The conference can be a great place to meet new people and catch up with old friends. The Tuesday night starts everything off, (go to: the social events page of this website) but make the most of the time between formal sessions such as at registration, coffee-breaks and lunch to find out more about the other delegates.

Among other things, located in the registration area will be the infamous Would Like To Meet notice board.
Grab a Post-It, write your message, stick it up.

Some breakout sessions will be more interactive than others, so read the descriptions carefully and look out for ones where there will be group work or discussions.

Everyone has their own definition of what successful networking actually is but here are some tips to make the most of the opportunities at conference.

1. Download the delegate list in advance: sorted by surname or sorted by organisation.

2. Prepare a 'what do you do?' answer that's short, snappy and memorable.

3. Arrive on time – it always seems a lot easier to introduce yourself to someone when you are one of the first arrivals.

4. Use AMA staff and board members to introduce you to people.

5. Treat everyone the same and never make assumptions about the people you meet.

6. If you are not very confident try not to attach yourself (like glue) to the first person you get speaking to. Remember the person you are talking to, while they might be enjoying your company, probably wants to be able to chat to one or two other people as well.

7. Listen to what other people do first and (everyone is interested if you're interested in them) and listen for link words that connect with who you are and what you do.

8. Keep conversation to neutral topics, avoid monopolising the conversation. Ask open questions that require more than yes / no answers.

9. You will create a better first impression if you deliberately copy the pace and volume of the person you are speaking to.

10. Try to follow up with people you have met (recap on your notes on business cards, add useful contacts to your database).

11. If you have tried all the tips and you still don't feel comfortable 'try' again! Practice makes perfect.

Adapted from Women into the Network website.

Download the list of delegates booked up to now, click HERE.
Start your networking early. Get in touch with people on the list - look them up on the 'networking pages' of the AMA website. Log onto the AMA website and click through to online networking.