Networking at conferences like the RAISE Summit is all about building relationships that lead to new opportunities. With 9,000+ attendees and 80% being C-level executives, preparation is key to making meaningful connections. Here's how to maximize your experience:
- Before the Event: Research speakers and attendees, define clear goals (e.g., funding, partnerships), and prepare tailored conversation points. Use tools like the RAISE Networking App for targeted outreach.
- During the Event: Leverage VIP lounges, attend private events, and schedule 1:1 meetings early. Reference sessions in conversations for better engagement.
- After the Event: Follow up within 24 hours with personalized messages, share relevant insights, and track contacts in a CRM for long-term connections.
Quick tip: Focus on quality over quantity - turn brief chats into lasting partnerships by planning ahead and following up promptly.
Conference Networking Strategy: Before, During, and After Event Actions
How to Network at Conferences Like a Pro | Executive Networking Tips
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Before the Conference: Preparation Steps
Heading to the RAISE Summit? With over 350 speakers set to gather at the Carrousel du Louvre on 7–8 July 2026, having a solid plan can make all the difference between meaningful networking and missed opportunities.
Identify Key Speakers and Attendees
Start by diving into the official speaker directory to pinpoint influential figures like Mark Cuban or the CEOs of Robinhood, MongoDB, and Vercel [6][7]. If you’ve got a PRO, VIP, or VIP MAX ticket (priced from €999), take advantage of the RAISE Networking App. This tool allows you to filter and connect with decision-makers who align with your goals [8].
Focus your research on the summit's central themes. For instance, if robotics or physical AI is your area of interest, the Machina Summit on 7 July is a must. This event features technical spotlights and leading industry voices [6][8]. Additionally, the Startup Competition, featuring a €5 million prize pool and over 1,000 startups, is a goldmine for discovering emerging innovators worth your attention [7].
Define Your Networking Objectives
Avoid vague goals like "meet interesting people." Instead, aim for specific, actionable outcomes. Whether you're seeking funding, exploring partnerships in healthcare or finance, or scouting talent, remember that over 80% of attendees are C-level executives or founders - key decision-makers [6].
Alison Harrigan, Head of Hospitality, Travel, and Leisure at Korn Ferry, offers this advice:
"Understanding your priorities will help you narrow in on who you want to meet and why" [2].
Create a "must-meet" list by researching attendees and speakers on LinkedIn about a month before the event. Craft tailored outreach messages tied to relevant trends, such as regulatory changes or advancements in compute infrastructure [2]. Define success with clear objectives, like "secure three follow-up meetings on AI deployment strategy" or "identify two potential partners for infrastructure shifts" [6][2].
With these goals in place, prepare targeted conversation starters to make a lasting impression on key contacts.
Create Your Talking Points
Prepare 3–5 personalised conversation starters that tie into the summit's themes. For example, if you’re attending sessions on the "ROI Dilemma" or "Workforce Transformation", tailor your questions and comments to reflect those topics [7].
To fine-tune your approach, use tools like ChatGPT to simulate networking scenarios. For instance, ask the AI to role-play as a CEO from an AI startup and practise delivering your pitch or questions [4]. Summarise each panellist's LinkedIn profile into a single sentence and prepare a thoughtful question. For more complex topics, craft concise, easy-to-digest explanations [4]. This preparation ensures your conversations are both relevant and impactful.
During the Conference: Tools and Tactics
When you arrive at Le Carrousel du Louvre on 8–9 July 2026, you'll need a plan to navigate the sea of 9,000+ attendees and 350+ speakers effectively. To make the most of your time, take advantage of the event's exclusive digital tools and networking opportunities.
Use the RAISE Summit Networking App
The networking app, included with all PRO, VIP, and VIP MAX tickets, is your go-to tool for connecting with the right people. With more than 80% of attendees being C-level executives or founders, the app's filtering features help you pinpoint decision-makers who align with your goals [7][6].
Plan your meetings around the "4Fs" agenda - Foundation, Frontier, Friction, Future - to ensure your conversations complement the sessions you attend [7]. If you're holding a VIP or VIP MAX ticket (priced at 1,899 € or 3,499 € + VAT), you'll also gain access to startup pitch decks and developer profiles. Reviewing these materials in the VIP lounge ahead of time can turn casual introductions into informed, productive discussions [8]. The app also serves as a centralized hub for coordinating attendance at side events, preparing you for both scheduled meetings and impromptu encounters.
Access VIP Lounge and Private Events
For VIP and VIP MAX ticket holders, the VIP lounge offers a quiet, exclusive space for focused networking, away from the busy exhibition floor [8]. This is where you'll find peers actively seeking partnerships and investment opportunities, making it an ideal spot for meaningful conversations.
VIP MAX ticket holders can also attend "A Royal Dinner", a luxurious evening designed to foster deeper connections with executive-level guests. As the RAISE Summit describes it:
"an evening of elegance, influence, and timeless grandeur... where every conversation shapes the next intelligence era" [8].
These curated settings provide an atmosphere for conversations that are hard to achieve in more crowded spaces. Additionally, the "Side Events Week" offers exclusive dinners, meetups, and workshops across Paris, expanding your opportunities to connect [7].
Schedule 1:1 Meetings
Use your pre-event "must-meet" list to schedule one-on-one meetings early, as the calendars of influential leaders fill up quickly. The networking app simplifies this process, allowing you to arrange focused discussions during breaks or designated networking sessions [7][8]. Prioritize key contacts like Mark Cuban, Vlad Tenev (CEO of Robinhood), or Chirantan "CJ" Desai (CEO of MongoDB) [7].
Leave a 10-minute buffer between meetings to allow for spontaneous interactions. When wrapping up a conversation, suggest connecting on LinkedIn to keep the dialogue going. This seamless transition ensures you capture the contact while maintaining momentum [9].
Conversation Techniques That Work
When you're at a networking event or a key meeting, the way you steer the conversation can make all the difference. At the RAISE Summit, where 95% of professionals agree that face-to-face interactions are essential for building lasting business relationships [1], making a meaningful connection is far more impactful than simply collecting a stack of business cards.
Reference Conference Sessions
The summit's schedule can be a goldmine for sparking engaging conversations. Instead of the overused "What do you do?", try something more specific like: "I'm torn between attending the Machina Summit or the Startup Competition - have you seen either of these speakers before?" [10]. If you noticed someone asking a thoughtful question during a keynote, bring it up: "I caught your question during the keynote - I'd love to hear more about your take on that." [3].
When joining a group, take a moment to observe before jumping in. Listen for 20–30 seconds, then contribute with a meaningful comment that adds value. As Valerii Didur, CEO of Digital Business Card, explains:
"The impression you leave comes less from what you say, and more from how you make others feel" [3].
These session-inspired approaches naturally lead to productive and memorable conversations.
Collect and Organise Contact Information
Focus on building a connection before exchanging contact details. Once you've established rapport, use the event app to share your information instantly. Jot down key details using the app's notes feature, like "Met at Expo lunch, discussed supply chain AI, enjoys golf" [3]. Right after meeting someone, send them a LinkedIn connection request to solidify the relationship [11]. Keep your conversations brief - around 10 minutes - to respect everyone's time and ensure the interaction stays focused [1].
Agree on Next Steps
Before wrapping up a conversation, make sure to plan your follow-up. Nicson White, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry, advises:
"You always want to book the next meeting in person" [2].
Propose a 15-minute follow-up call or a quick coffee meeting during the summit’s next day. To strengthen the connection, share something valuable right away - like an article or an introduction that aligns with your discussion [1]. By confirming next steps on the spot, you set the stage for meaningful post-event collaboration.
After the Conference: Follow-Up Actions
Turning your proactive conference engagements into meaningful connections hinges on timely and thoughtful follow-up. As Kolin Simon, Founder & CEO of Pursue Networking, wisely notes:
"The difference between a business card in a drawer and a career-changing connection? A thoughtful follow-up sent within 24 hours." [12]
Delays matter - response rates drop by 50% after 72 hours. Following up with contacts from the RAISE Summit can lead to response rates five times higher than cold outreach [12]. This makes acting quickly essential.
Send Personalised Messages Within 24 Hours
Start by sending a LinkedIn request while the interaction is still fresh. Within 24 hours, follow up with a personalised email that references specific details from your conversation. Mohamed Hegazy, Senior Conference Producer, offers this advice:
"Send a personalised email within 24 to 48 hours max, as this is key for leaving a lasting impression whilst details remain fresh." [13]
Your email should include the event name, where you met (e.g., "at the VIP lounge"), a memorable conversation point, or even a shared interest. Avoid generic phrases like "let's stay in touch." Instead, propose a concrete next step, such as a coffee meeting or a video call within the next two weeks. Add value by sharing something relevant - a helpful article, a session summary, or an introduction to someone in your network.
Share Conference Content
If you’ve taken notes during a keynote or compiled an internal summary, offer to share these with your new connections or even the speakers themselves. When reaching out to speakers, mention a specific takeaway from their session and explain how you’ve applied their ideas - this extra effort can make you stand out.
You can also share curated resources that address challenges discussed during your conversations, introduce contacts to relevant people in your network, or invite them to join a LinkedIn group where industry insights are exchanged. Sharing content not only adds value but also helps keep your connections engaged.
Track Contacts and Plan Next Interactions
Organise your contacts - whether they come from business cards or the RAISE Summit networking app - by entering them into a CRM system like Salesforce or HubSpot. Automation tools such as Zapier or IFTTT can help ensure no leads slip through the cracks. Categorise your contacts as "potential partner", "mentor", "client", or "lead", so you can prioritise follow-ups effectively.
Record key details such as personal interests, challenges, or the context of your meeting to make future communications more memorable. Tag contacts with "RAISE Summit 2026" in your CRM, and set reminders to follow up at 30, 60, and 90-day intervals to keep building the relationship.
As Kolin Simon aptly puts it:
"The conference isn't over when the event ends - it's over when you've successfully followed up." [12]
Conclusion
Networking at the RAISE Summit goes far beyond swapping business cards - it's about forming meaningful relationships that can influence your place in the AI industry. With over 80% of the 9,000+ attendees being C-level executives and founders, having a clear plan ensures you're in the right rooms where key decisions about AI's future are being shaped [6]. Success hinges on thoughtful preparation, authentic interactions, and timely follow-ups.
While 95% of professionals believe in-person connections are essential for growth, only 38% turn those connections into lasting relationships. Interestingly, executives who set clear networking goals are 40% more likely to succeed [5]. By researching attendees a month in advance, using the RAISE Summit networking app, and scheduling follow-up meetings during the event, you can move past surface-level exchanges. As Meryl Johnston, CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners, wisely advises:
"Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and introduce yourself to new people. The most valuable connections often come from unexpected conversations." [14]
Taking place on 8–9 July 2026 at Le Carrousel du Louvre, this summit offers more than just two days of sessions - it’s a chance to align capital, technology, and policy for lasting impact [6]. By pairing preparation with meaningful engagement and following up within 24 to 48 hours, you position yourself as a key player in the AI ecosystem. This methodical approach, from pre-event groundwork to timely follow-up, solidifies your influence in the field.
Networking accounts for over 80% of professional opportunities [2], and the connections you establish at the RAISE Summit can open doors to endless possibilities. A strong follow-up strategy transforms initial introductions into enduring partnerships.
FAQs
How many meetings should I pre-book before RAISE Summit?
There isn’t a set number of meetings you need to pre-book for RAISE Summit. What matters most is using the AI-powered matchmaking tool in the app to arrange focused 1:1 meetings. The key is quality over quantity - prioritize connections that align with your objectives. Make sure your profile is fully completed to improve your chances of securing relevant meetings. By scheduling a handful of meaningful conversations tailored to your goals, you’ll make the most of your networking opportunities at the event.
What’s the best way to use the RAISE Networking App to reach the right executives?
To get the most out of the RAISE Networking App, begin by filling out your profile with details about your interests and objectives. This step helps the app's AI matchmaking feature suggest connections that align with your goals. Browse through these recommendations, pick profiles that catch your eye, and send meeting requests directly within the app to set up one-on-one meetings with influential industry figures. For added convenience, download the mobile app so you can access all its features seamlessly during the event.
How do I follow up fast without sounding generic?
To follow up effectively and avoid coming across as generic, tailor your message by including specific details from your conversation or shared moments at the conference. Aim to send your message within 24–48 hours to keep the interaction fresh in their mind. Add value by sharing useful insights or posing thoughtful questions. Including personal touches - like referencing a memorable part of your discussion - can make your follow-up feel more genuine and leave a lasting impression.
