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I’ve been to a lot of conferences in my 22+ year career as a software engineer and career coach, but it took a bit of experience to figure out which ones were good for me and how to get an outsized return on my investment. When done right, the best conferences are where you can learn cutting-edge skills, make connections that can change your career, and find incredible new opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of them.
Why go to tech conferences?
We all have our own reasons. These might sound familiar:
To boost your skills: You’ll get niche knowledge you won’t find in a textbook or online course.To grow your network: You can meet colleagues, mentors, potential employers… the list goes on.To find your next job: Some conferences offer career fairs and on-the-spot interviews.
Knowing your “why” shapes how you tackle the conference experience. It can also help you choose where to go in the first place. Conference tickets and travel can be expensive, so placing the right bets is important—both on which conference to attend and on how you use your time there.
If you’re looking for the best tech conferences to invest in, RenderATL, AfroTech, and the NSBE Convention are a few that I have had the privilege to attend regularly and enjoy.
Yours truly at AfroTech
Before You Book: Making Your Plan
So you want to go to a tech conference? Take these steps first.
Set your goals: This isn’t just about what you want to learn, but who you hope to meet and why this event matters to you right now. Got a mentor? Ask if they have conference advice tailored to you and your goals. No mentor? Here’s free advice from recruiting pros Taylor Desseyn, Jermaine “The Jobfather” Murray, and me—and here are four more hours of insights from a Space hosted by the legendary Kelsey Hightower, who happens to be a speaker at RenderATL this year.Do your research: Agenda? Speaker list? Attendees? Dig deep. Know what sessions align with your goals, who you want to connect with, and which expo or career fair booths you want to visit. If you can’t identify at least one concrete outcome that you can get from a particular conference, you might want to consider other options.Find the funding: Talk to your manager about your company’s professional development budget, or if you’re a student, see if your department or campus group has plans to attend or funding is available. Check for volunteer opportunities, scholarships (including Google’s!), early-bird prices, and discounts for the conference’s email list subscribers.Manage the logistics: Book your flights and hotels early. Staying at the conference hotel can up your networking game, but it may be pricier. If you go this route, be sure to look for the conference’s hotel discount. If funds are tight, find someone who might share a room, or explore nearby budget options. I personally like to skip the conference hotel and book a more quiet place to recharge. First-timers should remember that when you check in, most hotels will ask for a credit card to charge a security deposit of $50+ per night.Bonus – Make time to explore: Tack on a day or two pre- or post-conference to see the city or check out the local tech scene, if that’s your jam. I like to visit museums for a quieter change of pace.
Pre-Conference Prep: The Key to Success
Now that you’ve got your ticket, let’s prepare for your time there.
Build your personal schedule: Mark must-see sessions, potential networking events, work catch-up slots (if unavoidable), and don’t forget breaks for recharging! Reach out to industry friends you hope to see, so you can make plans to meet up.Practice makes perfect: Prepare questions for the speakers, brainstorm how you’ll introduce yourself, and have a short, snappy “elevator pitch” ready. If the conference organizer hosts local meetups or optional pre-conference sessions, you can attend those to practice networking and meet friendly faces along the way.Update your resume and portfolio: Print out a few copies of your resume and upload it to the conference database, if available. Business cards are also still a thing, and a QR code or Bitly link to your LinkedIn or portfolio is a nice upgrade.Pack smart: Check the conference dress code. Always bring layers, comfortable shoes, mints, chargers, and a notepad. A folder and bag to hold your resume—along with any handouts and swag—are also helpful.Handle the work stuff: Set your out-of-office message, give colleagues a point-of-contact while you’re gone, and try to minimize work commitments during the conference. You want to be fully present.
A few snaps from RenderATL
Making the Most of It: On the Conference Floor
With your lanyard or name tag on, it’s time to put your plan into action.
Be in the moment: Ditch the phone unless you’re taking notes. The best connections happen when you’re fully engaged.Pick wisely, but be flexible: Attend those top-priority sessions, but don’t be afraid to switch if something’s not a great fit.Tag team with friends: If multiple amazing sessions overlap, split up, take notes for each other, and compare insights later. Traveling solo? You’re not the only one. Asking others about the sessions they’ve attended can help you find a buddy.Take detailed notes: When the speakers are good, you’ll get nuggets of wisdom that are hard to come by otherwise. Recordings might be posted later, but nothing beats your own notes on the key takeaways.Ask good questions: This gets you noticed. Have thoughtful questions prepared for speakers—it’s a great way to connect later. That said, be respectful of everyone’s time. Try not to hog the mic or ask very personal, individualized questions.
Networking with Intention
You’re at the conference to meet people, right? Dive on in.
Share the love: Using the conference message board or Discord server? Tagging speakers on LinkedIn or X? If it feels right, do it! Just be insightful, not spammy.Connect authentically: Online communities are great, but don’t miss those face-to-face moments. Go to the networking sessions and/or career fairs with an open mind. Be ready with conversation starters, ask open-ended questions, and be genuinely interested in what people do. Consider what you can offer vs. what folks can do for you.Don’t eat alone: Meals are prime networking time, especially for introverts. Find your courage and join a table! Lunch is an easy, low-pressure way to make new connections.Ditch the clique: If you’re there with colleagues, branch out. This is your chance to meet new people. If you’ve had a great conversation with someone, ask to stay in touch and trade business cards, or let them know you’ll reach out on LinkedIn.Take care of yourself: Sleep, breakfast, healthy-ish food, breaks to breathe… Conferences are exhausting. You won’t shine if you’re burnt out. There may be opportunities to party and enjoy free drinks, so know yourself and what you can handle. You don’t want to be the person who went overboard. Even the most fun conferences are still professional events.
Here are more networking tips from a few of my conference-going friends:
If you’re in tech and aren’t following Jermaine Murray, Taylor Poindexter, Shaundai Person, Angie Jones, Lawrence Lockhart, and Taylor Desseyn, you are missing out.
Now, Don’t Forget…
Conferences are a lot, but don’t let fear stop you. You got this!
Imposter syndrome is your frenemy: You are welcome in tech; don’t let self-doubt hold you back.Affinity groups matter: At some conferences, you may be one of a few who share your identity/identities. Check out affinity groups who may be present for a safe space to connect and recharge.Get out of your comfort zone: Challenge yourself to attend at least one session or event that’s totally new to you.
Your Follow-Up: Where the Magic Happens
Once you’re back home, the real work begins.
Organize your knowledge: Review your notes and sort through any handouts. What are your key learnings and action items?Circle back with connections: Hit up your new connections promptly on LinkedIn with a reminder of your conversation. If you don’t have an immediate ask, “nice to meet you” is a great place to start.Share what you learned: Update your colleagues and/or post a recap online to pay it forward to your network.Thumbs up—or nah? Don’t skip the post-conference survey. Rating the sessions and suggesting diverse, talented speakers is a great way to make the next event better for everyone.
Conferences aren’t just a one-time thing. They’re a powerful way to build your career and network over time. The first one might be overwhelming, but each time you go, it gets easier. Those connections you make and the knowledge you gain this time will help you build momentum for the next one, so go make the most of it!
