by Erin Tillman

The Social Side of Convention.  The convention. The business trip. The industry conference. No matter what you call it, we all know what to expect. There will be meetings, networking opportunities, presentations, and seminars, but have you ever thought of your next business trip as a social opportunity? These events are meant to be business related but there’s no reason you can’t make it social too.

The convention can be the professional single woman’s best friend. At face value the convention is strictly for business opportunities and networking but for professional single women even work related conferences should be seen as an opportunity to both expand her business and mingle with other professionals. Most conventions and conferences offer nighttime activities that take place after the meetings have ended. These cocktail-laden events usually offer hors d’oeuvres, music and lots of professional singles eager to mingle. Yes, you are still expected to ‘talk-shop’ but these soirees are also meant to bring some fun into the mix. If you need an excuse to have some fun during these conferences make sure to bring business cards and talk about your business so you’re accomplishing something other than just being a social butterfly. Plus, if you aren’t interested in certain gentlemen that you’re interacting with you can keep it professional and keep the conversation strictly about business.

When socializing at a convention, there are a lot of factors to consider.

1. Seek out other groups of professionals that are attending various after-parties. Try to avoid going it alone when in an unfamiliar city. Even though you’re with other professionals a girl has to look out for herself.

2. Always remain professional. It’s easy to let one’s hair down in a party environment but it’s also smart to remain composed since you’ll be mingling with other hard workers that might be your future colleagues. Also, be prudent when mingling. Be aware of the rogue flirtatious ‘taken man’ that could be a bit too flirtatious. Socializing is one thing but it’s best to keep it calm and collected.

3. Assuming that your convention is out of town, have some fun while away from home. Stay an extra day and explore your new temporary surroundings. If necessary, ask local convention goers for information about the city and check out the local sights and sounds.

Though I wouldn’t consider these nighttime networking events as dating they are great ways to meet like-minded people from all over the country and sometimes the world. Plus, dating is basically about getting to know new people and a professional industry event is a great way to do just that.

THE DATING ADVICE GIRL, Erin Tillman, is a freelance writer and host living in Los Angeles, California. She’s a single girl ‘in the field’ who keeps a positive and realistic attitude in regards to men and dating. Erin has had a variety of relationships with men ranging from friendship to exclusive partnership in both the states and internationally. Erin is the author or the upcoming book The Dating Advice Girl’s Guide to Dating, a how-to guide that helps singles survive the first 6 months of new relationships. Find out more, www.TheDatingAdviceGirl.com

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