By Fatima Alves, junior tester at Liminal Discovery
Earlier this year, I finished my education and joined Liminal Discovery, marking an exciting new chapter in my professional journey. Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Web Summit in Lisbon — my first experience at a major event of this scale.
Attending a large conference like Web Summit can feel overwhelming for first-timers, but it’s also a unique chance to learn, connect, and grow. Along the way, I discovered valuable strategies for navigating such events, especially when it comes to networking. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional looking to sharpen your approach, here are the most important lessons I took away from my experience:
Top networking tips for first-timers
1. Plan your schedule, but stay flexible
Before the event, map out the sessions and speakers that resonate most with your goals. Use the event app to create a schedule, but keep room for serendipity — the best opportunities sometimes happen spontaneously, like a last-minute panel or a chance encounter.
2. Go with questions in mind
Having specific topics or questions in mind helps you focus on the sessions and discussions that matter most to you. For example, I wanted to explore trends in AI and leadership, so I targeted sessions that aligned with those interests.
3. Take the initiative
Don’t hesitate to approach people, whether it’s speakers, professionals in your field, or fellow attendees. Asking genuine questions and showing curiosity can lead to meaningful conversations. I found that most professionals are happy to share their knowledge and experiences, no matter how simple your questions may seem.
4. Practice your elevator pitch
Be ready to introduce yourself in a concise and engaging way. Knowing how to explain who you are, your role, and what you’re looking for in 30 seconds can make a strong first impression and kickstart conversations.
5. Use breaks strategically
Breaks are golden opportunities to connect. Instead of checking your phone, talk to the people around you, whether it’s while grabbing coffee or waiting for a session to start. Some of my most valuable conversations happened in these casual moments.
6. Be open to new perspectives
The diversity of ideas at Web Summit was one of the most inspiring parts. Every conversation offered a chance to learn something new, even from industries or roles far removed from my own.
7. Take notes and reflect
With so much happening, it’s easy to forget key takeaways. I made a habit of jotting down notes after each session or conversation, focusing on lessons learned and follow-up actions I wanted to take.
8. Follow up promptly
After the summit, I reached out to the people I connected with via LinkedIn or email, referencing specific topics we discussed. Following up promptly ensures those connections don’t fade and helps build lasting professional relationships.
Reflections
For me, the most inspiring part of Web Summit was hearing accomplished professionals share their stories of overcoming challenges and driving meaningful change. The experience was as much about gaining knowledge as it was about connecting with others and learning from their journeys.
As I reflect on my first Web Summit, I’m already looking forward to applying these lessons and diving deeper into the ideas sparked during the event. If you’ve attended Web Summit or a similar conference, I’d love to hear your tips and highlights — let’s continue the conversation!
#WebSummit2024 #networking #youngprofessionals #ai #futureofwork