Use these tips for making the most of your attendance at a conference, whether attending in person or virtually
Creating Meaningful Conversations and Collaborations
In higher education, effective risk management is built on relationships as much as policies, procedures, and data. Whether you are attending a professional development conference, a regional association meeting, or a virtual event, networking creates opportunities to learn from colleagues facing similar challenges, gain fresh perspectives, and build a professional support system that extends far beyond your own campus.
For higher education risk managers, networking is not simply about collecting business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It is about creating meaningful conversations that lead to collaboration, problem-solving, and shared learning. The connections you make today may become invaluable resources when navigating tomorrow's challenges.
Shift Your Mindset: Conversations Over Networking
Many professionals feel uncomfortable with the idea of "networking" because it can sound transactional or self-serving. Instead, think about having conversations.
The most productive networking experiences happen when people focus on genuine curiosity and relationship building rather than trying to "work the room." A meaningful conversation often begins with listening, asking thoughtful questions, and showing interest in another person's experiences.
Rather than asking, "What can this person do for me?" consider asking:
- What can I learn from this person?
- What challenges are they facing?
- How might our experiences help each other?
When networking becomes a series of authentic conversations, connections develop naturally.
Why Networking Matters for Risk Managers on Campus
Colleges and universities face increasingly complex risks, including:
- Campus safety and security
- Student mental health concerns
- Enterprise risk management
- Cybersecurity threats
- Compliance requirements
- International programs and travel risks
- Crisis management and emergency preparedness
No single institution has all the answers. Networking provides opportunities to build connections with colleagues both on your campus and on campuses around the world to address these challenges.
Through networking, risk managers can:
- Learn best practices from peer institutions.
- Discuss emerging risks and trends.
- Exchange resources and tools.
- Identify potential benchmarking partners.
- Discover innovative solutions to common problems.
- Build a trusted network of professionals who can provide advice when issues arise.
Make the Most of Conference Networking Opportunities
Many attendees assume networking only happens during scheduled receptions or social events. In reality, some of the most valuable interactions occur between sessions and during meals and breaks.
During Session Breaks
Breaks offer a relaxed environment where attendees are already discussing what they just learned.
Consider:
- Continuing a discussion from a presentation.
- Asking someone what stood out to them from the session.
- Sharing how a topic relates to your institution.
At Meals
Some of the best networking happens at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Instead of sitting with people you know, seek out a table with open seats and introduce yourself. Meal conversations tend to be longer and less rushed, often leading to deeper professional connections.
Before Sessions Begin
Arriving a few minutes early provides an easy opportunity to engage with those seated nearby.
A simple introduction can often turn into a conversation that continues throughout the conference.
With Vendors
Affiliates at URMIA conferences are professionals with similar interests. Conversations with these fellow attendees can uncover new solutions and introduce you to professionals facing similar challenges.
Conversation Starters for Higher Education Risk Managers
Starting a conversation can feel intimidating, but most conference attendees appreciate an authentic question. Use these conversation starters to break the ice and encourage meaningful dialogue.
Conference-Focused Questions
- What brought you to this conference?
- Which session has been most valuable so far?
- Are there any presentations you're particularly excited about?
- Is this your first time attending this conference?
- What has been your biggest takeaway from today's sessions?
Risk Management Questions
- What risk issues are getting the most attention on your campus right now?
- What emerging risks are you watching most closely?
- Has your institution implemented any new risk management initiatives recently?
- What challenges are you experiencing with enterprise risk management?
- How are you engaging leadership in risk-related discussions?
Campus Operations Questions
- How is your institution approaching emergency preparedness?
- What strategies have been effective for improving campus safety?
- How are you addressing cybersecurity concerns across campus?
- Has your institution adopted any innovative risk assessment tools?
- What lessons has your campus learned from recent incidents or near misses?
Professional Development Questions
- How did you get started in higher education risk management?
- What skills do you think are becoming increasingly important for risk managers?
- Are there any professional resources or organizations you would recommend?
- What has been the most valuable career advice you've received?
- What trends do you think will shape our profession over the next few years?
Follow-Up Questions That Keep Conversations Going
- Tell me more about that.
- How has that worked for your institution?
- What challenges did you encounter?
- What advice would you give someone facing a similar situation?
- What are you planning to do next?
Tips for Building Lasting Connections
Be Present
Put away your phone and focus on the person in front of you. Active listening creates stronger connections than trying to meet as many people as possible.
Quality Over Quantity
You do not need to meet everyone in attendance. A handful of meaningful conversations often provides more value than dozens of brief introductions.
Share Your Experiences
Networking is a two-way exchange. While learning from others is important, sharing your own successes, challenges, and lessons learned contributes to the conversation and builds credibility.
Follow Up Promptly
After the conference, connect through LinkedIn or email. Reference something specific from your conversation to help the individual remember you.
For example: "I enjoyed our discussion about enterprise risk management at the conference luncheon. I'd love to stay connected and continue exchanging ideas."
Networking at Virtual Conferences
Virtual conferences have made it possible to connect with professionals around the globe. While networking online requires a different approach, it can be just as effective when done intentionally.
Participate Actively
Attend networking sessions, discussion forums, and virtual roundtables. Ask questions during presentations and contribute to chat discussions. Visibility creates opportunities for future conversations.
Complete Your Profile in the Conference App
Ensure your conference profile includes:
- Your name and title
- Institution
- Area of responsibility
- Professional interests
- Contact information when appropriate
A complete profile makes it easier for others to connect with you.
Use Direct Messages Thoughtfully
If someone shares an insight that resonates with you, send a brief message.
Example: "I appreciated your comments during the cybersecurity session. We're facing similar challenges on our campus and I'd enjoy continuing the conversation."
Schedule One-on-One Conversations
Many virtual platforms allow attendees to connect directly. Consider scheduling short meetings with peers who have similar responsibilities or interests.
Engage on Social Media
Conference hashtags and professional networking platforms can help you identify and connect with attendees beyond formal sessions.
Follow Up After the Event
Virtual networking is often most successful when conversations continue after the conference concludes. Reach out, share resources, and look for opportunities to collaborate.
Final Thoughts
The most effective networking in higher education risk management is not about collecting contacts. It is about building a community of trusted professionals who can learn from one another and collaboratively address the evolving risks facing colleges and universities.
Approach conferences with a mindset of curiosity, focus on conversations rather than networking, and take advantage of informal opportunities during breaks and meals.
Whether in person or virtual, every meaningful conversation has the potential to become a lasting professional relationship and a valuable resource for future risk management challenges.
The connections you build today may provide the insight, support, and collaboration needed to address the risks of tomorrow.
This article was created with the help of AI.
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