Conference season is upon us, and if you’re like most economic development professionals, you’re probably looking at your calendar thinking, “How am I going to make the most of this experience without completely exhausting myself?” Here’s the thing: the magic isn’t just in the sessions you attend—it’s in the connections you make between them.
Remember when networking meant awkwardly standing around with a steaming cup of coffee or tea (if you’re me), hoping someone would start a conversation? Thankfully, those days are over! Smart EDOs are already connecting with fellow attendees weeks before they set foot in the convention center.
If your conference is using an online/app platform like Whova (and honestly, most are), you’re sitting on a goldmine of networking opportunities that most people completely ignore. Here’s what the pros are doing while everyone else is still figuring out their travel arrangements:
They’re browsing the attendee list like it’s their morning coffee ritual. Seriously, spend 15 minutes each morning scrolling through profiles. Look for people from communities similar to yours, potential partners, or that site selector you’ve been trying to connect with for months.
They’re joining topic-specific groups before the conference even starts. Manufacturing focus? Join that group. Downtown revitalization? There’s a group for that, too. These conversations often lead to the most valuable meetups, so lean in as soon as you can.
They’re scheduling coffee meetings through the app. Yes, you can actually do this! Send a message like, “I see you’re tackling similar workforce development challenges. Want to grab coffee Tuesday morning before the sessions start?” OR: “I see that you’re spotlighting tourism successes in your rural county as a conference speaker. I’d love to connect to see if you have ideas for me!”
Digital Hacks Beyond Whova
While you’re getting comfortable with conference apps, don’t forget about your other digital networking superpowers. Update your LinkedIn profile before you go, and I mean really update it. Add that recent project win, update your headline to reflect your current priorities, and please make sure your contact information is current.
To make that digital handshake extra seamless, create a simple digital business card using apps like CamCard or HiHello. Nothing says “I’m stuck in 2015” like fumbling around for paper business cards when someone wants to connect on the spot!
The Art of the Strategic Coffee Chat
Conference networking isn’t about collecting business cards like they’re Pokémon cards. It’s about having meaningful conversations that lead to real partnerships. The best networkers I know treat every coffee break like an opportunity to learn something new.
Instead of asking “What do you do?” (they already know you’re in economic development), try “What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?” or “What’s keeping you up at night?” These questions lead to real conversations, not elevator pitches.
And please, for the love of all things networking, put your phone away during these conversations. The person in front of you cannot be replicated.
Making Your Community the Star of Every Conversation
Here’s where most people get it wrong: they think networking is about promoting themselves. Actually, it’s about promoting your community. When someone asks about your recent wins, don’t just talk about the jobs created—paint a picture of what that means for your downtown, your residents, your future.
Always keep a few compelling stories in your back pocket. Share an anecdote about that restaurant that opened because of your entrepreneurship program, or the block that came alive because of your selfie-worthy public art installations.
The Follow-Up That Actually Follows Through
The real connections happen after the conference ends. You know this, but do you actually do it? Most people get home, dump their business cards in a drawer, and wonder why nothing came of all those “great conversations.”
Set aside two hours the week after your conference to follow up properly. Not with generic “Nice meeting you” emails, but with specific next steps. “I’d love to learn more about your brownfield redevelopment process,” or “Let’s schedule a call to discuss that workforce partnership you mentioned.”
Use your conference app to stay connected with the groups you joined. These conversations often continue for months after the event ends, leading to collaborations no one saw coming.
Ready to Make This Fall Different?
Here’s my challenge for you: Before you register for your next conference, spend 30 minutes thinking about what you want to accomplish beyond just attending sessions. Who do you want to meet? What partnerships could transform your community? What problems are you hoping to solve?
Then use every tool at your disposal, Whova, LinkedIn, strategic coffee chats, and genuine curiosity, to make those connections happen. If we run into you at IEDC’s 2025 Annual Conference next week, the Main Street Maryland Conference, TEDCO’s 2025 Entrepreneur Expo, MEDA Fall Conference in October, or at Charles County’s Fall Meeting or the Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit in November, we expect that you’ll be the GOAT of the conference networking game!
