• Plan Ahead: Research attendees, speakers, and sessions. Use event apps to schedule meetings early, as high-profile attendees book quickly.
• Tailor Conversations: Avoid generic questions. Personalize your approach using session topics or shared interests.
• Choose the Right Ticket: Higher-tier tickets (e.g., VIP MAX at €3,499) offer access to exclusive lounges, events, and resources for better networking.
• Leverage AI Tools: Use AI-driven apps to match with relevant attendees, schedule meetings, and refine your networking strategy.
• Engage During the Event: Focus on quieter areas like lounges or workshops for meaningful discussions. Confidently start conversations with open-ended questions like, "What’s keeping you busy these days?"
• Follow Up Quickly: Send personalized messages within 24 hours. Reference specific details from your conversations to stand out.
• Organize Contacts: Use AI tools to manage and personalize follow-ups, ensuring no connection is lost.

Tech Conference Strategy That ACTUALLY Gets Results

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Prepare Before the Event

Getting ready for the RAISE Summit at Le Carrousel du Louvre requires planning weeks in advance to make the most of its opportunities. With over 9,000 attendees and 2,000 companies present, a thoughtful strategy can turn casual encounters into meaningful connections ^[1].

Research Attendees, Speakers, and Sessions

Start by diving into the lineup of 350+ speakers scheduled for 8–9 July 2026. Look into leaders from companies like AMD, MongoDB, Vercel, and Robinhood, and identify how their recent initiatives align with your goals ^[1].

Don’t overlook specific events like the CxO Summit, which provides insights into organizational strategies, or the Machina Summit (7 July 2026), focused on AI in robotics. Other side events, such as the VIP Versailles Dinner, the Startup Competition, and the 24-hour Hackathon, offer great opportunities for exclusive conversations ^[1].

Use the summit’s networking app to pre-schedule meetings 1–2 months ahead. High-profile attendees, especially those in C-suite roles, tend to book up quickly, so early planning is essential ^[4].

Once you’ve done your homework, craft personalized conversation starters that will help you engage key individuals effectively.

Prepare Conversation Starters

Experienced executives hear generic questions all the time, so stand out by tailoring your approach. Use the summit’s "4Fs" framework - Foundation (infrastructure), Frontier (autonomous intelligence), Friction (ROI and safety), and Future (AGI) - to guide your conversation. For example, you might ask, "I'm debating between the 'Sovereign Cloud' and 'Silicon Horizon' sessions. Which do you think will have a bigger impact in 2026?" This not only shows you’re informed but also invites their expertise.

Leverage AI tools to help refine your networking approach. For instance, analyze LinkedIn profiles to create personalized conversation starters or simulate discussions to practice your pitch. During sessions, if you encounter unfamiliar terms, use an "ELI5" (Explain Like I’m 5) prompt to quickly grasp the concepts and stay engaged in follow-ups.

In group settings, the "mutual connection" approach works well. For example, you might say, "I think we know someone in common." When asked who, respond with, "Not sure yet - what’s your role?" This naturally sparks dialogue and gets the conversation flowing.

These steps ensure you’re well-prepared to make the most of the summit’s opportunities. Once your networking plan is in place, it’s time to select the right ticket to match your goals.

Select the Right Ticket for Networking Access

The ticket you choose determines the level of access and networking opportunities available to you. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• PRO Ticket (999 €, VAT excluded): Includes the networking app and access to the RAISE Official Ecosystem Party ^[5].
• VIP Ticket (1,899 €, VAT excluded): Adds VIP lounge access, entry to the Machina Summit, and exclusive access to startup pitch decks and developer profiles ^[5].
• VIP MAX Ticket (3,499 €, VAT excluded): Offers all the above, plus entry to "A Royal Dinner", an exclusive event for AI leaders ^[5].

For those looking to maximize networking opportunities, the VIP or VIP MAX tickets are the way to go. The VIP lounge provides a quieter space for meaningful conversations, while access to pitch decks and profiles gives you an edge in pre-event preparation ^[5]. If exclusive, high-level networking is your focus, the VIP MAX ticket ensures access to the most prestigious gatherings.

Use AI-Powered Networking Tools

With over 9,000 attendees, the RAISE Summit can feel overwhelming. That’s where the summit’s AI-driven app steps in, turning random encounters into targeted, meaningful connections.

Use the AI-Driven Networking App

The app uses vector-based matching to analyze your profile, focusing on two key areas: Interests (what you want to learn) and Knowledge (what you can share). Instead of pairing you with people who have identical backgrounds, it connects you with those who complement your goals ^[7].

To get the best results, complete your profile at least 14 days before the summit. This gives the AI enough time to process your information and recommend matches. Be specific in your "Interest" and "Knowledge" fields. For example, write “generative AI for healthcare” rather than just “AI.” This extra detail helps the algorithm better understand your networking goals and deliver precise recommendations ^[8].

As you use the app, it learns from your actions. Whether you’re browsing profiles, clicking on sessions, or marking suggestions as "Interested" or "Skip", the app refines its recommendations in real time ^[10][11].

The Smart Meeting Generator takes the hassle out of scheduling. By analyzing mutual availability and professional goals, it automates meeting coordination, saving you from endless back-and-forth emails. Similar systems have been proven to arrange a large number of meetings in just a few days, freeing you to focus on preparing for impactful conversations instead of worrying about scheduling conflicts ^[7][9].

Once you’ve set up your matches, the next step is to plan your meetings strategically.

Schedule Meetings at the Right Times

The app’s scheduling tools ensure your meetings fit seamlessly into your day. Sync it with your Google or Outlook calendar to avoid double-bookings and reserve time slots during breaks or quieter moments, steering clear of major keynotes ^[10][11].

If you’re looking for a private space to talk, consider using the VIP lounge. Available to VIP and VIP MAX ticket holders, it offers a quieter environment away from the bustling expo floor ^[5].

By integrating the app with your calendar, you’ll get a clear overview of your schedule. This makes it easier to spot the best times for meetings while ensuring you don’t miss out on the sessions and content that matter most.

These tools work hand-in-hand with your pre-event planning, ensuring every connection you make aligns with your summit goals.

Network Effectively During the Event

Once you've arrived at the RAISE Summit, it's time to put your networking plan into action. With over 9,000 attendees navigating the iconic Carrousel du Louvre, every interaction matters. The key is to focus your efforts on the right spaces and approach conversations with purpose. A strategic mindset can turn a potentially overwhelming event into a series of meaningful connections.

Focus on High-Value Networking Areas

Not all areas at the summit are equally suited for networking. While keynote halls may be packed, they’re not ideal for in-depth conversations. Instead, prioritize spaces like the AI strategy tracks, startup zones, and workshops, where attendees are more likely to engage on specific topics^[12]. If you’ve invested in a VIP or VIP MAX ticket, take full advantage of the quieter VIP lounge. It’s an excellent spot for focused discussions away from the bustling expo floor.

The summit app is your ally here. Use its attendee directory to filter participants by job title or company size, helping you locate senior professionals or potential collaborators^[6]. Enable push notifications to stay updated on networking opportunities or to respond quickly to 1:1 meeting requests during breaks^[3]. As Sofia Colucci, CMO North America at Molson Coors Beverage Company, suggests:

"Start with a plan in mind. Is there a specific theme you want to get out of this? ... Define what success is for you by the end of the one to three days, and then build your agenda around it"^[12].

Start Conversations Confidently

Breaking the ice is often the hardest part of networking, but a little strategy goes a long way. Start by approaching individuals who are standing alone - they’re usually open to conversation and less intimidating than joining an established group^[13]. If you do approach a group, wait for a natural pause or a laugh, then step in and introduce yourself^[6].

Jim Lecinski, Clinical Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, offers a simple yet effective opener:

"The single best question you can ask someone you meet at a conference is, 'What's keeping you busy these days?'"^[12].

This question invites the other person to share their current priorities without feeling pressured. Another tactic is the "mutual connection" approach: begin with, "I think we know someone in common." When they ask who, respond with, "I'm not sure yet - where do you work?" This naturally transitions into a professional exchange. Alternatively, position the other person as an expert by asking, "This is my first time at this event - any recommendations on sessions I shouldn't miss?"^[6]. These techniques help create a positive first impression and set the stage for meaningful follow-ups.

Exchange Contact Information Efficiently

Don’t let a great conversation end without exchanging contact details. Use the summit app’s QR code feature for instant contact sharing - this syncs the information directly to your app, tagged under the RAISE Summit for easy follow-up^[15][9].

However, even with technology, connections can fall through the cracks. While 92% of attendees follow up with someone they met via an event app, 34% of these connections don’t lead anywhere due to poor organization^[3]. To avoid this, immediately add context to each contact. Note where you met, what you discussed, and any agreed-upon next steps. This small effort ensures your follow-ups are both timely and relevant^[14][16].

Follow Up After the Event

The RAISE Summit may conclude at the Carrousel du Louvre, but its impact hinges on what you do next. The actions you take in the first 24–48 hours are crucial for turning fleeting connections into meaningful relationships. Why? Response rates drop by 50% after 72 hours ^[18], and 70% of professionals agree that effective follow-up is the key to building valuable partnerships ^[19]. Acting promptly ensures you capitalise on the momentum created during the event.

Send Personalised Follow-Up Messages

Timing is everything. Reach out within 24 hours while the interaction is still fresh in both your minds. Start by sending a LinkedIn request the same day you meet someone - this simple step takes advantage of their immediate recall ^[18]. When crafting your message, make it personal. Reference specific details from your conversation, like the location ("at the VIP lounge") or something memorable they shared ("your team's approach to scaling AI models"). These small touches make your message stand out.

Lois Creamer, a Professional Speaker and Consultant, offers this advice:

"Follow up in a timely manner. It lets the receiver know you value the connection. Always, always lead with value. Don't ask for a sale. Seek to serve. Establish your value before any ask" ^[20].

Keep your subject line short - under 50 characters - and include "RAISE Summit" to jog their memory ^[17][19]. If you're reaching out to a speaker, be specific. Mention a particular insight from their session rather than offering generic compliments. High-profile speakers value thoughtful engagement ^[18]. Remember, conference contacts are five times more likely to respond compared to cold outreach ^[18], so take advantage of this window of opportunity. Once your messages are sent, shift your attention to planning the next steps.

Suggest Next Steps for Working Together

Vague promises like "Let's stay in touch" rarely lead to anything concrete. Instead, tailor your follow-up based on the depth of your conversation. If your interaction was brief, focus on staying connected - perhaps by following their work or engaging with their content. For more in-depth discussions, provide a resource that addresses a challenge they mentioned and suggest continuing the dialogue. If you had a particularly meaningful exchange, propose a 30-minute virtual coffee within the next two weeks to explore collaboration opportunities ^[18].

Kolin Simon, Founder & CEO of Pursue Networking, sums it up perfectly:

"The difference between a business card in a drawer and a career-changing connection? A thoughtful follow-up sent within 24 hours" ^[18].

If you met a group of people, connect with each individual first, then consider organising a group discussion. For example, you could suggest setting up a Slack channel or hosting a monthly virtual coffee to talk about industry trends like AI advancements ^[18]. This positions you as a connector and keeps the conversation alive beyond the event.

Use AI Tools to Manage Relationships

After an event like the RAISE Summit, the sheer volume of new contacts can feel overwhelming. This is where AI tools can save you time and effort. Instead of spending 12–20 hours on manual segmentation and personalisation, AI can cut this down to just 30 minutes ^[21]. Use the notes feature in the RAISE Summit app to jot down key details immediately after each conversation - where you met, what you discussed, and any next steps. Then, tools like ChatGPT or Claude can turn those notes into tailored follow-up messages that include personal touches ^[21].

AI can also help you optimise the timing of your messages. By analysing recipient behaviour, it determines the best time to send emails for maximum engagement ^[22]. While typical email open rates hover around 21.5%, AI-personalised outreach can boost this to as high as 60% ^[22]. Consider creating a "networking hub" within your AI tool to organise all RAISE Summit-related prompts and maintain context for future interactions. Since up to 80% of event leads never receive meaningful follow-up ^[21], using AI ensures no connection slips through the cracks, giving you a clear edge.

Conclusion

Networking at tech events isn’t about collecting stacks of business cards - it’s about creating meaningful connections that last. The strategies outlined here work in harmony: solid preparation helps you pinpoint the right people to meet, AI tools simplify scheduling and introductions, and thoughtful follow-ups turn quick chats into lasting partnerships. At the RAISE Summit on 8–9 July 2026, these methods can help you focus on building high-value, strategic relationships.

As Rebecca Grinnals, Cofounder of Engage! Summits, wisely puts it:

"Networking is a long game. Plant the seeds and water them." ^[2]

This advice is key. While technology can help streamline the process, the true value lies in the relationships you cultivate over time.

Start putting these strategies into action right away. Review the speaker list, set up your AI assistant to match your goals, practice your introduction, aim for quality conversations, and follow up within 24 hours with personalized messages that reference your discussions. These tailored follow-ups can turn initial meetings into partnerships that matter.

The difference between a fleeting interaction and a career-changing connection lies in execution. Consistent, thoughtful follow-ups are what transform brief encounters into valuable relationships. Use these methods at the RAISE Summit and future tech events to build a network that can open doors for years to come.

FAQs

How do I set clear networking goals before a tech event?

Before heading to a tech event like the RAISE Summit, it's crucial to have a clear game plan. Start by defining your objectives - whether you're aiming to grow your network, scout for potential partners, or dive deeper into specific AI advancements. To stay focused, set measurable targets, like connecting with a certain number of attendees or engaging with representatives from key companies.

Make the most of the event's AI matchmaking tools by completing your profile thoroughly. This ensures you receive tailored suggestions for connections that align with your goals. Lastly, focus on building genuine relationships. Prepare personalised conversation starters to spark meaningful discussions and leave a lasting impression.

What should I write in the app profile to get better AI matches?

To get the most out of AI-powered matchmaking, take the time to fully complete your profile. Include details about your interests, career goals, and professional background. The more specific and current your profile is, the better the AI can suggest connections that align with your needs.

Adding keywords related to your expertise or objectives can fine-tune the recommendations even further, making it easier to find professionals who share your interests or could become future collaborators. A thoughtfully crafted profile that reflects your aspirations can significantly improve the relevance of your matches.

How do I follow up without sounding salesy?

When following up, focus on being genuine and creating a real connection. Show appreciation for the interaction by referencing specific points from your conversation to make it personal. Offer something helpful or relevant without trying to push for a sale right away. Keep your message short and send it within 24–48 hours to stay fresh in their mind. Avoid using pushy language and respect their space - let the relationship grow at its own pace.

Related Blog Posts

• 7 Ways AI Conferences Drive Business Growth
• Top 5 Benefits of Attending AI Industry Events
• Why networking events still matter in a digital-first world
• Deal Flow Density: Why Investors Prefer Curated Summits to Broad Tech Fairs.