The Secrets Of Networking At NIWeek

[mlax]

1.    Know What Sessions You Want To Attend

Trying to gauge who else will be attending the same session as you is very important. Look at the program of sessions available online to plan your NIWeek, and then think about what industries will be in attendance of the same session. This will help you figure out what type of people you will meet, and your “plan of attack”.

2.    Now You Know Where, But Why?

Take a moment to figure out why you are attending each session. You know that you will be learning about new hardware and software, industry breakthroughs, and about the graphical system design approach, but what else do you want to get out of attending? Knowing this will help you establish goals for NIWeek, including how many new contacts you want to make and which companies or industries you want to make connections with.

3.    Be Confident About What You Do

At NIWeek, you will meet many people with extreme enthusiasm for LabVIEW, PXI, and their personal applications. Try to remember that this is a time to learn from your colleagues, and humbly share your knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry, applications, and graphical system design techniques you use.

4.    Remember Information About A New Contact By Writing It On Their Business Card

This is a way to remember who you talked to, and what you talked about. Write down notes that will jog your memory about your conversation with them. Examples include how they got into their business, fun facts, or what sessions they plan on attending and why. The next time you see each other, they’ll be impressed by how much you remember.

5.    Find Your Personal Way To Work NIWeek

Most importantly, be you. If you have funny LabVIEW jokes, or a few great engineering puns, throw them out there. Taking risks is how you meet people, and makes for some great stories. Stay true to yourself and you can establish honest connections with new people.

>> If you’re more of a visual person, check out the NIWeek Pinterest board instead.