Most lawyers never realize they're renting their legal network. When you work at a law firm, you're accessing a curated network of specialists in exchange for your commitment and a portion of the value you create. But what if you're exploring a new professional niche? Conferences offer a powerful alternative—a way to rent access to a carefully assembled network by paying organizers to curate the right people for relationship-building. In a profession that places high value on connection, conferences become essential platforms for career growth.
Here are 18 proven tips for getting the most out of a conference: Focus on the quality of interactions, not the quantity of them. Get to know a handful of people. Over time, you'll meet their friends and then their friends and so on, gradually building your personal network. Evaluate the conference to determine whether it's one you want to attend again. You'll get the most out of a conference by returning year after year. Ask people what they think the most interesting panels or events will be. This will help you allocate your attention and better understand the conference program. Don't be shy about introducing yourself to the biggest stars of the conference. They're there to meet people. If some people don't seem to reciprocate your interest in connecting, don't let it upset you. You'll find your people. Keep introducing yourself. Ask people why they came to the conference. People may surprise you with their responses. Many of the best events held during a conference are unconnected to the official program, held off-site, and announced by word of mouth. Be flexible with your schedule, be inclusive, and be assertive about getting invited. After meeting a colleague, connect promptly on LinkedIn. Send a short message about your conversation and follow up in the next month to schedule a call. You’ve already done the hard part in making the connection; sustaining connections is both the easiest and most important part of building a lasting network. Make sure you eat good food, get plenty of sleep, and stay hydrated. Don't feel pressured to go out or make choices you'll regret. Feel free to take plenty of breaks to recharge. Don't feel like you have to be a part of everything. Stretch yourself by walking up to a group of people you don't know and introduce yourself. People are watching; don't do anything you wouldn't want someone else to observe. Research people who you want to meet in advance and reach out and invite them to connect at the conference. Ask people in your network if they’re going to the conference you plan to attend. You’ll both have a better experience if you know someone there. Moreover, meeting up at a conference is another way to stay in touch with the people in your network. Look for opportunities to connect with people who share interests or work in similar practice areas. The more connections you form in your network, the more valuable the network becomes. Pick a conference you’re excited about attending, not the one you feel obligated to attend. You’ll get the most out of it if you’re excited to learn and meet people. The best opportunities to connect with people at a conference are in the lobby and hallway, not in the conference room during a panel discussion. You’ll get the most out of a panel presentation if you’re on the panel. You’ll learn and build relationships with the other panelists, and you’ll build your authority as a speaker and thinker.
A great attribute of the legal profession is that it is full of inherently social people. These eighteen strategies—from prioritizing quality connections to understanding where real networking happens—transform conferences from overwhelming events into powerful career-building opportunities. The key is approaching each conference with intention: knowing why you're there, who you want to meet, and what you want to learn.
I've written more about this in Khurram's Quorum - Ep 045: Joe Ahmad on sincerity vs. polish, empathy-based persuasion, and taking big risks.
Whether you're exploring a new practice area or deepening expertise in your current field, conferences offer unparalleled access to curated networks of specialists. The investment pays dividends when you commit to building genuine relationships, following through on connections, and returning year after year to strengthen your professional community.
Read the complete guide with all 18 detailed strategies on Vault's website.