Academic Medicine Open Forum

Making new professional connections-and reconnecting with old friends-is challenging in a virtual conference set-up. Gone are some of the opportunities for an impromptu hallway conversation, a new introduction at a breakout discussion table, a stroll around an exhibit hall, or a quick meeting over coffee. Networking in a virtual setting can be rewarding but may require more intention. Keep these tips in mind: 

• Let others know-prior to the event-that you are attending (post on LinkedIn, add it to your out-of-office reply).
• Make a networking plan: set a goal to introduce yourself to 3 new people, or to have a conversation with a specific vendor.
• Register as a participant on the event's mobile app with your full bio and contact info so you can be found by others.
• Upload your photo and set your interests & preferences in your event platform profile so that other attendees can find you and connect. For Learn Serve Lead, you can also upload a "hello" welcome video to introduce yourself to other attendees!
• Review the attendee list in advance.
• Be active on social media using the conference hashtag (we're using #AAMC20 this year for Learn Serve Lead).
• Be active on the conference platform – participate in session chats and Q+As.
• Attend virtual networking sessions such as happy hours and meet & greets.
• Follow-up with your new connections after the event by email and on community platforms like LinkedIn (or here in the community!).

Have you attended a virtual event recently and have some lessons learned or best practices to share? We'd love to hear from you. Reply in the discussion thread below to add your tips.

Making new professional connections-and reconnecting with old friends-is challenging in a virtual conference set-up. Gone are some of the opportunities for an impromptu hallway conversation, a new introduction at a breakout discussion table, a stroll around an exhibit hall, or a quick meeting over coffee. Networking in a virtual setting can be rewarding but may require more intention. Keep these tips in mind: 

• Let others know-prior to the event-that you are attending (post on LinkedIn, add it to your out-of-office reply).
• Make a networking plan: set a goal to introduce yourself to 3 new people, or to have a conversation with a specific vendor.
• Register as a participant on the event's mobile app with your full bio and contact info so you can be found by others.
• Upload your photo and set your interests & preferences in your event platform profile so that other attendees can find you and connect. For Learn Serve Lead, you can also upload a "hello" welcome video to introduce yourself to other attendees!
• Review the attendee list in advance.
• Be active on social media using the conference hashtag (we're using #AAMC20 this year for Learn Serve Lead).
• Be active on the conference platform – participate in session chats and Q+As.
• Attend virtual networking sessions such as happy hours and meet & greets.
• Follow-up with your new connections after the event by email and on community platforms like LinkedIn (or here in the community!).

Have you attended a virtual event recently and have some lessons learned or best practices to share? We'd love to hear from you. Reply in the discussion thread below to add your tips.