I love writers’ conferences. So much to learn, so much positive energy, so many good books to discover. But the best thing about writer’s conferences? Hands down, it’s the collection of writers (and readers, and editors, and agents, and…).
Here are some tips for networking at conferences:
Before the conference
Do your prep work. Effective networking at conferences begins weeks (or months) before the conference. See if there is a list of attendees (authors, editors, agents, fans) posted on the conference website. Go through this list and take note of those people you’d like to meet (make a list if you have to). For those you absolutely, positively must meet, consider emailing them ahead of time to arrange a place to rendezvous. But remember: Nobody likes a stalker!
Get business cards made, if you don’t already have some. There are plenty of inexpensive on-line printers that will do a fine job (I’ve used VistaPrint). Having all your contact info in one convenient “giveaway” beats writing your name, website, blog address, and email address on the hand of the uber-agent you’ve just met. Paraphrasing my grandmother, “Professional is as professional does.”
Stay in the conference hotel. If you can swing it, stay where all the action will take place. Besides being convenient, you’re bound to make friends waiting for the elevator or in the stairwell during the inevitable 3 a.m. fire alarm evacuation. 
At the conference
Stick your hand out – often. If you see someone standing alone during a break or at a cocktail hour, introduce yourself. Arrive early to the panels and find an empty seat next to someone. Hang out in the hospitality lounge. Strike up a conversation with anybody who seems interesting. Everyone there is like you–looking to make contacts.
Make it easy to be “met.” Always wear a nametag and display it in a place that’s easy to see. The nametag is the first place my eyes go when I’m meeting someone new–or when I’m searching out people on my “have-to-meet” list. If you write your name on the tag yourself, make sure it’s large and legible.
Don’t hide in your hotel room. You might be an introvert (many writers are), but one of the big reasons you’re at the conference is to meet people. So get out and meet them!
Visit the book room. Booksellers are authors’ best friends. Meet them, talk with them, be extra nice to them. Buy some books while you’re at it.
Hit the bar. The hotel bar is the place to mingle. Even if you don’t drink, think of the bar as the conference meeting place (albeit with plenty of booze). This is where you can meet the authors you’ve read for all those years and hear tons of great stories. [Hint: keep your wits about you, or your drunken escapades might become the punchlines to their stories the following year.] More business gets done in the bar than anywhere else.
After the conference
Follow-up. Remember all the business cards you passed out? Well, hopefully you collected plenty, too. Follow up with the people you met. Drop them an email saying how nice it was chatting (lie if you need to–you can handle a little fiction, right?). Give them book recommendations, or ideas about getting published, or tips on other great conferences to attend. Stay in touch!
Writers make up a great community. Become part of it!
(Of course, on-line networking is important, too. Friend me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, and visit my blog. I’m always looking to network with other readers and writers.)
Alan Orloff’s debut novel, DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD, is slated for April 2010 from Midnight Ink. He blogs at A Million Blogging Monkeys and InkSpot. Visit www.alanorloff.com for more information.
Excellent points. The hardest part for me is always putting myself out there, introducing myself to someone who’s just standing around nearby. But that’s what conferences are about!
I’ve learned to get out there and talk to people at conferences and conventions, although it was hard for me at first. It is well worth the effort. When possible, volunteer to help with registration, or room monitor, or something that gives you an official reason to meet and greet. I assisted with the Sisters in Crime Hospitality Room at Left Coast Crime in Denver, for instance, and had a chance to chat with dozens of writers and readers.
Marvin – First round is on me!
Alexis – Sometimes I feel that way, too. Then, once you introduce yourself, those “jitters” just seem to melt away. After all, you’re talking about books!
Helen – Pretending is a skill every writer should develop!
Katie – What conference? Heck, it doesn’t matter; they’re all fun!
Patricia – Volunteering is a great way to meet a lot of people, especially some of the “big-name” authors. Pick them up at the airport, get lost on your way to the hotel, pitch them your new manuscript idea, then….Oh wait, no stalkers!
Elizabeth – Thanks for letting me guest blog–it’s a pleasure to get to know some more readers and writers. And if you “meet and greet” as well as you blog, you’ve got nothing to worry about!
Jane – Like I told Marvin, first round is on me!
Cleo – Hmm. Stalkers DO make good villians, don’t they? Maybe a stalker vampire?!
(I did it! I ended every comment with an exclamation point! See, conferences get me excited, too!!!!)
Good check list. See you at the bar?
The Mingling Maven Old Silly
Great advice. I bet you had fun at the conference.
If you’re not gregarious naturally, then pretend to be. It’s just for a few days.
Helen
Straight From Hel
What an excellent post! Especially helpful to me since I’ll be going to my very first conference in September. I’m super excited!
For me, getting out and about is the hardest thing. I’m hoping that with Malice in the spring, I’ll just be looking forward to meeting some of my online friends and not hide in my hotel room. :)
Elizabeth
I’m planning on attending a conference in October and found this post very helpful. I like the “Hit the Bar” suggestion most of all!
You had me at – Nobody likes a stalker! Alan, I think you have your next mystery plot! lol.
No kidding now – this is really great advice.
~Cleo
BTW – Happy Birthday to Raymond Chandler!
Thanks for sharing these insights and tips, Alan. Tomorrow, we continue the convention theme with a post about pitching agents…in person. That sounds scary.
Best regards, Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Galen – Looking forward to what you have to say about pitching agents. After a while, doesn’t your arm get tired? :)
Julie – I’m doing the same about Bouchercon– Skipping Indy and waiting for San Fran (my book will be out then). I went last Oct in Baltimore–it was a lot of fun. Remember, the first round is on me!
Great tips, Alan. They make me wish I were going to Bouchercon this year – but I’m going to pass and wait for San Francisco in 2010.
In many ways I prefer online social networking. At any rate, I prefer saving all that money!