Research, experiment, weigh in on your accomplishments and failures, and study the lessons learnt so that you set a better target in the next organization.
What is the scope of the event you are attending? Say, you’re attending a panel. Bios of the panelists are highly likely to appear on the web page for the event. At least note down their names and surnames to have a deeper search into who they are. Once you have an idea about panelists’ backgrounds and know in advance who they are, you could get a chance to chat before anyone else discovers them. Quality organizations always devote time to networking before panels kick off. Most experienced panelists arrive at the venue before the start time, which is a golden opportunity for you to get acquainted with them.
Do you know who is organizing the event? Having a look at the sponsors would be as much practical as knowing the “host”. Now that they have sponsored such an event, why wouldn’t they do so for the events you’ll organize in the future?
If you are a newbie in the realm of networking, you’d better roll your sleeves up for the simplest instead of the most challenging tasks. Research, experiment, weigh in on your accomplishments and failures, and study the lessons learnt so that you set a better target in the next organization.
Who are their potential customers? Why could it be that they’re contributing to such an event? Ask yourself. Work out answers and get inspired.
Who is attending the event? Do you know any of them? A section on the web page for the event may be available for the participants to post their questions. The event may also have gone “social”, for example with a page on Facebook, in which case you can check out LinkedIn or Facebook to learn about those attending the event. Is there a chance for you to get to know each other before the event? You’d better take it since you can travel to the venue together or make friends with a former participant to pose the questions you have in mind.
Where is the event taking place? Logistics matter. The venue is an indicator of the magnitude and significance of the event. While planning your participation, you’ll also try to figure out how to commute there. If in a different city, you would be expected to find out options for travel and accommodation. Even if it is nearby, you need to plan your transport. Organizers are supposed to take into account the hassle of transport and parking, especially in metropolitan cities like Istanbul.
Is there an admission fee for the event? Why you are attending an event would determine the amount you’re willing to cash in. Which day and what time is it going to take place? A seminar at 8.00 am that coincides with the first day of the semester is an epic organizational failure. You need to rummage everything in infinite detail for an impeccable event to materialize.
Will food be served in the event? Even if it is a certain “yes”, do not go there on empty stomach. Plus, no matter how exquisite the catering company is, do not be among those people who have their hands clenched on the open buffet table. Be moderate with the amount of treats you'd be willing to consume. All in all, you would pick a good restaurant if your real motive were eating, right?
You do not have to attend an event alone. Someone with common areas of interest can tag along with you —a friend, for example, to motivate, encourage and comfort you instead of competing against you. This is how you can get to know each other’s new-made friends, and come together to evaluate how the event passed.
Ertugrul Belen & Optimist Publishing House