Conference Etiquette: How to Start and End a Conversation

With conference season under full swing, I’ve noticed that even the best communicators seem a little rusty at starting and ending conversations.

COVID, I’ll blame this on you.

If you’ve got a conference coming up and want to make sure you don’t have cobwebs coming out of your mouth when you say hello — or just sprint away from a conversation that you want to get out of — here’s a few lines to use:

Saying hello

·      Hi, I’m (INSERT: your name or alias, if you’re in the witness protection program). What’s your name?

·      Where are you visiting from?

·      Is this your first time at this conference?

·      What’s been your favorite session?

·      What got you into your line of work?

Saying goodbye

·      It was nice talking to you. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get a (INSERT: macaroon, cocktail, laxative).

·      It was nice talking to you. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if I can find my (INSERT: boss, co-worker, poodle).

·      It was nice talking to you. See you around!