AN Email Requests You remember something you've been mulling over in the back of your mind to download a “forum-networking app” to “make new connections” before next week's “knowledge-sharing experience”: you're going to a conference. If you're a pediatrician meeting colleagues to discuss the latest in children's dialysis, a founder seeking investors or a speaker, you know what to expect. But if — like most conference attendees, including this occasional guest Bartleby — you're not sure why you're here, you need a strategy.
First, manage your expectations: “conferences”, “summits”, “events”, “roadshows” and “festivals” sound more fun than conferences, but don't bring your Glastonbury or Burning Man kit. You're still just going to a gossip romp. No need to wear a three-piece suit, and by all means dress comfortably, but avoid the Midwest-account-manager-out-for-a-golf-weekend look. You never know who you might bump into.