Our Networking Guide To Navigate This Summer's Biggest Conferences

Summer is all about vacations, barbeques, and rooftop day parties, but it's also a chance to gift yourself with a little career development.

This summer is filled with many conferences and festivals catered to women of color looking for an opportunity to exchange ideas and meet like-minded individuals when our everyday corporate settings don't allow for it. It's that chance to let your hair down and engage in dialogue on diversity inclusion while meeting the "friends in your head" that you root for online for their achievements.

However, attending a conference can be overwhelming and intimidating when over 400 women are in a room. Where do you even begin?

Related: 10 Conferences Women Should Invest In For A Successful 2018

When you have the right strategy in place networking and getting the most out of this summer's conferences can be easy. Networking has to be done differently depending on the attendees and subject matter of each event. We broke down some of the most popular events of the season and asked past attendees to share their best advice for networking at each and the best places to engage other attendees and speakers. You'll learn which spots to have dinner with someone you connected with after the conference, how to avoid long lines for a moment with a keynote or celebrity, and where to escape when you need a break from the information overload.

Click Next Page for our guide to enhancing your networking experience at 5 of this summer's biggest conferences:

ColorComm Conference: June 4 - 7, 2018

For its fifth year, the ColorComm Conference is a PR professionals dream. Literally set in a relaxing paradise, women of color communications executives from Fortune 500 companies and C-suite professionals from the world's top PR firms come together to exchange ideas on development and inclusion. "My experience at the C2 Conference was life-changing, transformative, and needed. I was yearning to see women of color in my field that I could resonate with and grow from, and I got to see over 400 dynamic women. I gained invaluable advice from each session and definitely had some fun in the sun. The millennial passionate about elevating her career would definitely benefit from networking at ColorComm," shared Dominique Fluker, social media manager for WeWork.

She Gained a "Fairy Godmother"

With many women of color attending at different stages of their career, most people seek to find mentorship and friendship at ColorComm. "What I loved about the C2 ColorComm conference was the combination of breakout sessions on mentorship, corporate communication strategies, and social media influencers while being able to celebrate a dynamic group of professional women. During one of the sessions hosted by Hill + Knowlton Strategies titled, 'Do you have a Fairy Godmother?' I realized that I gained one at the conference. Fairy Godmother (n)—a term coined at ColorComm, means a person with great influence who can connect you with the right people and save you years of running in circles. Starkly different from a mentor, a Fairy Godmother can make one phone call and your life could change," explained Dominique.

Have a Media Kit Ready

"If you want to network with someone and know that they are attending, make a mini media kit that includes their photo and a short bio so you're prepared. Networking at ColorComm can be super organic. There's really no specific rhyme or reason but be sure to have an open mind and be accessible," Dominique shared.

Women who are running the marketing and communications efforts for some of our favorite brands are in attendance and if you are looking for a job it's always good to be prepared. "The best spots to meet and connect with people were at the sessions, hotel lobby, and hallways and even at the pool. The best advice I could give is to keep your eyes peeled and to stay ready!" she remembered.

Her Biggest Takeaway from C2 Conference

For its fifth year the C2 Conference is moving from the beaches of Key Biscayne, Florida to Maui, Hawaii hosted at the Ritz Carlton which can be pricey for junior and mid-level attendees who may not get sponsored by their company to attend. Dominique did not stay at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne but wishes she did. "If I could do one thing differently, it would be that I would stay at the hotel where the conference was hosted. I could've connected with more women," she explained.

To avoid an expensive lodging experience at the hosting hotel, be sure to use your social network to find roommates to split accommodation costs.

Click Next Page to learn tips & tricks about navigating Blavity's Summit 21 conference:

Blavity's Summit 21: June 8 - 9, 2018

Blavity's Summit 21 Conference is taking place in Hotlanta. In its third year, the conference has changed its name and location for a 2-day experience filled with masterclasses, fireside chats Angela Rye and Sarah Jakes Roberts, and panel discussions led by some of our favorite business and beauty influencers and content creators. Last year, health lifestyle blogger and digital marketer Luckey and beauty writer Samantha Callender attended the conference in Chicago and left with a notebook full of tools to help with their personal brands.

What to Expect

Expect to meet women between the ages 21-35 with various professions. Although the summit changes cities each year, expect to meet regional tastemakers, as well as women from other major US cities. "Women traveled from all over the country, which was amazing because now you're connecting with women from any industry you can think of from media to tech, beauty, finance, law, it was insane," Luckey shared.

The summit displayed a variety of women with a diverse background, but the magic in the room made for two days of awesome learning. "From the panels, I learned some industry insight from some of the most powerful and influential game changers across the country. From entrepreneurial panels teaching about ways to grow, and also how to legally protect your brand to discussions on the current landscape of media, I learned how to approach and leverage my career from various angles," explained Samantha.

"I learned how to approach and leverage my career from various angles."

"I would say this summit is definitely one of the few that caters to women at every level of her career. Whether you're in the aspiring stages coming to listen to your 'mentor in your head' rock her panel discussion, or if you're a seasoned entrepreneur looking to pivot and gain new knowledge, this event pretty much covers it all," shared Luckey.

Their Favorite Moment

Luckey's favorite part of the summit was seeing black women in C-level positions and entrepreneurial women. Samantha's top takeaway was being able to receive great branding and business advice that went beyond social media and dived into the legalities and financial components of branding.

How To Elevate Your Networking Strategy

Luckey suggests you get acquainted with who is attending by making a list of who you plan to connect with. "You should connect with key players and leave no stone unturned. Do your homework to find out the basic answers to questions you may have so you can make 1-2 unique, specific inquiries. NEVER walk up and just ask for an opportunity without presenting yourself as an asset first. They want to know what you can do for them, not the other way around. Also be respectful and professional. They don't like when you approach them like you're homegirls," Luckey shared.

Samantha took a different approach and made sure not to isolate herself during the conference and use every opportunity to connect with other attendees. "During the breakout sessions and lunch, I made sure to not just sit in a corner and check my phone or eat alone, but to strike up conversations with people around me. Make conversation with everyone around you, because there are so many great women there who aren't panelists. The person sitting right beside you could be a great resource as well. I also made sure to attend the events outside of the main conference (the dinners, happy hours), to continue conversation but to also make those personal connections with folks outside of business," Samantha said.

"Make conversation with everyone around you because there are so many great women there who aren't panelists."

Best Place to Network Outside of the Conference

This year's conference is held in downtown Atlanta near a plethora of restaurants, bars, and hotels. Make sure way to the Marriott Marquis is across the street and great for post-summit drinks at Pulse with your new connector or schedule a meet-up with a speaker or attendee at the hotel's Concierge Lounge for an intimate conversation.

Click Next Page to learn tips & tricks about navigating American Black Film Festival conference:

American Black Film Festival: June 13 - 17, 2018

If you are an actor, filmmaker, or just have the love of black cinema, the 22nd annual American Black Film Festival is the place for you. It's held in Miami every year and is a place our favorite celebrities attend each year to talk about their new projects. "For African American women, I think regardless of if you're in the industry or not, it's a festival that offers an array of celebrity panels, workshops, networking opportunities, parties, and screenings that can help with career enhancement, personal growth, and just a genuinely good time! You would benefit most if you're someone who is interested in all the above while also looking to be in an environment that promotes sisterhood, black excellence, and creativity," Alaina Pinkney, founder of Electric Heart Media explained.

Networked Her Way to A Job & A Husband

Alaina started attending ABFF in 2012 and met her husband the first year she attended. "I met my husband here the first year we both attended and it just proves that being in a room with people who look like you, talk like you, and have similar goals as you, is a great space to meet and connect with people who are on your path," she shared.

She started as a volunteer that year because she is a screenwriter who wanted the opportunity to meet other black artists at the conference and now works as festival staff. "The networking I've been able to do by repeatedly coming every year and continuing to grow relationships with people I've met here in passing has helped open personal doors for myself and my marketing and branding company Electric Heart Media, LLC. People that I've met through ABFF have led me to global opportunities to work with some amazing brands and companies on incredible projects. ABFF is one of the most respected festivals around and to be associated with that type of excellence has given me access to people and areas in the industry that would have taken me longer had I tried to knock on doors on my own," Alaina continued.

Heighten Your Social Presence

Besides having your business cards on deck, Alaina suggests being active on social media throughout your time at the festival.

"Get your social media game up so you can easily add people and be easily found since social networking is just as important nowadays as exchanging phone numbers."

I believe networking at any festival requires a level of openness and accessibility that only comes when you're in a mindset to meet, greet and repeat. You have to be approachable for people to inquire about what you do, who you are, and what you can offer. You need to use your voice to approach and greet people without fear; a level of freedom that can turn any conversation from a hello to a how can we help each other.

Mind Your Social Cues

When mingling in a room of celebrities and gatekeepers in your industry, it's important to understand etiquette and body language. "I think if you're a writer, an actor, a director, make a plan of attack using the ABFF schedule to plant yourself in the right rooms to meet the right people and make the right connections so you can leave the festival feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Know the right time to strike and always read body language and recognize social cues that people are giving. I've seen a lot of hungry filmmakers push their ideas on people who are clearly uninterested or just not present in the moment. It goes back to my statement about seeing these people again if you attend other festivals and events. Sometimes you need to build slow, build trust, make the initial connection, and then treat life like a chess game and make strategic moves to reach your target long after," explained Alaina.

"Know the right time to strike and always read body language and recognize social cues that people are giving."

Places to Network

Alaina suggests visiting Betsy Hotel, Nikki Beach, Loews South Beach Hotel, and Nautilus Hotel throughout the festival for activities and run-ins with celebrities or Black Hollywood's tastemakers. Plan to use those hotels as spots to schedule lunch, dinner, or drinks with people you meet at the festival. "There's plenty of talent workshops and opportunities and networking lounges that you can easily find a new tribe of other creatives or enthusiasts if you set your sights on being on the right places that best serve your goals at the festival. The festival parties and post-panel/workshops are the best gateway locations to find yourself surrounded by like-minded people who are on a similar journey as you."

Click Next Page to learn tips & tricks about navigating ESSENCE Fest:

ESSENCE Fest: July 5 - 8, 2018

Every year, thousands of men and women fill the New Orleans streets for a hot July weekend of good food, music, and entertainment brought to you by ESSENCE. Most people would not think about the opportunities to network, but if you are a content creator, influencer, entrepreneur, or professional in the entertainment or multicultural marketing, ESSENCE Fest is your playground. RaVal Davis, host, actress, and body positive advocate enjoyed the various opportunities to network while having a good time.

She Connected With Major Brands

"The networking opportunities at ESSENCE Fest are really vast and you'll meet a little bit of anybody and everybody. There are tons of beauty industry leaders and brand marketing executives and I had the pleasure of connecting with the CEO of Uniworld Group and the Head of Brand Strategy at Ford, and gain an opportunity work with them moving forward," she shared.

RaVal also gained an opportunity to write a cover story on Kofi Siriboe for Bleu magazine and met the founders of Cashmere Agency who since then plan to work with her to host an upcoming movie screening in NYC.

You Get Real Time With The People You Want to Meet

"You network on a deeper level. There is a sisterhood present. People are just genuinely excited to meet you or see you again. Networking isn't as pretentious and difficult in this space," explained RaVal.

One of her favorite experiences was connecting with actress Regina Hall at the Girls Trip premiere. "I shared with her that I'd recently suspended my corporate career to pursue acting. She told me her journey was somewhat similar in that respect. As an up and coming actress, her words of wisdom were so encouraging. ESSENCE Fest is full of those kinds of moments. You never know who you're going to see and meet," she shared.

Take Your Social Connections Offline

RaVal suggests you connect with your friends that will be attending ESSENCE Fest and find ways to link up with them throughout your time in NOLA. "Whether you're friends on social media or in real life, connect. Share information about events and pop ups. Together you can do your research on what's going on in and outside of the Fest. Major sponsors like Ford/Lincoln, Sally's Beauty, Walmart have special events in the area. Many are private but many are open to the public. There is so much to do and so many ways to connect with people but definitely have a plan ahead of time," she shared.

"Whether you're friends on social media or in real life, connect."

Best Places to Network

The Ace Hotel is a mini New York or Hollywood during ESSENCE Fest. You'll definitely feel at home if you are from those areas, because everyone you know on the networking scene will be there at some point during ESSENCE Fest. Pop in to see which celebrity is sitting in the lobby, if some of you faves from home are enjoying a jazz set, or what popular beauty influencer is enjoying a cocktail at the pool. Many of the branded brunches and parties will be hosted at the Ace Hotel during the festival.

RaVal also suggests you snag a VIP ticket during the concert portion of ESSENCE Fest. "If you can manage to get some VIP or backstage access its networking magic. The backstage area was sponsored by Smirnoff so it provided the perfect atmosphere for easy networking," she advised.

Click Next Page to learn tips & tricks about navigating National Association of Black Journalist Convention:

National Association of Black Journalist Convention: August 1 - 5, 2018

NABJ convention was the talk of the town last year as attendees turned their backs on Omarosa Manigault while she and acclaimed journalist Ed Gordon exchanged in a spar of words. Fashion and beauty e-commerce copywriter, LaKrishia Armour was there to witness it all at the annual gathering of journalists, ranging from college students to seasoned writers, award-winning media personalities and celebrities. "The conference is almost like a family reunion because people attend every year, and they've worked in several cities and at several media outlets, and like any family reunion, there's bound to be something that's the talk of the weekend!"

Why You'll Love Attending

Aside from being hosted in different cities each year that you'll get to explore, you'll be around people who have similar interests. "A person who loves to 'nerd out' on media will get the most from attending NABJ. Bonus points if they're naturally curious, like to learn, and enjoy conversation, whether exchanging or listening with interest for the introverts. We're all professional communicators, so there is a lot of talking during the conference," she shared.

You Network Differently Depending on Career Level

LaKrishia attended the NABJ Convention when she was a different levels of her career. "I attended twice during grad school, then recently went last year. As a student, I was on my best behavior, took notes, and made a friend who still keeps in touch. Running into him at last year's New Orleans conference was great full-circle moment. What I gained as a mid-senior level professional was different based on my perspective. I was still there to learn and network, but I was able to relax, have more fun and meet people casually because I have more life and work experience. Last year, I met one of the founders of NABJ, which was like the Holy Grail," she shared.

"What I gained as a mid-senior level professional was different based on my perspective."

If you are a student looking for an internship or a recent graduate, opportunities to land a gig on the spot is possible. "I learned that if you live in a major city, landing a job at the conference career fair was possible. Many companies interviewed on the spot. Last year, I circled the career fair to 'take inventory', but I had more opportunities from connections I made hanging out in the lobby," she explained.

Best Places to Network

With all the information that will be shared throughout the day, give yourself a break from the overload to network. "Hang out in the hotel lobby, especially if there's a bar or restaurant to play hookey to relax your mind from the overwhelm of the sessions, and to meet your faves when there's not a swarm of people around them. Aside from being a barfly, take a break from the sessions, even if it's just to see one of the exhibits or wander around the conference area. Panelists from previous sessions are doing the same thing."

Don't Be Shy

Not all writers are introverts, but many of them are, and that can be cumbersome at a networking event. "If you're introverted or need a boost of confidence, take a friend who can make instant friends. They'll be your wingman and can help you get the courage to talk to an interesting peer or to someone you admire. Just make sure they don't embarrass you at lunch time like mine did!"

Networking with your peers or striking a conversation with a seasoned journalist may be a great first step. "Networking with your peers—meaning people at your experience level—is the best way to go. Even if they're a print journalist and you're a producer, you'll both have more in common than you think. Also look out for seasoned professionals. They may look like they're not with modern times, but you'll learn a ton from just one conversation with a person over 60," shared LaKrisha.

"Networking with your peers is the best way to go."

You are now set with the tools and tips you need to make the most out of this summer's must-attend conferences and festivals.

Featured image by Getty Images