The core principle: The smartest operators get conference value—networking, visibility, deal pipeline—without paying for booths or speaking slots. They’ve figured out that conferences are infrastructure you hijack, not experiences you purchase.

Conferences only work if you do the work before you arrive. The people wandering the floor hoping for serendipity are extras in someone else’s movie.

8 Weeks Before: Build your target list. 20–30 specific people you want to meet. Not “I should network with brands.” Names. Titles. Companies. Check sponsor lists, speaker rosters, LinkedIn stalking. Create 3–4 tiers based on priority and relationship temperature.

6 Weeks Before: Start outreach.
“I’ll be at [EVENT]. Would love to catch up for 20 minutes—coffee Tuesday morning or drinks Monday evening?”
Be specific about timing. Vague “let’s connect” requests die in inbox purgatory. For tier-1 prospects, offer context: “Want to discuss [specific topic relevant to their business].”