I haven't had a chance to go to any academic conferences yet, but I was involved in a discussion regarding networking at conferences with one of my professors [

I haven't had a chance to go to any academic conferences yet, but I was involved in a discussion regarding networking at conferences with one of my professors [1] earlier this year. Some of his suggestions were, - don't sit with people you already know. Make a point of sitting with people you don't know for seminars, workshops, meals etc. - same for queues. If you're with friends, queue up separately for a chance to talk to new people. - only fill your cup a little at those meet and greet events with food and drinks. This way, if you get stuck in a conversation that's not going anywhere, you've always got an excuse to leave - to re-fill your cup. I realise these don't really address the questions the OP asked, but I thought I'd add them. Hopefully someone else will have some thoughts, because I'm interested too. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Possingham http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Possingham