AI summits are more than just conferences - they’re where leaders, investors, and innovators connect to shape the future of AI. These events attract high-level professionals, with over 80% of attendees being C-level executives or founders. Networking at these summits follows three main patterns: Leadership-Driven Connections, Goal-Oriented Networking, and Casual Conversations. Each offers unique ways to build professional relationships, from exclusive closed-door meetings to informal chats at city-wide events.

To succeed, preparation is key: research attendees, pre-schedule meetings using AI-powered tools, and craft a clear elevator pitch. During the event, focus on meaningful conversations and follow up within 24-48 hours to solidify connections. Tools like dedicated networking apps and social media platforms help streamline the process, while targeted questions can spark deeper discussions.

Whether you’re aiming to secure deals, form partnerships, or exchange ideas, these summits are the perfect ground for professional growth.

Welcome to The AI Summit New York 2025 | Caroline Hicks

Common Networking Patterns at AI Summits

Getting a handle on how people connect at AI summits can make navigating these events a lot easier. Attendees tend to follow three key networking patterns, each offering its own way to build meaningful professional relationships. These patterns highlight the different approaches people take to make the most of these events.

1. Leadership-Driven Connections

Top executives and founders often dominate the networking scene. For example, at the RAISE Summit 2025, 822 CEOs from 168 Fortune 500 companies attended, naturally creating opportunities for leadership-focused connections ^[4].

Successful networkers in this group aim to be seen as thought leaders. Around 22% of attendees at curated networking sessions are also featured speakers, giving them multiple chances to connect meaningfully with others ^[5]. Instead of just attending talks, these leaders actively participate in think tanks and roundtables, sharing their expertise while remaining approachable.

Exclusive spaces make it easier to connect with these high-level professionals. VIP and executive passes open doors to corporate zones and private workshops, where over 71% of attendees hold C-suite or VP-level roles ^[5]. The RAISE Summit’s CxO Summit is a prime example, offering invitation-only forums where senior leaders can discuss strategies in private ^[2][4].

"The CxO Summit exists so companies don't just talk about AI, they leave RAISE with real partnerships, pilots, and signed deals." - Hadrien de Cournon, Co-Founder of RAISE Summit ^[4]

While leadership connections are valuable, many participants come with specific goals in mind.

2. Goal-Oriented Networking

For some, networking is all about achieving clear objectives, like securing pilots, closing deals, or attracting investment. This focused approach has reshaped how people prepare for summits. Many now rely on AI-powered matching platforms to filter attendee lists and schedule meetings weeks in advance ^[4][1].

With investors managing over €570 billion in assets attending major summits ^[4], targeted outreach becomes critical. Smart attendees aim to pre-book 60–70% of their meetings with high-potential prospects before the event, a strategy that pays off - especially since around 30–40% of attendees register in the final weeks before the summit ^[1].

Goal-oriented networking isn’t limited to one-on-one meetings. Events like startup competitions, pitch sessions, and structured matchmaking platforms create spaces where connections often lead to signed contracts, investment deals, or strategic alliances.

But not every valuable connection is meticulously planned.

3. Casual Conversations and Unexpected Connections

Sometimes, the best insights come from unplanned moments. In February 2026, futurist Bernard Marr experienced this at an AI summit. A casual chat over wine with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang offered deeper insights into AI infrastructure and governance than any formal presentation that day ^[6][7].

These informal moments reflect what’s called "high agency behaviour" - a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt ^[6][7].

"The most interesting AI conversations are happening in rooms where nobody is trying to sell you a slide deck, they are trying to solve real problems." - Bernard Marr ^[6]

This kind of authenticity makes informal settings perfect for discovering fresh ideas and talents that might not come up in structured sessions.

The RAISE Summit amplifies these opportunities with city-wide events. Beyond the main venue at the Carrousel du Louvre, networking spills into Paris through workshops, roundtables, and dinner parties that turn the city into a temporary AI hotspot ^[2]. After-parties and soirées, often organised through event apps, have become key spaces for exchanging ideas.

"Networking opportunities at after-events are as valuable as the formal sessions." - Nezhar, AI Developer ^[3]

Even hackathons, drawing up to 7,000 developers ^[4], foster connections through collaborative problem-solving rather than traditional networking methods.

Using Networking Opportunities for Career Development

Networking at AI summits isn't just about exchanging business cards - it's about creating meaningful relationships that can drive your career forward. To make the most of these opportunities, you need to prepare in advance, engage actively during the event, and follow up effectively afterward. Here's how to turn summit connections into career momentum.

Preparing Before the Event

Successful networking begins long before you step into the summit venue. Start by researching the event agenda, speakers, and attendee list to pinpoint individuals or organisations that align with your career goals ^[9]. For example, the RAISE Summit hosts over 9,000 attendees and 350 speakers, with 80% being C-level executives or founders ^[10]. With such a large crowd, targeted preparation is essential.

Define your objectives early. Are you looking for a mentor, an investor, or a potential collaborator? Having clear goals ensures your conversations stay focused. Craft a concise, 30-second elevator pitch that clearly communicates who you are, your interests, and what you're seeking ^[8].

Generative AI tools can help you refine your pitch and draft personalised outreach messages, but always double-check the details to ensure accuracy. Additionally, many summits offer networking apps that let you view profiles and schedule meetings before the event begins ^[9]. Smart attendees take advantage of these tools to secure valuable meetings in advance.

Once you're prepared, you'll be ready to dive into the structured networking sessions at the summit.

Participating in Organised Networking Sessions

When the event kicks off, it's time to put your preparation into action. Treat networking as a strategic activity aimed at creating genuine connections, not just a social exercise. Focus on high-value opportunities like closed-door summits (e.g., the CxO Summit) or specialised workshops where decision-makers are more accessible.

Research suggests that weak ties - connections with acquaintances rather than close friends - are often the key to uncovering new job opportunities ^[11]. During conversations, aim to move quickly from general topics to specific, actionable discussions. A helpful approach is the 1-3-6 Minute Protocol:

• In the first minute, confirm relevance by asking what the other person is focused on.
• By the third minute, identify overlapping challenges, such as budget or workflow issues.
• By the sixth minute, either agree on a next step or exit the conversation gracefully if there's no clear alignment ^[11].

Ask direct, practical questions like, "What’s your biggest current challenge - whether it’s behavioural, workflow, or data-related?" or "How would you define success in the next 30 days?" These questions often reveal collaboration opportunities ^[11]. Make sure to jot down key details - such as names, roles, and next steps - immediately after each conversation to ensure effective follow-ups ^[11].

Maintaining Connections After the Summit

Your work doesn’t end when the summit wraps up. Reaching out within 24 to 48 hours is essential to keep the momentum going ^[11]. Personalise your follow-up messages by referencing specific points from your conversation, whether it’s an insight they shared or a challenge they mentioned.

Organise your contacts into categories like clients, collaborators, and peers. Tailor your follow-ups accordingly:

• For potential clients, propose a discovery call or a similar next step.
• For collaborators, suggest a small joint project, like sharing notes or brainstorming together.
• For peers, keep the connection alive with casual engagement, such as sharing an article they might find interesting ^[11].

As real estate agent and writer Toby E. Boyce puts it:

"Networking leads to setting up coffee and lunch with people from the networking event. Learn about them and what opportunities you can help them with. Human nature has that 90% of people will respond and how can I help you? There is your opportunity." ^[12]

Focus on creating mutual value rather than promoting yourself. Share helpful resources, industry updates, or offer assistance to strengthen your relationships. Use CRM tools or contact management apps to keep track of your connections, set reminders for follow-ups, and monitor your progress ^[11]. Many AI job opportunities are discovered through these well-maintained networks rather than through public listings ^[11].

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Tools and Methods to Improve Networking Results

The right tools can turn casual encounters into meaningful connections. Modern AI summits offer platforms and techniques tailored to help attendees network more effectively. These tools align with earlier strategies, enhancing every step of your networking experience.

1. Digital Networking Platforms

At the RAISE Summit, PRO, VIP, and VIP MAX ticket holders gain access to a dedicated networking app that does much more than exchange contact details ^[13]. This app includes features like "Book a Meeting" and "Schedule a Meeting", making it easy to arrange one-on-one sessions with other attendees and innovators. It also has a "Join Community" function, keeping you in the loop with summit updates and connecting you to a larger network of innovators ^[13][15]. With over 9,000 attendees and 2,000 companies expected, pre-scheduling meetings ensures you don't miss out on key opportunities ^[14][15].

For VIP and VIP MAX participants, the app provides exclusive access to startup pitch decks and developer profiles, enabling targeted, high-level networking ^[13]. Reviewing these materials ahead of time helps identify potential partnerships. Savvy attendees use this tool to plan valuable meetings weeks in advance, avoiding the randomness of on-site interactions.

2. Using Social Media for Networking

Social media extends your networking reach far beyond the physical event. Platforms like LinkedIn and X allow you to share insights during the summit, tagging speakers and using official event hashtags to join ongoing conversations ^[9]. Before attending, identify 4–5 core content themes that showcase your expertise in specific AI areas ^[16]. This preparation helps you engage meaningfully.

Adopt the "Give-to-Get" approach: instead of self-promotion, use social listening to understand what topics resonate with your network. Share relevant resources or industry updates that align with their interests ^[16]. As Dean Mercado, Founder and CEO of Online Marketing Muscle, advises:

"Relationships are everything, and how you position yourself matters" ^[16].

After the event, follow up with personalised messages referencing specific points from your conversations. This not only shows genuine interest but also helps people remember you ^[9]. Focus on building a few high-quality relationships - these are far more impactful for business growth than a long list of passive connections ^[16].

3. Conversation Starters That Work

Once you've used digital tools and social media to engage, the next step is sparking meaningful in-person conversations. Starting with the right question can turn a brief chat into a deeper dialogue. The RAISE Summit's "4Fs" framework - Foundation, Frontier, Friction, and Future - offers a structured way to guide technical or strategic discussions ^[10]. For instance, you might ask: "Are you more focused on addressing the 'Friction' of enterprise adoption or exploring 'Frontier' applications?" ^[10].

With 80% of attendees being C-level executives or founders ^[10], questions about measurable outcomes often resonate. Try asking: "How is your organisation transitioning from AI pilots to achieving tangible P&L results?" ^[10][17]. In the French and EU context, sovereignty is a pressing topic. You could ask: "What’s your perspective on Sovereign Cloud and trusted infrastructure for European enterprises?" ^[10].

Sustainability is another hot topic. A question like "How is your team managing the 'Energy-Compute Nexus' as you scale your AI infrastructure?" can lead to impactful discussions ^[10]. These types of questions help you move past small talk and into conversations that leave a lasting impression, opening doors for future collaboration.

Conclusion: Getting the Most from AI Summit Networking

To make the most of your time at an AI summit, it’s crucial to approach networking as a structured process rather than a casual activity. Networking success hinges on preparation, purposeful conversations, and prompt follow-ups ^[11]. This systematic approach can turn a potentially costly trip into a productive and rewarding experience.

Start by dedicating 45–60 minutes before the event to create a list of key contacts and schedule meetings in advance ^[1][11]. Once at the summit, apply the Six-Minute Protocol to quickly assess mutual interests, confirm relevance, and set up follow-up steps ^[11]. During these interactions, jot down essential details - names, priorities, and agreed-upon next steps. This groundwork ensures you’re well-prepared to build meaningful connections.

After the summit, prioritize following up within 24 to 48 hours to reinforce the connections you’ve made ^[11]. Timely follow-ups are critical for maximizing the return on your investment ^[11]. Organize your contacts into three categories: Buyers (potential clients for a scope check), Partners (collaborators for joint initiatives), and Peers (professionals for sharing insights). Craft personalized messages for each group instead of sending generic follow-ups ^[11].

"The best AI conference networking tips aren't about being more outgoing. They're about running a repeatable system: target → talk → capture → follow up." - Florence De Borja, author and content strategist ^[11].

Interestingly, research on 20 million LinkedIn profiles highlights that "weak ties" formed at conferences often open up more career and professional opportunities than stronger, established connections ^[11].

FAQ

How do I choose the right people to meet?

To make the most of your time at RAISE Summit, start by aligning your networking goals with the profiles of attendees. The event offers AI-powered matchmaking tools and an app to help you pinpoint the right contacts - whether they’re founders, investors, or government officials. Take a moment to review the attendee list and session topics ahead of time. This will help you zero in on people whose roles match your objectives, paving the way for meaningful conversations with key decision-makers and industry leaders.

What should I say in my first 30 seconds?

When attending an AI summit like RAISE, those first 30 seconds of introduction can set the tone for meaningful conversations. Start by clearly stating your name, your role, and what you’re passionate about. For example:

"Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I work as a [Your Role] at [Your Company], focusing on [specific area, e.g., natural language processing or AI ethics]. I’m here to meet others interested in [specific goal, e.g., advancing AI for healthcare or discussing ethical AI practices]."

Keep it short, confident, and leave room for the other person to jump in. This way, you’re not just introducing yourself - you’re opening the door for collaboration.

How do I follow up without being pushy?

To follow up without coming across as pushy, aim to strike a balance between being memorable and respecting the other person's boundaries. Send a short, personalised message that refers back to your earlier conversation. Show genuine interest and, if possible, offer something useful or relevant to them. Give it a few days before reaching out again to avoid creating any sense of urgency or pressure. Maintain a professional yet friendly tone, focusing on building a connection rather than rushing for results. Patience and sincerity go a long way in fostering meaningful relationships.