insights: If you come across relevant news or resources that align with their interests, send a quick note with the link, showing you remembered their professional focus.
• Engage with their content on social media: Liking, commenting on, or sharing their posts shows ongoing support and keeps you on their radar.

At conferences, it’s often easier to stay in the background than to step into the spotlight. Here are 5 ways to overcome the fear of being noticed and showcase your skills to peers and, maybe, who knows, your next employer. By gradually adopting these strategies, you’ll be ready to stand out at any event!