"I went to the conference and kind of just bounced around from session to session. I didn’t really meet anyone helpful.”

This was my experience at my first few national conferences. Most trainees feel a little bit lost the first time. It’s hard to know what to prioritize with so many sessions, posters, and events happening at once. I’ve heard this from students as well—they spend hundreds of dollars on registration, travel, and hotels, then walk away feeling like all they did was present their research for an hour.

The problem isn’t that conferences are bad for networking—it’s that most people approach networking without a strategy. They wander around hoping something will happen, attend a few talks, maybe grab some free food, and then go home disappointed.

In Part 1 of this series, we talked about the different presentation types you might be assigned. In Part 2, we covered how to prepare and deliver your presentation. But your job isn’t done once your session is over. Networking is what transforms a single presentation into multiple future opportunities.

Set Clear Goals Before You Go

Before you even register for a conference, decide what you want to get out of it. “Network more” isn’t a goal—it’s a wish.

Think in specific, measurable terms. For example:

• Talk to 10 people during poster sessions to learn about their programs.
  
• Meet 5 people in positions of leadership and exchange contact information.
  
• Connect with 3 people from programs you’re applying to.
  
• Find 2 potential collaborators for a research idea.
  
• Identify 3 new research directions based on conversations with experts.
  

These kinds of goals keep you intentional, the same way defining your exposures and outcomes keeps you focused in a research question.

Do Your Homework Beforehand

The more prepared you are, the smoother your networking will feel. Review the conference program ahead of time. Highlight the sessions and posters most relevant to your field, and research the speakers or presenters.

This prep doesn’t just give you context—it also gives you natural conversation starters. For example: “I read your abstract about [topic] and wanted to ask more about how you handled [method].”

Also, practice a short “elevator pitch”—just 30 seconds about who you are, what your research is about, and what you’re hoping to do next. If you’ve already followed the advice from Part 2 on preparing your presentation, you’ll have a clear, polished way of describing your work that doubles as your networking introduction.

How to Start Conversations Naturally

Networking doesn’t mean barging into groups or delivering a sales pitch. It means starting small, genuine conversations.

Some of the best strategies include:

• During talks: Ask a thoughtful question in the Q&A. Then, when you introduce yourself to the speaker afterward, you’ll already be memorable.
  
• At poster sessions: This is one of the easiest places to start. Presenters are standing by their work for hours. A simple, “I saw your poster on X and was curious about Y,” is all it takes.
  
• Over meals and breaks: Don’t default to sitting with friends. Conferences are rare opportunities to meet new people. Sit with someone new, ask what they’re working on, and let the conversation flow.
  

Remember, if you presented a poster yourself (see Part 1 for types), your own session can be a major networking opportunity. The way you interact at your poster can lead directly to collaborations and mentorships.

Different Strategies for Different Goals

Not every conversation should look the same. Tailor your approach to what you need most:

• Gathering intel about programs? Find people from those institutions and ask about their culture, strengths, and challenges.
  
• Looking for collaborators? Mention your research interests and ask if they know others working in the same space.
  
• Exploring career options? Seek out people at different career stages and ask about their path.
  
• Hoping for mentorship? Identify senior researchers whose work inspires you and ask if they’d be open to staying in touch.
  

Who You’ll Meet at Conferences

You’ll run into three main groups of people:

• Established experts: Busy, surrounded by people, but worth a thoughtful question or quick introduction.
  
• Rising stars: Early-career researchers and faculty who are more approachable and can become long-term connections.
  
• Fellow trainees: Don’t overlook your peers. Today’s classmates are tomorrow’s collaborators, co-authors, and maybe even department chairs.
  

Make Conversations Stick

A good conversation doesn’t end when you leave the conference hall. Make yourself memorable:

• Ask follow-up questions to show you’re listening.
  
• Share something about your own work to create a two-way exchange.
  
• Offer value if you can—introduce them to someone, recommend a resource, or share a paper.
  

These small touches transform a passing chat into a professional relationship.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

The biggest networking failure is silence afterward.

Within a week, send a short message or connection request. Reference something specific from your conversation: “It was great to meet you at [conference]. I enjoyed our discussion about [topic] and would love to stay in touch.”

It doesn’t have to be formal. The goal is to keep the door open so one conversation can lead to collaboration, mentorship, or career opportunities later.

Bringing It All Together

Networking is what makes conferences worth the investment. Without it, you present your work and go home. With it, you build relationships that support your career for years to come.

Some of the most valuable opportunities in research—co-authored papers, residency interviews, even jobs—begin with small conversations over posters, coffee, or lunch.

That’s why this three-part series matters:

• Part 1: Understanding Presentation Types
  
• Part 2: How to Prepare and Deliver Your Presentation
  
• Part 3 (this article): How to Network at Conferences
  

By tying all three together, you’ll walk into your next conference not just ready to present, but ready to make the most of every opportunity it offers.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive more guides on navigating your medical career and research journey. We share practical strategies that help trainees make the most of every professional opportunity.