Introvert going to an industry conference-any tips?

[Sleepdeprived42long]

I’ve been asked to attend a 3 day industry association conference (includes dinners and networking sessions) representing my organisation. Not the sort of thing that comes up often (I’ve worked there 15years and this is the first time!) and it’s a big deal to have been asked. I said yes but now I’m panicking as I can be very shy and introverted around strangers. Small talk is my idea of hell, I’ve got hearing loss in both ears which makes conversation difficult when background noise, I hate speaking up in front of others and when I get embarrassed (fairly easily!) my whole body goes red as a beetroot!

So, do any fellow introverts, or anyone really lol, have any tips on how I can do this without embarrassing myself and my organisation and maybe even enjoying myself???

This is not answering your quesdirectly OP but have you ever read the book Quiet by Susan Cain?

www.amazon.co.uk/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/B00AWC6VZE/ref=sr_1_2?adgrpid=54828474404&gclid=CjwKCAjw7cGUBhA9EiwArBAvonw9-YFaWvSAgKTJr0yUVPFtNrHpzvrMHCkZyv3L1-l_fFjUgyCVtBoCzUgQAvD_BwE&hvadid=259011868935&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=1006876&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=9384310960656676716&hvtargid=kwd-298319552806&hydadcr=24396_1748844&keywords=susan+cain&qid=1653681568&sr=8-2Quiet by Susan Cain.

I suppose for many people conversion with strangers flows naturally, but some of us find it much more difficult. We’re not all made the same. I’m very grateful for all the suggestions people have made.

@Whatliesbeneath707 I’ve not no. Would you recommend?

As no one is likely to know you, what about acting and creating a persona for the conference ? Have a research journal with you with all the information you need as for me helps prevent mind lockdown when I'm discussing x information.

Then as strange as this sounds I was the very shy one, and hated public speaking, now I could stroll on stage and as long as I know what I'm talking about, I can chat away and converse the small talk too, yes my weakness is getting distracted, or only focusing on the intelligence that I'm interested in.

People judge you no matter what you do, so with that in mind, as long as you achieve your company objectives and make an impression, then to me that's some of the main objectives, covered

As for book recommendations, Dale Carnegie how to win friends and influence people, is a classic

I find it useful to just remember that you there in work capacity so it's not personal or about how'd behave outside that context. You just have to act out a role -and leave dinner early so you can have some down time!

Make sure you have your own space. Your own room. No sharing. You need space to decompress. Don't be afraid to disappear to your space when you need to.

Take note of the whole agenda - try and work out before hand what sessions you can contribute to and which just don't make sense for you. Hopefully you will be early on in the agenda then you can relax and enjoy the rest.

Think about where you are best placed in a room given your hearing. Don't be afraid to go for that area. I have some loss in 1 ear, so putting the good side inwards helps me but I stick to the corner of large tables etc so I can isolate out if need be.

Just go with it. Learn from the experience.

I always make my own breakfast in my room. I hate going downstairs for breakfast. It's my quiet time and I want to have tea as I like it. You should have a fridge in your room. Take some milk, extra tea / coffee and a decent sized mug.

ventingventing123 You’ve described my mornings-in-a-hotel strategy pretty much exactly. Though in my case it’s less about wanting quiet and more about a reluctance to have to observe strangers eating breakfast. And a weird squeamishness over having my breakfast handled by staff.

So if it’s more than a single night I take my own (freshly ground just before leaving) coffee and single cup filter, and try to remember to buy a small carton of milk. And a loaf of bread, hunk of good cheese, tomatoes and a bottle of wine consumed in my room is just about perfection. Serves equally well for supper and breakfast the next morning. (Bread and cheese in the form of pizza is equally good …) Oh, and peppermint teabags!

The mug is a good idea …

I'd wager that 99% of ppl enjoy talking about themselves or what they think, just some of them can't be bothered to argue for conversational space or don't know if what they have to say will be nicely received. The art of conversation is getting someone to think they can safely say whatever they have in their heads.

You know that quality that Boris Johnson is supposed to have, of making someone feel like they are the only person in the room he cares about : that's what makes people just open up.

I really don't agree everyone enjoys talking about themselves. Especially other introverts will find you asking questions about them as much as you'd probably dislike it about you. I'm an introvert btw. I try to focus on what's happening at the event, speakers etc and then people can reveal things as they want.

I've always gone by the fake it till you make it - then go home and decompress - persuasion.

I hate crowds, people in general. But I've spent so long pretending that most people don't have a clue. I can get through some quite loud and busy sessions. I just keep in mind that I will soon be home.

@FindMeInTheSunshine

I can see why this might seem like a good 'crutch' to lean on, but if you are at a conference to develop a strong network and position yourself as knowledgeable and influential in your field, I would about steer you away from being known as the help.

Apologies for terrible grammar!

In essence - please don't pick up a 'helping' role if you want to build credentials as knowledgeable and influential.

As OP is doing, work on your networking skills and do plenty of practice and prep.

As others have said, a good solid intro, plus a list of 'did you attend the AI breakout', 'what did you think of the hybrid working panel', 'isn't it great to be back in person', 'is that the time, off to my next session' is far better.

Many conferences nowadays also have attendance lists in advance, with some having bookable meet slots. Check those out in advance, and make sure you add a photo and details to your own bio so people can connect with you too.

This is all so helpful-different perspectives also good.

Quick question-I hate awkward silences and tend to over share because I can’t think of the cuff what to say or ask! Is this something others experience and do you find preparing questions/conversation topics in advance helps?