Let's be honest — most people don't attend conferences just to educate themselves.

Yes, the presentations are great, the slides are concise, and the speakers have great one-liners such as:

"Information in this day and age is like oil."

But the real treasure at a conference? The individuals you meet. The accidental conversation. The thought occurs over a cup of coffee. The you-too?! moments.

That's the true ROI.

However, for many people, the act of networking is painfully awkward.

You walk into a room full of strangers. There are strangers 

already familiar with each other. There are strangers staring 

at their phones. You don't know if you should grab a cookie or say hello to someone. You remind yourself:

"Shall I speak in my 'professional' voice? Or should I be myself?"

That's the truth:

Bragging is not networking. Being genuine is what networking is about.

Having traveled, spoken, and assisted in organizing numerous 

conferences in the Philippines, I know what works and what doesn't.

1. Begin conversations that are about something more than job descriptions.

Most people usually choose:

"Alright then, what's your line?"

But let's be honest — that question brings with it automatic answers.

Instead, do something that makes you think hard:

"How did you come to be here?"

What has been the highlight of your year to date?

"If you had your choice to work with anyone in the house, what type of project would you propose?"

Why this works: It breaks the surface. People are so used to being pitched that being asked feels like a breath of fresh air.

2. Use "Chika Spaces" to Your Advantage

Want to know the most underappreciated networking spot?

The hallway. The coffee table. The food line. The elevator.

These "in-between" moments are when individuals are less formal. Everyone is a bit more at ease, willing to chat, and eager to connect. A simple remark such as:

"Phew, that was a tough session. What did you think?"

can turn into a 10-minute conversation… or a new friend.

Tip: Wait a little bit.

Let other people get out of their words. Listen genuinely — 

don't scroll on your phone. You'll be surprised at how 

powerful it is to listen genuinely.

3. Be a Connector, Not a Collector

We go to events hoping, "Who can help me?"

Turn it around. Ask yourself, "Who can I connect?"

When you encounter someone who is interesting and discusses a problem or interest, consider who else in the room could relate to that — then make an introduction.

"Hello, you mentioned that you're doing agri-tech. I recently met another person who has the same project in Mindanao. Do you want to meet him?"

Why it works: It shows generosity. And in the Philippines, where word of mouth and trust matter most, being the one to bring people together makes you a legend.

4. Go to Social Functions — That is Where You 

Enjoy Yourself

At every conference, there is a schedule. but then there 

are the true connections —the spontaneous moments together.

Evening get-togethers. Low-key dinners. Sing-along evening. 

Trips to the city. That late-night coffee excursion with a new acquaintance from another region.

Here's the magic:

You don't have to "speak business" every second.

One of the best work friendships begins when we share a laugh together over a missed flight, an interminable registration 

process, or the presenter who uttered too many acronyms.

Be human first, professional second.

5. Check In with Care (Not Just to Sell)

Most individuals after the event either cut off communication 

with their contacts or send this very message:

"Nice to see you! Here is my calendar link."

Yawn. 

Rather, be accurate. Be approachable. Be yourself.

Attempt this:

"Hello Maria, enjoyed talking about education startups in the afternoon break. You mentioned your work with youth groups in Davao — I'd be interested in hearing more. Perhaps we can catch up for a quick call or coffee at some point?"

Why it works: You demonstrate that you were paying attention — and that makes you stand out from many typical follow-ups.

Full Circle: Why This Matters

In the Philippines, business is highly relational.

We don't network — we create relationships.

We hold dear trust, honesty, laughing together, and 

respecting each other.

That is why in conferences — whether a 3-day conference in Manila, a Cebu leadership conference, or a digital marketing conference in Davao — the long-term 

connections don't typically happen during the keynote speech. 

They happen in side conversations, commutes, lunchtime 

laughter, and moments when you actually listen to someone.

So next time you're at a conference, remember: 

✔️ Don't attempt to be flashy. 

✔️ Try to connect. 

✔️ Avoid focusing on collecting business cards. 

✔️ Focus on building moments that people will remember. 

Because that is what networking does — and is worth doing. 

Have you ever had a memorable or unexpected networking experience at a conference? Tell your tale below. The best ones always begin with, "I didn't expect this, but…