This article was taken from the June 2014 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
In 1993, US Wired described Esther Dyson as "the most powerful woman in computing". She ran the PC Forum conference for 25 years.
Dyson "went on a date" to the 1988 gathering at which Steve Jobs unveiled the NeXT machine, and she was there at AllThingsD in 2007 when Steve Jobs and Bill Gates shared the stage and "gave each other respect for their achievements". Now an angel investor focusing on healthcare, human capital and aerospace, Dyson travels the world to attend various events. Here are her tips on how to get the most from your conference pass.
Make plans you are prepared to change
Make a strategy around a goal before you arrive. "Are you trying to get feedback about a project you're working on, or are you trying to understand an industry that's unfamiliar?" asks Dyson.
Seek out the unknown
Conferences are a chance to listen and learn. Dyson advises: "If you know a lot about a subject, you'll get annoyed. With a topic you don't know a lot about, you're more likely to learn something."
Wear your badge so people can see it
You are more likely to get into interesting conversations if you're identifiable. Dyson says: "I'm short so when I get a lanyard, I tie it so it's hanging under my neck not near my belly button."
Don't waste your time
Dyson says: "If you go up to someone and say, 'I only have three minutes but I really wanted to ask you something', they'll talk. If you look as if you want 15 minutes, they may decide they're busy."
Remember to get some rest
Chance meetings can be as productive as the talks, but staying out till dawn is counterproductive. "You're better off getting some sleep and sounding intelligent when you talk to people," says Dyson.
The smaller the event, the better
Dyson mainly goes to conferences she speaks at, but won't miss AllThingsD, DLD and WPP Stream. "Go to meet people who know about the topic that you want to disrupt," she says.
The best speakers will engross you
Every speaker should remember that they are competing with attendees' computer screens. "People will get disturbed if you're huffing and banging your keyboard," says Dyson.
Touch base after the event
Dyson advises to initially invite someone to connect online, but follow this with an email. Remember to identify yourself: "I'm the one who asked you about mobile health in Rwanda." Succinct is best.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
