Conference Tricks

by Darius Kazemi on June 16, 2008

in conferences,networking,networking tips

Here’s a quick tip for when you’re at a conference. Find someone who’s been going to all the same sessions that you have, and then just start a conversation with them about that very fact.

“Hey, I couldn’t help but notice you went to all the same sessions I did this morning. What did you think of the 10am? I think the speaker put too much emphasis on background info and it really only got interesting in the last 10 minutes. Oh, I’m Darius, by the way. [handshake]“

You probably have a lot in common with someone who picked the same sessions you did.

{ 3 comments }

Ian Schreiber June 16, 2008 at 11:03 pm

It’s worth noting here that there’s ALWAYS someone like this who inadvertently becomes like a shadow. It was kind of strange seeing this the first time I was at GDC, but in retrospect it’s just basic statistics.

I always ask my students at their first GDC who their shadow is :)

Bobby Thurman June 29, 2008 at 2:33 am

Just be careful. There’s always the chance you’ll experience one of those awkward moments when you come face-to-face with your stalker.

Anonymous July 8, 2008 at 1:31 pm

I agree with Bobby and the “stalker” reference! Especially as a woman, if some guy came up to me and said this, my pick-up-line radar would absolutely go off, and I would probably avoid the creep for the rest of the conference. Why would someone by looking for me in a crowd of people at every session? If we sat next to each other more than once coincidentally, then that would be a different story and the conversation might be more natural.

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