How can you use conferences to build your network as a game designer?

Plan ahead! Research conferences relevant to your interests and goals, considering factors like location, size, focus, and your budget as well. Check who else will attend that conference and look for relevant people in your area.

Think about your objectives and write them down, such as what do I want to achieve in this conference and find out who might be attending as a factor. Then look at the various events and decide which one should you attend. Be realistic, you definitely cannot attend every single one of them. Plan accordingly such as tickets, travel and perhaps accommodations too. Prepare ahead on the items you wish to bring over such as your masterpiece, your confidence and friendliness to meet people.

Share your portfolio or projects during networking sessions or through online platforms to attract interest and spark conversations. Make sure it is crafted for the audience, then participate in discussions, ask questions, and offer insights to demonstrate your knowledge.

As someone who was fortunate enough to receive sponsorship for this year's GDC, PLEASE, begin networking now!! It takes time to cultivate your network. However, I can without a doubt say that by doing so now, when it comes time to attend those big name conferences, you'll have somewhat of a footing which will make those you interact with ideally more inclined to follow up with you and your content! Hope this helps. :)

When engaging in a Game Conference, being respectful and showing said respect is arguably the most important aspect to your networking journey. When approaching someone, be mindful of their time. DO NOT go asking them straight up what they can do for you. But rather, listen to their advice, their stories, etc... By listening to them, you may learn something not only about yourself, but the key to getting into said job you may have asked about in the first place. Hope this helps!

Treat people with respect, and never lead with what you do. Ask about what the other person does, and have a general interest in their abilities. We tend to get obsessed with our pitches and sometimes we forget that other people want us to listen to theirs. In my experience, good networking starts with personability. Being a genuine human being will get you a lot further than focusing on the transaction alone.

Be like a child that is curious, have the intention to learn everything as much as you can, approach people to share your ideas and seek their opinion. If there is something that capture your attention to learning more, initiate a deeper conversation either through continued networking after the conference or during breaks. Be a positive and humble person to have fruitful conversation that can spark into a learning discussion.

This is something I've been doing more of lately, and a super important activity. Sometimes it may feel like you are imposing, but if you're not out for some sort of transaction, a simple outreach can be very valuable. Send an email, a text, or a little note on LinkedIn, but focus on the person. Sometimes asking about work can be a good opener, but focusing on the person is much more valuable in developing your professional relationships.

Interact with things that people put out. We all crave that little dose of dopamine, and a simple like or comment on something someone has spent the time to create can be worth so much to them. Relationships are about support, not solely about what you can get out of them.

Good old salesman approach. If you are a bit extravert person, take advantage of it. Better side? You are not selling anything, simply walk in to booths of your choice to introduce yourself in less than 20 seconds. Who you are, why you came and explain it would be. great to get to know other side as well. Shake hands, smile and give positive vibes. This part is important. Randomly showing up at booths to pick up free merchandise and leaving is rude. Connect with people talking about random things, or your favorite games briefly. Make sure to get their contact on Linkedin and follow up with them later on just to say hi. If you are introvert, you can do a similar approach and hope the other side is leading the conversation.