Originally posted on LinkedIn
In-person events ARE worth it. If you say they’re not, you’re either going to the wrong events or not talking to anyone when you’re there.
I used to hate them — maybe despise them 🤦♂️. I’d show up with no idea who to talk to, what to say, or how to even stand. But over time I realized they’re invaluable.
Yesterday I was at #festIBO. A few months ago at #ColombiaTechWeek. Every week at Thursday Coworking sessions. Multiple times at #AICollective events, or #Empreandinos, or talks from some company or community.
Every single time, ALWAYS, interesting conversations came out of it. Collaborations, deals, leads, insights. I never felt like I was wasting my time.
I was talking about this with Andrés Méndez (the best networker I know). Can they sometimes be “a drag 🫠”? Sure. But they work for real networking and making things happen.
My clear tips: 1️⃣ The talks themselves are the least important thing. 2️⃣ The most important thing is talking to people. 3️⃣ Don’t approach conversations trying to sell — connect instead. 4️⃣ If synergies come up in a conversation, touch on them briefly and set up a call or coffee for later. 5️⃣ Keep conversations short — that way you maximize how many people you talk to.
I learned so much from Fernando Sucre. At an event in Mexico City with R5 last year, Fer (who’s naturally introverted) showed me how to use time effectively and get value out of every minute.
If you’re standing around quietly, go find someone else to talk to. Every conversation is a raw opportunity.
What do you think? Are in-person events worth it, or am I crazy?