Why I log every conference connection in a spreadsheet—and why you should

I’m heading to Commit Your Code next week in Plano, TX, and after missing Render ATL earlier this year (thanks to everyone posting from the floor 🙃), I’ve been tweaking my conference game plan. The prep starts before you even book your hotel.

Many people wing it at conferences, and that’s fine if you just want to catch up with friends and listen to talks. But if you’re using the event for genuine networking—or worse, job hunting—flying blind does you no favors.

Here’s what I changed this year: I treat conference prep like a mini project. Before CYC, I sat down with the speaker lineup and built a simple yet effective spreadsheet. Yes, you’ll probably spot me frantically updating it in the hallway—feel free to say hi.

Here’s how I structure it:

Pre‑Conference Research

I go through the talk schedule and note every session that piques my interest. I record not only the topics but also who’s speaking and which company they represent. This gives me a shortlist of people I truly want to connect with, not just badge collectors.

Initial Outreach

Before the event, I send a brief message to each person on my list. Nothing pushy—just something like “Your talk on X sounds really interesting — looking forward to it.” Most won’t reply (understandable), but this upfront step breaks the ice. When you meet in person, you’re no longer a total stranger.

I also send LinkedIn connection requests with a similar note. Even a tiny bit of prior contact makes hallway conversations far more natural.

During & After the Event

My spreadsheet includes columns for whether I attended their talk, if I snapped a photo of them presenting, posted something on social to amplify their session, and whether I followed up afterward. It feels like a lot, but it keeps me from forgetting the people who truly inspired me.

And let’s be honest—speakers always appreciate good photos of themselves on stage. That alone earns you some goodwill.

If You’re Job Hunting

The networking approach above still applies, with a few upgrades:

• Dress sharper than usual. You don’t need a full suit, but a clean blazer or a nice button‑down can make a lasting first impression.
• Give people a reason to remember you. Unique business cards, flashy tech‑themed pins, or an NFC badge that auto‑shares your resume—small touches help you stand out.
• Polish your pitch. Practice talking about your background until it feels effortless, not like a rehearsed script.
• Know who you want to meet. If a speaker works at a company you admire, prioritize connecting with them. Leave a genuine impression.

Ultimately, conferences aren’t magic—they’re what you make of them. But putting in the upfront work turns a fun weekend into something that actually moves your career forward.

Hope to see some of you at CYC! Drop a comment if you have your own tricks for working a room full of engineers.