Top 10 Networking Tips for International Conference Attendees in 2025 

So you are planning to attend an international conference? That’s great! It’s a wonderful opportunity that will let you meet people from all over the world, learn new things, and advance your career. The highlight of attending international conference is that it lets you build connections that can help you in your career or studies. 

But let’s face it. Networking can feel a little overwhelming — especially if you are attending a conference for the first time.  But do not worry! Networking is easy if you are prepared. You can simply think of it as an event where you can talk to people, share ideas, and create meaningful connections. If you do it right, it can open doors to incredible opportunities.

Here are 10 simple and effective tips to help you network like a pro at your next international conference.

10. Set Clear Goals

Before you attend the conference, ask yourself what you want to achieve.

• Are you looking to meet experts in your field? 
• Do you want to learn about specific topics? 
• Are you looking for a potential business partner or mentor? 
• Do you want to increase your network base for collaboration? 

When you know your goals, it will help you stay focused and make the most out of your time.

9. Do Your Research

Take some time to research the event and the people attending.

• Check the conference schedule.
• Do research on the list of speakers and attendees. Study the speakers so you can ask meaningful questions.
• Join the event’s Facebook or LinkedIn group so you can get a potential list of people who will be attending. 

This way, you can identify professionals you’d like to meet and even prepare conversation topics in advance.

8. Craft an Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a short, 30-second introduction about yourself. It’s highly impactful as it is short and perfectly tells an attendee about yourself and your goals. 

You can prepare a quick explanation of who you are, what you do, and what you’re hoping to gain from the conference. 

Here’s an example: 

“Hi, I’m Kevin, an engineering student interested in AI and tech. I’m here to learn about the recent developments in AI and its practicality in mechanical engineering. After my graduation, I’m planning to take projects in AI in automotive to see how it can help speed up manufacturing processes“

7. Bring Business Cards

Even in today’s digital world, giving out your business cards will have a major impact.

• Print some business cards that have your basic information like contact details. On the other side, you can print about your profession, your plans for the future or topics that interest you. 
• Keep a stack in your pocket or bag.

When you hand out a card to someone, they are likely to remember you after the event.

6. Attend Networking Sessions

Most conferences have dedicated networking sessions or icebreaker activities. So, make sure that you attend these as they are golden opportunities to meet people in a relaxed setting.

• Be approachable and smile.
• Keep an open body posture.
• Don’t just stick with people you’ve already met — branch out and meet new people!

5. Use Social Media

You can leverage social media for networking. Here’s how: 

• Follow the conference hashtag on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin or Instagram.
• After the conference, connect with attendees on LinkedIn or the event’s social group.
• You can share posts or thoughts about the sessions you attended and invite people to share their thoughts. 

With social media, you can stay engaged with other participants, even after the event.

4. Prepare Ice-breakers

It’s true that starting a conversation can be tricky, especially when you are around people from different cultures and industries. Prepare some easy conversation starters like

• “Hey, which session did you enjoy the most?” 
• “Do you think what (keynote speaker) said about (the topic they discuss) is valid even when (say something related to your field)?”
• “What brought you to this conference?”
• “Are you working on any interesting projects?”

Frame the questions in a way that is thoughtful and will make people think. Doing this will show them that you’re interested and can help build a connection.

3. Take Notes

When you meet someone new, jot down a quick note about them – either on their business card or your phone. For example:

“Emiley – working as a data scientist. Looking for collaboration. Planning to start her own company after 2 years. ”

This will help you remember who they are and follow up later.

2. Follow Up After the Conference

Remember that networking doesn’t end when the conference ends!

After the conference, 

• Send a thank-you email to the people you met.
• Connect with them on LinkedIn, other professional platforms or social media.

Also, when messaging them, try to mention something specific from your conversation to make your message more personal. You can write something like this: 

“Hi Emily, it was great chatting about AI in data science at the conference. Also, thanks for explaining to me the difference between ML and AI. I’d love to stay in touch and explore further collaboration opportunities.”

1. Be Open to Unexpected Connections

Sometimes, the best connections happen when you least expect them — be ready for that!

• Don’t just focus on meeting “important” people, network with everyone.
• Be open to talking to anyone as they may inspire you.

FAQ

What should I say when meeting someone for the first time at a conference?

You can start with a simple introduction. Share your name and what you do, and ask a friendly question like, “What sessions have you enjoyed so far?”. It’s also best if you prepare an elevator pitch. 

How do I follow up with someone after the conference?

You can mail them, connect on social media or give them a friendly call. 

What if I feel shy or nervous about networking?

It’s natural to feel anxious. You can start with small steps like smiling or saying hi to people, instead of directly starting a conversation.  Remember that most attendees are also there to meet new people — that’s the whole point of networking! 

Conclusion

Attending an international conference 2025 is a wonderful opportunity where you can meet new people, learn more about your field, and grow your career. Networking may seem overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be! Be prepared, approachable, and proactive. By using these tips, you’d be able to make meaningful connections and follow up after the event. Good luck and happy networking!