This is How to Connect During Your Virtual Conference

Your virtual conference is right around the corner.

Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, anyone? (Worried about missing out? Join the virtual hangout on Zoom. Scroll to the end for further info.)

Less than a year ago, most of us could gather with hundreds of our closest friends or colleagues without a second thought. Then, Covid changed the rules.

A year ago, we’d shake hands, swap cards, share meals, and stay up late chatting with new acquaintances. After the conference, we’d follow up and find ways to stay in touch.

This year, connecting isn’t as easy.

Three categories are essential for getting the most from your virtual conference connections:

1. Connection (Virtual Handshakes and Information Exchange)

A. Conference Group (this virtual resource is beneficial even if you’re attending in-person):

+Most conferences have a website or group (e.g., on Facebook) to communicate information and allow registered conference attendees to interact. Check to see if your conference provides this, and if so, join.

B. Chat (virtual equivalent of sitting in a row of people you don’t know):

+Chat can be overwhelming. Don’t freak out—imagine everyone in a room, responding in person.

–Via chat, ask a question (e.g., “Did anyone catch the last point?”) or add to the discussion.

–If an individual responds, thank them. When the presentation resonates with you, use the chat to speak to the person (or send a private message). For instance, “@name, what are your thoughts about ___?”

+Imagine sitting next to the person in real life. If they’ve already let you “see their notes,” they’re probably willing to share thoughts. Most attendees hope to make connections with new people.

C. Screenshot (virtual equivalent of business card swap):

+Screenshot the chat/meeting screen (especially during Brady Bunch-type Zoom meetings). After your virtual conference, run through the photos to collect names of people with whom you interacted, and connect.

–DO NOT EVER post screenshot images anywhere without permission of all individuals on the screen.

2. Communication (Virtual Breaks/Mealtimes)

A. Social Media (virtual equivalent of introducing yourself in the hall):

+During breaks in your virtual conference, search for speaker/attendee website/social media profiles. A connection request or a quick note via their site could lead to further interaction during the conference.

–If you’re following up on a conversation, include a reminder in your communication.

–Don’t be spammy. In real life, it’s unlikely you’d track down random attendees. If you send out tons of invites, people will notice.

3. Collaboration (Virtual Friendship-Building)

A. Online Interaction (virtual equivalent of staying up late, chatting after sessions, and grabbing coffee together):

+If your virtual conference offers Zoom meetings (or other online group sessions), participate. Face-to-face interaction, even via screen, helps create/support lasting connections and friendships.

–Join the Facebook (or other online) group.

+If no online interaction exists, create your own.

–Form a Facebook (or other platform) group and let people know it’s available.

–Be sure to check first with the conference organizers just in case, but most are happy for the outside promotion and may even let you post about it on their social media.

–Clearly communicate that although your group is intended to discuss/connect/whatever in relation to the conference, it’s not part of the conference and you’re not claiming the organizers’ endorsement or a connection with the conference (unless you have permission to do so).

B. Connection Requests (virtual equivalent of organizing business cards afterward):

+Sort through your screen shots and notes. If you interacted with someone, connect. (You wouldn’t toss business cards in the trash, right?)

+If you can’t find someone on the main social media platforms, check sites like LinkedIn and Pinterest.

+Use the conference hashtag to search mentions of the conference online; you might find an individual or established group.

+Invite new friends to join continued connection and discussion (e.g., Zoom calls, online groups, etc.)

Some of us look forward to conferences more than we anticipate holidays. (Concentrated time with individuals who speak our language and “get” us. What’s not to love?)

Can’t wait until we can all be together again? You’re not alone.

Current “Conference Life” isn’t ideal, but these hacks can help you make the most of your virtual conference experience.

REGISTERED ATTENDEES for #BRMCWC: Jaime Snell and I have volunteered (with conference organizer approval) to coordinate Zoom time during breaks. For more information, reply to the post on the BRMCWC post on FB and/or DM me your email address so I can forward you the Zoom registration. You can also message me on or FB or Insta (@beckyantkowiak), or via the contact form on this site. Can’t wait to see your face! XO

Click here for more ways to build your virtual conference success.