WMA's Guide to Networking @ Events

While events may seem pricy, they are well worth the cost for networking opportunities. Being visible and active at the conference and using social events to meet like-minded individuals is super beneficial for growing your career. For general recommendations and planning tips for WMA 2026, visit our Attendee Guide page.

Preparing for Networking Events

• Determine what you want to learn or get from the conference
  • Are there specific people presenting at the conference that might offer guidance in your field?
  • What opportunities are there to leverage your knowledge or interests during a session or event?
    • Use these prompts to set a schedule for the conference in advance and prepare discussion topics
• Plan for sessions and events with like interests and those that will broaden your knowledge in the field
  • Use the 2026 Annual Meeting Agenda to sort sessions and events by specific tracks
  • Read through WMA's Benefits of Seeking Professional Development Outside of Your Content Specialty
• Share your experiences on social media using #WMA2026 to let others know you're active at the conference
• Take advantage of coffee and exhibit hall breaks to check-in with new contacts or chat with presenters after a session
  • If you don't have a specific question for a presenter, find them afterwards to thank them for their talk
• Practice chatting with people in the exhibit hall
  • Exhibitors are there to talk to conference attendees and provide a great opportunity for networking
• Accept that you will make mistakes, it’s okay!
  • WMA is a safe space for emerging professionals to meet others and learn from the conversations you have
  • Networking is time and energy intensive; be sure to make time to decompress throughout the day so you don't overwhelm yourself

Networking Conversations at WMA Events

• Starting the conversation...
  • Always wear your name tag so others can identify you and the organization you represent
  • Switch from a "guest" mindset to a "host" mindset; try to engage those who are standing alone
  • Avoid talking exclusively with people you already know and try not to spend more than 10 minutes with a single person
  • To enter a group conversation, make eye contact and look for a physical space to stand in the conversation
    • Join the conversation after you have been acknowledged and stay on topic
    • You can help others join the conversation by making eye contact and space for them to join as well
  • Emphasize positive experiences and what you’ve enjoyed about the conference so far
  • Know who you are networking with; start by asking about their experience in the museum field to help guide the conversation in the right direction
• During the conversation...
  • Balance enjoying food and drinks at the event with networking
    • Don't speak while chewing
    • Don't rely on "liquid courage"; rather, drink moderately to get the most out of your event experience
    • Hold you cup or plate in your non-dominant hand, leaving your dominant hand free for handshakes and greetings
  • Once you’ve started the conversation, focus more on listening and finding commonalities or points of interest in their words
  • Be curious and courteous, ask questions, and always listen
  • Be positive, confident, and authentically you
• Exiting the conversation...
  • Good moments to exit are when others enter a conversation or when you introduce someone else into the conversation
  • When exiting—smile, make eye contact, and say something positive in closing
    • Thank them for the conversation and indicate your interest in talking in the future
    • Don’t feel the need to justify your exit—the point of the event is to talk to multiple people
  • After the event, reflect on your experience or jot down notes from the conversations you've had
    • Follow up with new contacts through email or LinkedIn and include a detail from your previous conversation to indicate your engagement

Conversation Starters for Networking (Adapted from AAM's Blog)

At a session or keynote:

• "What did you think of that session?”
• “Is this your first time attending this conference?”
• “What drew you to this topic?”
• “I’m looking for a good session on [topic]—have you attended anything great so far?”

At a networking event or casual setting:

• “Hi, I’m [Name]. What brings you to this event?”
• "Did you travel far to get here?"
• “Tell me a little about your work—what do you love most about what you do?”
• "Where did you study to prepare for your work?"
• "What’s the funniest issue you’ve encountered in your work?"
• “Have you connected with anyone doing work similar to yours?”
• “What are you hoping to take away from the conference?”
• "What's the best thing you've learned so far today?

For first-time conference attendees:

• “Is this your first time attending a professional conference? What are you most curious or excited about?”
• “As a first-time attendee, what’s one thing you’re hoping to learn or experience?

Registration for WMA's 2026 Annual Meeting is NOW OPEN!