By: Jinji Tserennadmid
The 2025 Women & Technology Summit is fast approaching. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge topics, and expand your network of peers and mentors. With inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, the Summit is designed to help you thrive in technology and STEM fields.
Networking is a Powerful Tool
Networking is a powerful tool for career growth and personal development, yet it can feel overwhelming at first. I remember attending my first Women & Technology Summit in 2024, standing at the plenary dinner with my friend, whispering nervously about how to start a conversation. We hesitated, unsure how to network, and left realizing we hadn’t fully seized the opportunity to build meaningful connections simply because we didn’t plan ahead.
Whether this is your first Summit or you’re a returning participant, here are key strategies—gathered from personal experience and expert advice—to help you make the most of the Women & Technology Summit.
Curate Your Summit Agenda: Plan Ahead
With a packed schedule of workshops, networking sessions, and speaker events, planning ahead is crucial. Identify the sessions most relevant to your interests and goals.
Must-attend events include:
- Keynote Banquet: Erika Cheung, the Theranos whistleblower, will share insights on ethics, leadership, and integrity in tech.
- Plenary Luncheon: Tara Aggarwal, Microsoft’s Responsible AI Lead Champion, will explore the future of inclusive and ethical AI.
- Breakout Sessions: Topics include AI, leadership, STEM careers, and workplace equity.
- Networking & Recharge Opportunities: Enjoy free professional headshots and chair massages.
Downloading the Whova app in advance will help you build your schedule, explore session details, and network with other attendees before and during the Summit. Take time to review the full agenda and add sessions that align with your professional and personal interests.
Excel in Your Networking Strategy: Start Before the Summit
Many people only begin networking during or after a conference, but Dorie Clark, author of "Stand Out Networking," emphasizes that effective networking starts before the event.
How to Prepare:- Create a "priority wish list" of key people you’d like to meet.
- Send a brief LinkedIn message introducing yourself before the Summit.
- If a speaker or attendee is presenting a session that interests you, let them know you plan to attend. Expressing interest in someone’s work—even before meeting them—can be a great conversation starter.
- Plan coffee chats or informal meetups. Even asking someone to sit together at a session can lead to valuable connections.
- Bring business cards or have your LinkedIn QR code ready for easy contact exchange.
- If you can’t attend a particular speaker’s session, you can still reach out beforehand and connect with them during the Friday networking reception at 5:00 PM.
Stay Open to Conversations with Strangers
If you feel hesitant about speaking up in large groups, start by engaging in smaller roundtable discussions or one-on-one conversations after sessions.
In The Power of Strangers, Joe Keohane highlights that talking to new people exposes us to fresh perspectives and opportunities. A great way to ease into networking is by preparing conversation starters in advance. Try:
- "What project are you most excited about right now?"
- "Which session are you looking forward to the most?"
Keohane also reminds us that connections don’t always have to be deep to be valuable—sometimes, the small, unexpected conversations leave the biggest impact.
Prioritize Your Well-Being
Conferences are inspiring but can also be exhausting—taking care of yourself will help you stay fully engaged.
- Stay hydrated, eat well, and wear comfortable shoes.
- Take breaks when needed. The Summit Hub offers fun activities like binary bracelet-making and a space to write thank-you notes to mentors.
- Need to unwind? Stop by the chair massage stations to recharge before your next session.
Take Action After the Summit
Learning and networking don’t stop when the Summit ends.
- Follow up with new connections on LinkedIn. Send a personalized message thanking them for their time.
- Reflect on key takeaways. How can you apply what you learned to your career, studies, or projects?
- Share your experience on social media. Tag the Center’s social media accounts and highlight key insights to keep the conversation going beyond the conference walls.
The 2025 Women & Technology Summit is your chance to learn, grow, and be inspired. Take full advantage of the sessions, connect with new people, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.
Haven’t registered yet? Sign up now and get ready for an unforgettable event.