How I Survive Professional Conferences as an Introvert

I’ve learned just one thing from the past 5 years of attending professional conferences, it’s this: you don’t have to be a B.M.O.C.* to make your mark. Here are 7 ways I prepare to hard-core network as an introvert.

*Big man on campus. C’mon, millennials, catch up.

1. Observe and listen.

As an introvert, this tip should be music to your ears. You were born to absorb information — why fight it? While other attendees are fighting it out to have their voices heard above the rest, you‘re free to patiently observe the dynamics, sniff out bullsh*t, and determine who you would like to expend time and energy with later on. The most engaging people are the ones who ask questions and express genuine interest in others, and the only way to be that guy is to listen, first. I like to call this superpower “strategic invisibility.”

You were born to absorb information — why fight it?

2. Bring props.

By this I mean 250 business cards and at least one other “thing” to show off. I’ve seen attendees tote around iPads to show off portfolios or their websites, and a lot of people will have brochures. I like to have some photos of my dog pre-loaded on my phone to fill in any gaps in conversation (no joke; it works). In any case, this can help you communicate without draining your energy reserves.

3. Resist the urge to get boozy.

I’m not ashamed to say that my first instinct when walking into a room full of people is to locate the bar, but I speak from experience when I say that over-indulging is a rookie mistake for introverts. It’s a crutch for a lot of us who wish they could “loosen up” and effortlessly entertain dozens of conversations, but it opens the door for embarrassing faux pas and one tends to, ahem, loose focus. Plus, it’s physically taxing. If you think it’s difficult to survive networking sessions or an hour-long keynote address sober, try it hungover.

4. Brace yourself and pace yourself.

This doesn’t mean you should develop cold sweats and anxiety beforehand. It’s all about thoughtful preparation. Plan your schedule. Plan breaks.

For example, the GWA Conference has nifty app that lets you create your own schedule ahead of time, plus there are pre-developed “tracks” that can create an overall theme for your experience without tediously sorting through topics on your own.

The flip-side of preparation is basically bad advice from Gwyneth Paltrow. I don’t know how to make this any less cliche: take care of yourself.

If you’re not used to talking a lot, you’ll be surprised at how dehydrated it makes you.

My self-care isn’t your self-care, but I think that, as introverts, we can all agree that it’s important. Eat. Drink. If you’re not used to talking a lot, you’ll be surprised at how dehydrated it makes you. I bring these electrolyte tablets with me to hydrate on the go.

A caveat to the self care lecture: I do not recommend dousing yourself in lavender essential oils before walking into a room full of strangers. Not everyone appreciates aromatherapy by force.

I would also be remiss to leave out a mental health P.S.A. If you’ve been receiving care from a physician for anxiety or other disorders, check in with your doctor before heading to a conference. Don’t be a hero.

5. Sleep.

Yeah, this is self-care, too, but it deserves it’s own line item. Sleep debt is real, and it will make you a miserable, sh*tty conversationalist.

6. Smile.

Stay with me on this one. As much as I hate telling someone, especially a woman, to smile, science says that the number one thing you can do to create a warm, positive experience for a fellow human is to smile. We can’t get around this one; you just have to do it. Plus, there are benefits in it for you, too.

7. Buddy up.

This tip is a Hail Mary and my most-prized tactic. You don’t have to go it alone. Grab your nearest extroverted colleague and make it a group thing.

You got this.