As talent development professionals, we know that there isn’t only one way to learn. Similarly, there isn’t just one way to network. Relationship building is an integral component of the Association for Talent Development’s Virtual Conference experience, and there are many options to help you successfully connect with others.

Participants are encouraged to use this time of learning and solution sharing as an opportunity to interact with other professionals and experiment with cutting-edge networking functions available on ATD’s virtual platform.

The Virtual Conference is aptly titled “Building Connections and Capabilities,” and the virtual platform, with the help of artificial intelligence, will help participants connect with peers, mentors, and influencers.

Here are tips for networking during the Virtual Conference.

Create a profile. To maximize your opportunities, create a profile—including an introductory video via Hello World—to share in the Networking Lounge. Use the profile and video to reflect your authentic interests and portray your areas of skill. Your virtual representation helps other attendees get to know more about you and discover where there may be opportunities for collaboration and why you are a valuable addition to their network. Add links to your social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, to provide a more interactive experience for those who visit your profile.

Stay active. Platform-supported chats will be offered with each live session. These will be opportunities to network and learn from others. Stand out by sharing ideas and taking an active role in the dialog. If you enjoy thought sharing in small-group settings, take part in roundtable discussions on the topics that interest you. Whether you’re an expert or just want to learn more about a topic, you are welcome to participate—roundtables are open to all conference attendees. Active engagement throughout the conference can open the door for enhanced networking opportunities.

Get matched. Let ATD help take some of the work out of networking by zeroing in on connections who may be great resources for you in the future. The Virtual Conference platform offers you the opportunity to be connected with attendees who share similar interests or skill sets. And when you receive your matches, the first move is easy—reach out, start a conversation, and even give a virtual high five within the platform.

Go social. Traditional social media outlets, such as Twitter, can be an invaluable part of your networking strategy. The hashtag #ATDVirtualConference will unify participants’ comments or content. Follow this hashtag on all social channels, post stand-out comments, chime in on chats, and consider reposting some of the key learnings as a way to get noticed in the social sphere.

Be happy. Take your networking to a new level by participating in the happy hour group chats. Choose from the topics and participate in those that interest you most. If you’re an expert in a particular area, this is your chance to share knowledge. Similarly, if the topic is an area you want to learn more about, these chats are a great way to connect with experts and get answers to questions in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Keep connecting. As you make connections, use the Virtual Conference platform to organize a list of conference contacts so that you can easily touch base with them during and after the conference. During the event, you can collaborate using various methods, including chats, direct messages, and one-on-one video chats. You can even join multiple contacts together for a group video chat.

Remember, that the virtual platform is intended as a conduit to forge connections. Access to the participant directory as well as other features will end 90 days after the conference’s conclusion, on September 6, 2020. When you network with intention, it can lead to personal and professional relationships that can yield long-lasting benefits.

Share your ATD Virtual Conference experience on social media. #ATDVirtualConference