How to turn a conference conversation into a job opportunity
Written by: Destiny Osakwe
Attending a tech conference is about more than listening to speakers, workshops and collecting event merchandise. Conferences serve as an effective venue for meeting peers who share similar interests and for broadening one’s professional network. Understanding how to network at industry events can help you develop the skills needed to build meaningful relationships with those around you.
At DevFest Lagos, you’ll meet developers, designers, founders, technical writers, recruiters and other professionals working across the tech field. A simple conversation with someone you meet at a session or during a break could lead to a mentorship opportunity, a collaboration or even your next job!
Read: DevFest Lagos isn’t just for developers: Here’s who should attend
But how can a quick conversation become the start of a meaningful career connection?
Whether you’re a student looking to break into the tech space, someone hoping to expand your network or a professional exploring new opportunities, here are practical ways to make sure every conversation counts.
Set your goals.
Before attending a conference, take time to think about what you hope to achieve. Are you looking for a mentor, exploring a new career path or hoping to land a job? Having a clear idea of your goals can help you make the most of the event.
If you’re looking for a mentor, consider the qualities you value in someone who can guide your professional growth. If you’re hoping to find a new role, think about the companies you’d like to work for or the positions that align with your skills and interests.
Setting a few goals beforehand can help you approach the right people and make the most of the networking opportunities at DevFest Lagos.
Get familiar with the people and the programme.
Before attending DevFest Lagos, take some time to research the speakers, workshops, participating companies and other attendees. Identify the sessions you’re most interested in, the companies you’d like to learn more about and the people you’d love to connect with. Having this information beforehand can help you plan your time effectively and make your networking efforts more intentional.
You can also start building connections before the event begins. Follow @gdglagos on Instagram and X, engage with event updates and connect with fellow attendees online. This gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself before meeting people in person, making those first conversations feel natural and less intimidating. By taking these steps, you can create more opportunities to connect with people before, during and after the event while showing genuine interest in the community you’re becoming part of.
Start conversations naturally.
Approaching strangers can feel awkward, but you don’t need a polished opening line. At DevFest Lagos, you already share a common purpose: learning, connecting and exploring the tech ecosystem. Use that as your starting point by commenting on a talk or discussing tech-related topics that interest you before introducing yourself.
Here are some easy ways to start a conversation:
- “Hi, I’m [name] from [company name], and I work as a [your position]. What do you do?”
- “Which speaker have you enjoyed listening to the most so far?”
- “Are you working on any interesting projects at the moment?”
- “Is this your first DevFest event?”
- “Which sessions are you most excited about?”
Keep your first conversation brief, ideally around two to three minutes. Focus on making a genuine connection rather than trying to say everything about yourself at once. If you both seem interested in continuing the conversation, suggest reconnecting later.
You can also approach someone during a break, find a natural way to join an ongoing conversation or introduce yourself to someone you’ve seen around the venue.
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Remember to stay friendly, curious and mindful of people’s time. Share your experiences and interests when relevant, and avoid treating every conversation as a direct route to a job. Sometimes, learning from someone’s experience is valuable in itself.
Offer help where you can.
Networking isn’t just about what others can do for you. Instead of focusing solely on the opportunities you hope to gain, look for ways to support the people you meet at DevFest Lagos.
You could offer to introduce someone to another attendee with similar interests, share a useful resource or volunteer your expertise on a project when it’s relevant. Such small gestures can help build trust and make a professional connection more meaningful. Sharing what you’ve learned or offering a fresh perspective can be valuable, too.
Try to approach networking with a willingness to give as much as you hope to gain.
Approach Recruiters with Confidence.
When speaking with recruiters or company representatives, explain what interests you about their company and highlight a relevant achievement or skill. Be specific about the value you can bring rather than simply saying you’re looking for a job. If the conversation goes well, ask for their contact details or the best way to share your CV or portfolio after the event.
Leave a Lasting Impression.
You’ve had a great conversation. You’ve discovered a shared interest and exchanged ideas. Now, how do you make sure the connection doesn’t end when the conference does?
First, exchange contact details if it feels appropriate. LinkedIn is particularly useful for professional networking because it allows you to stay connected and keep up with someone’s work. You could also request an email address to follow up with portfolios and resumés.
You can also make yourself memorable by being specific about what you discussed. If someone recommended a resource, mentioned a project or shared advice about a particular skill, take note of it.
After the conversation, note their names and a few details that will help you remember them so when you reach out later, you won’t have to send a vague message that could apply to anyone you met that day.
Following Through
Follow up within 24–72 hours while the conversation is still fresh. Mention something specific you discussed, remind them what you’re looking for, share your résumé or portfolio if relevant and suggest a clear next step, whether that’s a quick call, an introduction or an interview. Do not let the connection become a one-time exchange. Keep your message concise and action-oriented, with a short recap and a clear ask. You can also use a note or spreadsheet to track the people you meet, what you discussed and any promised follow-ups. If there’s no immediate opportunity, engage with their updates, share useful information when necessary and check in occasionally without making every interaction about what they can do for you.
You could also stay in touch by sharing relevant updates, such as a new project or article, every six to eight weeks. The goal is to build genuine relationships that continue to create value long after the DevFest Lagos event.
Common networking mistakes to avoid.
- Pitching the résumé immediately without context.
- Asking for a job outright without explaining interests or the value you bring.
- Dominating the conversation by talking too much about yourself instead of making room for an exchange.
- Failing to follow up or following up with a long, unfocused message.
If these tips seem helpful, come ready to connect and meet people who could become useful parts of your professional journey. You never know where one conversation might lead. Join us at DevFest Lagos 2026!
📅 Date: November 13th — 14th, 2026
📍 Venue: Landmark Event Centre.
🎟️ Get your tickets: https://devfestlagos.com
Follow us on Instagram at @gdglagos for event updates and more information. We can’t wait to see you!😉
