A number of my clients find networking at conferences to be a challenge. Below are some helpful tips which I also hope you will find useful.

• Be an active participant in seminar discussions – be willing to initiate, facilitate or report on behalf of your small discussion groups.

• At the end of seminars that really interested you, ask the group if anyone would like to continue the discussion during a break or over dinner. Meet and talk more with anyone who indicates interest, and have a professional discussion on the topic. Be willing to share what you know while respecting others’ expertise and opinions as well.

• Find out as much about their professional interests and expertise as you can without coming across as pushy.

• Exchange business cards afterward.

• Print stickers for the back of the business cards you take to the conference that says "We met at ABC conference in June, 2008 in Seattle" – they might not think to do that, and it will remind them how they know you.

• Write the topic you discussed on the business card before turning it over – again, this will jog their memory.

• Get their business cards, and link their contact info to your notes about their interests and expertise.

• Email them the week after the conference to tell them how much you enjoyed the discussion (but don't ask for business or a job).

• Email them several weeks or months later with a question that interests you on a topic in which they have expertise – don't forget to remind them where you met. See if this develops into a conversation.

• For the people who would exchange email, follow any paths that present themselves during your discussions that pertain to your long-term or short-term goals.

• Remember the Exhibitors – introduce yourself to selected exhibitors and let them know your interests; leave a business card so they can help connect you with others with similar interests.

• Never eat alone; as much as you may want to re-charge, this is the best opportunity to make connections.