Conference Connection/networking Skills

Vincent Stevenson
None

Abstract

I would like to offer my skills in rapport-building exercises (before the conference formally begins). I have a special pack of cards with interesting subjective questions which are light and fun. Each person takes a card and asks another person their question. When each person has asked their question and been answered, they swap cards and raise their hands to indicate they're ready to swap partners. When you have an audience of 50+ this creates a great buzz in the auditorium. People are interacting before the conference has begun. The networking aspect involves initial eye contact, a "Hi/hello" salutation, and a firm handshake. This works well for people who are complete strangers. It's the ultimate icebreaker - mostly achieved in 30 minutes. Everybody now has permission to say hello to potential colleagues throughout the conference without embarrassment. I have attended conferences in the UK where this, or a similar exercise, was excluded, and it created a 'dead' atmosphere throughout the event. People travel long distances for these events, and it's great when they can feel welcome in those first 10 minutes. https://www.collegeofpublicspeaking.co.uk/about-us/vince-stevenson

Presentation