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High-Energy Questions To Ask At Conferences

There are many professionals who have no idea how to begin a conversation with people they meet at conferences.  Ideally you begin conversations that lead to lasting connections with people you like, respect and enjoy.  Here are several high-energy questions (HEQ’s) to get the dialogue started:

What did you think of the keynote speaker?
What did you think of that last breakout session?
Which sessions are you most interested in attending? Why?
What is the most insightful idea you’ve learned to this point in the conference?
What is the most surprising idea you’ve learned to this point in the conference?
What is the most valuable idea you’ve learned to this point in the conference?
What is the most troubling idea you’ve learned/heard to this point in the conference?
Is this your first time at this conference?
Do you come to [location of city where conference is held] often?
Who’s the best conference speaker you’ve ever seen at this event?  
What made him or her so great?

What high-energy questions do you find effective when you’re at conferences?  Every interaction you have with someone at a conference is a moment of truth.  They will form a conscious or subconscious impression of you.  If you ask the same boring, uninspired and mindless questions you’re not likely to create many great connections and from my perspective making great connections is what conferences are all about.  Your goal for any conference is to start or deepen a relationship with people attending the conference, so start using high-energy questions and see where they take you!!