30 takeaways from the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit

The Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit is an annual meeting of young innovators and professionals who represent a variety of industries, from food to AI to sports. Fifth-year computer engineering student Param Desai attended the four-day conference to learn, network and explore how his skills can make an impact in the tech world. Take a look at his 30 takeaways from the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit to help you get the most out of your next conference or networking event.

1. Set a goal. I wanted to make connections in the AI and cloud industry, so my main focus at the summit was attending related events.
2. Show up early. Space is limited and prime events will fill up quickly, so grab a seat while you can.
3. Contact other conference-goers beforehand. That way, you can get a head-start on networking and attend events with the people you meet. I made my first friends for the conference about a month before the summit via LinkedIn and Facebook.
4. Be frugal. Between travel, food and accommodation, conferences can be expensive. Sharing a room or a ride can cut your expenses in half, so see if those students you met online are willing to split some bills.
5. Seize the moment. If you have a good idea, go for it! Hearing about, and speaking with, tech entrepreneurs reminded me that there is no better time than the present to act on an idea.
6. Be memorable. When networking, open with your name, your background, your interests and a fun fact about yourself. This will ensure people remember you.
7. Be a networking notetaker. Keep a pen and paper (or a cellphone, if you prefer digital) handy at all times and jot down any important points. There are no recaps or highlights, so attentiveness is a must.
8. Seek out professionals from different backgrounds. It’s always a good idea to expand your horizons. I learned some really interesting details about the fashion industry.
9. Go beyond your comfort zone. This can mean asking a question of a panelist, being honest about your career goals or introducing yourself to someone you don’t know.
10. Prepare questions. This is the opportunity to get answers. I had a long list of questions ready for each speaker of interest.
11. Be helpful. Making new connections is a two-way street. It’s essential that both parties share information and talk about how they can benefit each other through contacts, knowledge base or research.
12. Collect contact info. After chatting with someone, ask for their social media accounts, especially LinkedIn. This is the best way to stay in touch with new industry connections.
13. Stay connected. After the conference, you can send your new contacts a brief message as simple as, “It was nice chatting with you.”
14. Make business cards. As a student, your business card should list your name, university, discipline and contact information, such as your LinkedIn profile and email address.
15. Don’t count on complimentary coffee. You’ll need to wait in line for a small serving of free java, taking you away from other, more valuable, experiences. Get your caffeine before coming to the conference each morning.
16. Plan for alternative meal options. Conference grub isn’t exactly gourmet, so try new foods around the city.
17. Pack healthy snacks. Forbes offered chips packets, cookies and biscuits as giveaways, but for a little more substance, consider bringing snacks that will keep you fuelled.
18. Don’t forget a power bank. I forgot mine and, as a result, couldn’t take as many photos, videos or notes as I would have liked.
19. Chat with people outside of networking events. Conferences often have evening social events. Try to meet up with some of your networking contacts to get to know them better.
20. Dress appropriately for your schedule. Smart casual is the way to go – unless you’re attending a formal panel talk, in which case, go business casual.
21. Plan your schedule. This is a big summit, and a lot of events are happening at any given time. Research which panels and workshops you most want to attend so that you can prioritize.
22. Arrive early. This will give you a chance to meet more people and allow you to get more done since early morning lines are shorter compared to the afternoon rush.
23. Research speakers beforehand. Once you finalize your panel selections, research the speakers and their backgrounds. This will not only allow you to ask relevant questions but also give you an entry point into their field of expertise.
24. Be open and flexible. Time management and planning is key for getting the most out of your conference, but that doesn't mean your schedule has to be set in stone. Conferences are a great way to learn about different disciplines, so if you discover a new interest along the way, make time to sit in on a lecture or panel spontaneously.
25. Capture the experience. Take photos, videos and Boomerangs of everything that you find fascinating for use on social media.
26. Tag your posts. Use conference hashtags so that related Instagram or LinkedIn posts are more likely to be seen by those in attendance.
27. Find some time for fun. Conferences are about challenging yourself and learning, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. Check out evening activities to give yourself a much-needed break.
28. Try not to stress. If social interactions make you nervous, remember that the odds are others are nervous, too!
29. Ask for advice. If you’ve made a useful connection while networking, take advantage of the opportunity for growth. Reach out to your new contact to seek resumé-writing advice or other success tips.
30. Thank new contacts. Express gratitude for taking the time to speak with you, either when you part ways or after the conference over social media. A simple “thank-you” can go a long way toward creating lasting connections.