It is just a few more days before the conference. To gear up for this event, the few things you should be ticking off in your checklist are:

• A pen. It can be used for writing down someone’s contact, or you can offer it to another who needs it. It can be a good conversation opener as well.

• Business cards. They are a good way to close the conversation and to keep in touch. Hold the card in between the thumb and index finger with both hands, thumbs above index fingers and with the card facing the recipient as you hand it to him or her.

• Resumes. You might want to bring hard copies of your resume if you want to approach the participating companies directly regarding job openings.

• Breath mints. To keep your breath fresh and minty.

• Read up on the industry. If you ever find it difficult to find shared interests with other people, no worries. You can just share your interest in the industry. Besides, it will be impressive if you can demonstrate a wide knowledge, or at least, interest in the field.

• Prepared Questions. Listed below are possible questions which you may ask the industry players during networking. Be creative, the questions are not limited to these only:
  • What is your background?
  • How did you position yourself for this field?
  • What are some of the current issues and trends in the field?
  • What other career areas do you feel are related to your work?
  • What do you enjoy about your job?
  • What are the skill sets that are important to your organization?
  • Can you recommend any journals, magazines or professional associations that would be helpful for my professional development?

If you have checked off most if not all of the above, congratulations! Sparking connections is just the next step to take in stride.

Image: Flickr/Pen