Virtual conferences have become a staple in the academic and professional worlds. While they offer incredible accessibility, they've also changed the rules of networking. Gone are the days of chance encounters by the coffee machine or striking up a conversation with the person seated next to you.

Networking in a virtual environment requires a deliberate, strategic approach. You can't just be a passive observer; you must be an active participant. Here’s how to break through the screen and make genuine, lasting connections at your next virtual event.

1. Before the Conference: The Strategic Prep-Work

Success starts long before you click "Join Meeting." Your preparation phase is crucial for standing out.

• Update Your Digital Footprint: This is your virtual first impression. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with a professional photo, a clear headline, and details about your current research or projects. If you're on X (formerly Twitter) or other professional platforms, make sure they reflect your current work.

• Study the Attendee List: Most conference platforms grant access to the attendee or speaker list days or weeks in advance. Don't wait. Scour this list for 5-10 "must-meet" individuals—keynote speakers, researchers you admire, or peers working on similar problems.

• Send a "Warm" Pre-Conference Email: Don't be afraid to make the first move. Send a brief and specific message to your key contacts.

  Example: "Dear Dr. Smith, I see we are both attending the Global AI Summit next week. Your recent paper on data provenance was foundational to my work. I'd love to (virtually) connect and briefly ask you a question about your methodology if you find a spare 10 minutes during the event."

• Master the Platform: Log in to the conference platform (e.g., Hopin, vFairs, Zoom Events) a day before. Understand its features. How does the 1-on-1 chat work? Are there "round table" or "lounge" features? Knowing the tech prevents fumbling during a critical moment.

2. During the Conference: Be Actively Visible

This is where you execute your plan. Visibility is your most valuable currency.

• Use the Public Chat Wisely: The main session chat is your primary stage. Don't just spam it.

  • Ask Insightful Questions: During Q&A, ask a specific, well-thought-out question. Start with your name and affiliation (e.g., "Great talk! I'm [Your Name] from [Your Institution]. My question is...").

  • Be a "Value-Adder": If someone asks a question you can answer, provide a helpful response. If a speaker mentions a tool or paper, be the one who finds the link and posts it in the chat.

• Participate in Breakout Rooms: This is the virtual equivalent of a small seminar room. Turn your camera on. Unmute when appropriate. Engage in the smaller-group discussion. This is your best chance for high-quality, face-to-face interaction.

• Use the Event Hashtag: Get active on X (Twitter) or LinkedIn during the event. Post key takeaways from a session, tag the speaker, and use the official conference hashtag. This makes you visible to a much wider audience, including people not even in your session.

• Send Targeted Direct Messages: Use the platform's DMs to follow up on your "must-meet" list or to connect with someone who made a great point in the chat.

  Example: "Hi Alex, I really appreciated your question in the 'Future of ML' session. I'm also working on that problem. I'd love to connect here or on LinkedIn to compare notes."

3. After the Conference: The Critical Follow-Up

This is the step most people skip, and it's why they fail at virtual networking.

• Follow Up Within 24-48 Hours: Don't wait a week. The connection is warmest right after the event.

• Send a Context-Rich LinkedIn Request: Do not just click "Connect." Always add a personalized note.

  Example: "Hi Dr. Lee, it was a pleasure to hear your keynote on large language models at the [Conference Name] today. Your insights on ethical sourcing were particularly valuable. I'd like to follow your work and connect here."

• Turn Conversations into Calls: For the 2-3 most promising connections, your goal is to move the relationship off the platform.

  Example: "Hi Sarah, it was great to chat in the breakout room about [Topic]. As promised, here is the link to the paper I mentioned. If you're open to it, I'd love to schedule a brief 15-minute video call next week to continue the conversation."

Virtual networking isn't harder than in-person networking; it's just different. By being prepared, visible, and proactive with your follow-up, you can build a stronger, more diverse professional network from anywhere in the world.