Ed.
note:
This
is
the
final
installment
in
a
series
providing
a
comprehensive
guide
to
networking
at
conferences.
Read
the
previous
installment
here.
In
this
final
chapter
of
“Conquering
Conferences,”
we
delve
into
the
essence
of
networking
—
building
friendships.
It’s
not
just
about
collecting
business
cards;
it’s
about
finding
your
tribe
and
nurturing
relationships
that
go
beyond
the
conference
halls.
Building
Friendships
(Or
How
to
Be
the
Cool
Kid
in
Conference
Land)
Let’s
face
it
—
knowing
someone’s
favorite
SCOTUS
justice
is
great,
but
finding
out
they
share
your
love
for
karaoke?
That’s
gold.
Remember,
it’s
not
about
how
many
cards
you
collect,
it’s
about
finding
your
tribe
in
this
conference
jungle
gym.
Sometimes,
the
most
memorable
connections
come
from
the
most
unexpected
places.
Early
in
my
career,
at
the
National
Conference
for
the
South
Asian
Bar
Association,
I
saw
an
opportunity
in
the
unexpected.
Among
the
list
of
presenters,
there
was
one
attorney
who
stood
out
because
he
wasn’t
South
Asian.
I
figured
he
might
not
know
many
people
there.
So,
I
reached
out
with
a
simple,
thoughtful
email,
inviting
him
to
join
a
group
dinner.
It
was
a
shot
in
the
dark,
but
it
paid
off.
Not
only
did
he
join
us,
but
that
single
act
of
inclusivity
fostered
a
relationship
that
has
spanned
over
two
decades.
He
became
a
client,
a
friend,
and
an
advisor.
This
experience
taught
me
that
networking
is
more
than
just
exchanging
business
cards;
it’s
about
being
thoughtful,
sometimes
stepping
out
of
your
comfort
zone,
and
seeing
every
individual
as
a
potential
connection.
Networking
at
conferences
shouldn’t
feel
like
a
chore.
It’s
all
about
making
authentic
connections,
not
just
adding
names
to
your
contact
list.
Strive
for
meaningful
interactions
where
you
can
effortlessly
and
comfortably
reach
out.
True
success
lies
not
in
the
quantity
but
the
quality
of
connections
made.
Imagine
creating
five
to10
solid
relationships,
rather
than
a
sea
of
forgettable
handshakes.
These
are
the
connections
that
will
bring
a
sense
of
anticipation
and
excitement
for
future
encounters,
transforming
the
once-dreaded
networking
ritual
into
an
opportunity
for
genuine
friendship
building.
After
the
Conference:
The
Art
of
Keeping
the
Dance
Alive
Once
the
conference’s
final
curtain
falls,
the
real
magic
of
networking
begins.
It’s
about
nurturing
those
five
to
10
meaningful
relationships
you’ve
ignited.
A
follow-up
email
that
recalls
a
personal
tidbit
or
a
professional
insight
shared
during
your
chat
can
work
wonders.
Remember,
the
goal
is
to
transform
a
brief
encounter
into
a
lasting
professional
friendship.
So,
reach
out
with
a
personalized
touch
—
a
LinkedIn
message,
a
friendly
email,
or
even
a
quick
call
can
keep
the
rhythm
of
your
new
networking
dance
going
long
after
the
conference
lights
have
dimmed.
As
we
conclude
our
series,
remember
that
the
true
magic
of
networking
lies
in
the
relationships
you
cultivate
after
the
conference.
Keeping
the
dance
alive
through
thoughtful
follow-ups
and
genuine
connections
is
the
key
to
transforming
brief
encounters
into
lasting
professional
friendships.
Thank
you
for
joining
me
on
this
journey
through
the
world
of
networking.
May
your
future
conferences
be
less
awkward,
more
rewarding,
and
filled
with
successful
connections.
Have
any
tips
on
how
you’ve
successfully
nurtured
post-conference
connections?
Let’s
hear
those,
too
—
the
more
creative,
the
merrier!
Final
Steps
✔️
Follow
up
with
new
connections
in
a
personalized
and
thoughtful
manner.
✔️ Transform
brief
encounters
into
lasting
professional
relationships.
Your
Turn!
✔️
Share
your
own
tips
and
stories
on
successful
post-conference
follow-ups.
Sejal Patel is
the Founder
of
Sage
Ivy,
a
New
York-based
consultancy
specializing
in
empowering
attorneys
with
innovative
practice
development
strategies.
With
over
20
years
of
experience,
Sejal
applies
her
expertise
in
assisting
clients
convert
their
relationships
into
revenue
by
applying
individualized
strategies
to
their
networks
and
leveraging
their
unique
styles
authentically.