AI Conference Networking
Your complete guide to making meaningful connections at AI conferences. Check items off as you go — your progress saves automatically.
Your Progress
0/28 complete (0%)2 Weeks Before
0/7 complete
Research keynote speakers and panelists
💡 Read their recent papers or blog posts
Review the full agenda and mark priority sessions
Check if attendee list is available
💡 Many conferences share on apps or Discord
Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions per speaker
Update LinkedIn profile with current projects
Practice your 30-second intro (who you are, what you're building)
Set 3 specific networking goals
💡 E.g., meet 2 founders, find a collaborator
Day Before
0/6 complete
Charge all devices (phone, laptop, portable charger)
Print business cards or prepare digital contact card
Plan comfortable but professional outfit
Map venue location and plan arrival route
Draft a few tweet templates for live sharing
Get a good night's sleep!
At the Event
0/8 complete
Arrive 30 minutes early
💡 Best networking happens before sessions
Sit in the front 3 rows for talks
Take notes - capture quotes and insights
Use every break for networking (skip your phone)
Ask questions during Q&A
💡 Brief intro + specific question
Exchange contacts immediately after good conversations
Take photos with new connections (memory aid)
Note conversation context when saving contacts
Within 48 Hours After
0/7 complete
Send LinkedIn connections with personal notes
Send follow-up emails to key contacts
Share any resources you promised during conversations
Thank speakers publicly on Twitter/X
Write a short post about key takeaways
Schedule follow-up coffee chats
Update your personal CRM/contact notes
Conversation Starters
For Speakers
"I loved your point about [X]. Have you seen [related thing]?"
"I'm working on something similar to what you described. Could I share a quick update?"
"What's the most common misconception about [topic]?"
For Attendees
"What session are you most looking forward to?"
"What's bringing you to this conference?"
"Are you working on anything exciting in this space?"
For Founders
"What's the most surprising thing you've learned building [company]?"
"What problem are you trying to solve that nobody else is?"
"How did you find your first 10 customers?"
For Researchers
"What's your current research focus?"
"What's an open problem that excites you?"
"What paper surprised you the most this year?"
Follow-Up Email Templates
Hi [Name], Great meeting you at [Conference]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. [One specific thing you remember from the conversation] Would love to stay in touch. Let me know if you're ever up for a coffee chat. Best, [Your name]
Value-First Networking Tips
Give Before You Ask
Offer help, share resources, make intros before asking for anything
Be Specific
"Can I pick your brain?" is weak. "Can I ask about your hiring process?" is strong
Listen Actively
Remember details. Reference them later. Take notes right after
Follow Through
If you say you'll send something, send it within 24 hours
Be Memorable
Share a unique project, perspective, or story people will remember
Stay in Touch
Periodic value-adds (articles, intros) > annual "catching up" emails
Get the Printable PDF Checklist
Take this checklist to your next conference. Includes all templates and bonus tips.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.