Engineering Conferences And Networking Events

I’ve been having lots of conversations about LinkedIn for events from organisers wanting to drive visibility and engagement, to exhibitors heading to upcoming tradeshows, and everyone in between. Whether you’re hosting, exhibiting, or attending LinkedIn can help you get more out of every event: ✨ More visibility 🤝 More connections 📈 More business outcomes Yet LinkedIn is often underused in the event space. A one-and-done post. A quick thank you. A flurry of activity... then silence. But here’s the thing: the event isn’t the beginning and it shouldn’t be the end. To get the most value, LinkedIn should be part of your strategy before, during and after the event. Here’s how to make the most of it: 🌠 1. Be LinkedIn Event Ready Your profile and company page shape your first impression often before anyone meets you. They should tell a clear, credible story that aligns with your event involvement. Organiser Tip: Create a LinkedIn Brand Kit for your speakers, exhibitors, and team – banners, hashtags, talking points, and example posts. Exhibitor Tip: Use an event-themed banner to show your stand details or branding. 🌠 2. Build Relationships Before the Event The most valuable connections rarely start cold on event day. The lead-up to the event is prime time to increase visibility, build familiarity, and position yourself as someone worth connecting with or visiting at the stand. Organiser Tip: Spotlight speakers, exhibitors, and sessions early and use tags to amplify. Exhibitor Tip: Shortlist people you want to meet - clients, prospects, collaborators, media and start connecting early. 🌠 3. Maximise the Event Experience Use LinkedIn to take people behind the scenes, amplify moments as they happen, and make your presence visible to those who couldn’t attend. Organiser Tip: Have someone live post from the floor, tagging participants and sharing session soundbites. Exhibitor Tip: Make it easy for people to connect with you it creates immediate pathways to keep the conversation going. 🌠 4. Keep the Momentum Going This is the stage where most people go quiet, but this is when the real relationship-building begins. Use LinkedIn to keep the conversation going. Share your takeaways. Follow up with new connections. Repurpose content into future posts. Organiser Tip: Share a highlight post and set the stage for what’s next even a “Save the Date” works. Exhibitor Tip: Send a personalised follow-up message referencing your chat. 🌟 Key Takeaways LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have to extend your event beyond the room. It allows you to build relationships before the first handshake, stay visible throughout the event and strengthen credibility and connection long after the banners are packed away. And if you'd like support to develop your own LinkedIn event strategy that's more than one and done, I’d love to help. Because showing up is just the beginning. #linkedin #events #eventmarketing

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

You're at a conference, surrounded by industry leaders and peers. You have two choices. 1. Blend into the background and wait for someone to approach you. 2. Take the initiative and start meaningful conversations. If you chose the second option, you're already on the right path to proactive networking! Why Be Proactive? Being proactive in networking means actively seeking out opportunities to build relationships rather than waiting for them to come to you. It's about taking charge of your career growth and opening doors that you didn’t even know existed. Here's How You Can Do It: 1. Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Whether finding a mentor, learning about new opportunities, or simply expanding your professional circle, having a clear goal will guide your interactions. 2. Prepare Your Pitch: Have a concise and compelling introduction ready. This isn't just about selling yourself but about making a genuine connection. Share who you are, what you do, and what you're passionate about. 3. Attend Events: Be present at industry events, webinars, and meetups. These are gold mines for networking opportunities. Don't shy away from introducing yourself and starting conversations. 4. Follow-up: After meeting someone, send a follow-up message. Whether through LinkedIn or email, a quick note expressing your pleasure in meeting them and a reference to your conversation can go a long way. 5. Give Before You Get: Networking is a two-way street. Offer help, share resources, and connect people who can benefit from knowing each other. Your generosity will be remembered. I once met a senior executive at a casual networking event. I proactively introduced myself, and after a few follow-up conversations, he became a mentor who significantly influenced my career path. This wouldn’t have happened if I had waited for him to approach me. So, step out of your comfort zone! BE PROACTIVE and watch as your professional network grows, bringing new opportunities and experiences your way! Ready to take the first step? Share in the comments how you'll be more proactive in your networking!

REAL TALK: How to leave NSBE26 with more than just free merch and a tote bag. Conferences like NSBE can genuinely change your life/college experience. But that ONLY happens if you prepare. Here are some tips I’m using and you should too⬇️ ⭐️Research the companies BEFORE you go Do not walk up to a recruiter and say “So what does your company do?” Pick about 10 companies you are genuinely interested in. Look at their internships. Understand what they do. Know why you are interested. ⭐️ Apply to roles before the conference DO NOT wait until the career fair to apply. Many recruiters will just tell you to scan a QR code or apply online anyway. Save yourself the time and apply to roles before the conference. Also try to pre register for company events or interviews if they offer it. Spots fill up fast. ⭐️Fix your resume NOW not the night before Your resume needs to be clear and easy to scan in about ten seconds. Focus on impact. What you built. What you researched. What you improved. Print multiple copies because you will run out. 🫵🏿PRINT THEM OUT NOW AND PUT THEM IN YOUR FOLDER ⭐️Practice introducing yourself Networking is just talking. But talking with purpose. Practice a short introduction about who you are and what you are interested in. [Name, Major, School, What you are passionate about building or researching] Confidence matters more than perfection. ⭐️Do NOT only go to the career fair Some of the best opportunities happen outside of it. Go to workshops Go to company hospitality suites Talk to students from other schools Some of the most valuable connections you will make are with other students who might later refer you. ⭐️Follow up after the conference If you had a good conversation with someone connect with them on LinkedIn. Send a quick message saying it was great meeting them at NSBE. …. When you walk into NSBE you are surrounded by thousands of brilliant Black engineers, innovators, researchers, and future founders…This is what community looks like. Ask questions, learn from people, and be curious You never know which conversation might change your future. See you all in Baltimore.🤗 #NSBE2026 #NSBE #NSBE26 #STEMCommunity #AdvancingSTEM

Are you a student or emerging talent headed to IAAPA this week? If so, I want to share some very important information about how to make the most of your experience and leave a great impression. IAAPA is an incredible event, but it is also a professional tradeshow where billions of dollars of business are discussed and transacted. Companies invest tens of thousands of dollars to design, ship, and staff their booths, so it is important to approach the show floor with professionalism and awareness. Here are some best practices to help you navigate IAAPA like a pro. 🎓 1. Attend as many education sessions as possible These sessions are goldmines for learning and connection. Network with other attendees and speakers in the room. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and thank every presenter you meet. These are some of the most genuine networking opportunities of the entire week as you have an instant topic to chat with other people about (the session covered). 🧭 2. Observe on the trade show floor, don’t interrupt business The show floor is where serious deals are made. Staff members are often standing for long hours, managing back to back meetings, and focusing on clients. While it may be tempting to approach booth representatives, remember that almost all of them are there to conduct business, not recruiting. And standing and chatting with a booth attendant will make them look unapproachable to those who are there to conduct business. Use this time to walk, observe, take notes about who is out there and what they do. Add them to a list of companies you might be interested in networking with after IAAPA through appropriate channels via LinkedIn and keeping tabs on their job boards. At the Big Break Foundation we connect emerging with companies, and would love to hear which companies you are interested in hearing more from and we can set up virtual open houses with the right people! ☕ 3. Network in the halls and common spaces Some of the best connections happen outside the show floor. If you see someone standing alone, having coffee, or waiting between sessions, say hello. These casual moments are wonderful opportunities to introduce yourself and make a lasting impression. 🤝 4. Connect with your peers Other students and emerging professionals are also here to learn and grow. Swap contact information, share experiences, and support one another. The people you meet now may become your collaborators or colleagues in the future. ✨ 5. Approach every moment with curiosity and gratitude Be polite, be genuine, and be thankful. Every introduction, every conversation, and every session is a chance to learn something new and to show the best of who you are. IAAPA can be an overwhelming experience, but it can also be life changing if you approach it thoughtfully. Be observant, be respectful, and most importantly, be yourself. #IAAPA #EmergingTalent #ThemedEntertainment #BigBreakFoundation #CareerAdvice #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #students

It’s September, and conference season is upon us! As the founder and president of a professional services company, I’m gearing up for several events with a clear business development plan to maximize these opportunities. Sales wasn’t always part of my career plan, but as an engineer at heart, I’ve learned that having a process for everything—even sales—is essential. Attending these events comes at a significant cost, both financially and personally, so making the most of them is crucial. Here’s a glimpse into my process: 1. Target Identification: I start by reviewing the list of presenting companies and attendees on the conference app. This isn’t just a quick glance - I carefully downselect those companies where I believe we can add value. 2. Deep Research: I then dive into deep research using LinkedIn, company websites, and other specialized research tools like Zapyrus. I look for key indicators that reveal who these companies are, where they’re headed, and where they might need support. This allows me to understand their challenges and goals, ensuring I’m prepared to offer meaningful solutions. 3. Grading Prospects: With research in hand, I grade each prospect based on our ability to help or add value. This grading is a structured evaluation, considering factors like company stage, technology focus, team composition, geographic location, etc.. Focusing on prospects that align with our expertise increases the likelihood of long-term partnerships. All research is captured for quick reference during the conference on, yes, you guessed it, a spreadsheet. 4. Customized Outreach: I craft personalized outreach emails 3-4 weeks before the event. These aren’t generic messages—they’re tailored to address the specific needs and opportunities I’ve identified during my research. The goal is to add value from the first touchpoint, setting the tone for a meaningful conversation at the event. This process isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about building a foundation of trust and understanding with potential clients and partners. In my experience, success in sales is often more about how you show up than what you’re actually selling. And of course, follow-up is key! After the event, I continue the conversation on LinkedIn, reinforcing connections and exploring further collaboration opportunities. Sometimes, I even facilitate connections elsewhere based on our discussions. Whether you're looking to connect with startups or investors, a structured approach can turn your efforts into tangible results. The key to success lies in preparation—knowing your audience, understanding their needs, and reaching out in a way that resonates. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming events! Let’s make the most of these opportunities and turn ideas into impactful collaborations. #LSIEurope #RESIBoston #MEDeviceBoston #Medtechcon #BusinessDevelopment #SalesStrategy #StartupSuccess #InvestorRelations

Trade shows don’t fail because of the booth. They fail because of the lack of prep. As I get ready for embedded world Exhibition&Conference in Nuremberg, I’m reminded (again) that the real work happens before you ever step on the plane. This week alone, I’ll reach out to hundreds of companies attending the show. Not with a generic “Want to meet?” message. But with context: • Where they fit in the ecosystem • How our customers can support them • Whether it’s security, design services, or core technology • And what a real collaboration could look like A few weeks ago I had a list of 1,200 vendors. That’s noise. Using my OpenClaw assistant “Henry,” I narrowed it down to the top 300 companies that actually matter for my company and our clients. Now the real conversations start. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of shows: 👉 The meetings you book before the show are 10x more valuable than badge scans at the booth. 👉 The research you do beforehand determines the quality of follow-up afterward. 👉 If you wait until you land in Germany to figure out your strategy… it’s already too late. Trade shows are leverage. But only if you build the leverage before you get there. If you’re heading to Embedded World in Nuremberg and want to connect, reach out. Let’s make it productive. What’s your trade show strategy — hope, hustle, or a real system? #EmbeddedWorld #EmbeddedSystems #B2BSales #TradeShows #IoT