Out of Your Comfort Zone: Networking Tips for NUEDIGITAL

Starting conversations with strangers, making a great first impression, and staying authentic—networking often feels like a stretch for many of us. But at the Nürnberg Digital Festival, it's worth stepping out of your comfort zone. With a little preparation, you can walk away from NUEDIGITAL with new contacts, ideas, and inspiration—and actually enjoy the process.

Don't worry: networking doesn't have to be stressful, contrived or overly intellectual. We'll give you five tips that will not only make it easier for you to strike up a conversation, but also get more out of your participation at NUEDIGITAL, whether you just want to be inspired or expand your network in a targeted way.

1. Preparation is not stress, it's your head start
A good conversation often starts before the first “hello”. If you find out about participants, speakers or companies in advance, you will be more confident going into the exchange: What do I want to learn? Who can I talk to? What questions do I have? Content-related preparation can make it much easier to start conversations!

2. Quality instead of quantity
Networking does not mean going home at the end of the day with a pile of new business cards. So instead of concentrating on as many encounters and short small talks as possible, it is worth focusing on individual and deeper connections. This means listening attentively, asking questions and discovering common ground.

3. Listening is the best networking tool
The best conversations happen when you don't just talk, but really listen. If you are attentive and show genuine interest in the other person, you quickly create an open and appreciative atmosphere. It is not primarily about “benefiting” the other person, but about actively perceiving new perspectives.

4. Choose the right moment
Not everyone:r feels comfortable joining a larger round or group straight away - no problem. Instead, look out for individuals, for example. Such moments are perfect for starting a relaxed conversation!

5. Take care of your social battery
Networking can give you energy - but it's also okay if it sometimes takes energy. So pay attention to your own feelings and take a break when you need it. Your social battery is not an endurance runner and that's why self-care is an important part of any successful networking strategy.

Seeking out conversations with strangers, making a good impression and remaining authentic at the same time - for many, networking is outside their comfort zone. But at NUEDIGITAL, it's worth jumping over your own shadow. Here you will find tips on networking for you as a participant, as part of a team or as an organizer. NUEDIGITAL is not just a destination for individuals - many come together, as a group or as a team, with friends or colleagues. But you can also stay connected as a group while leaving room for spontaneous and meaningful conversations with others. With these tips, you can remain open, inviting and naturally network beyond your own team.

1. “Outsider perspectives” for fresh impetus
Go through the event with an open mind - an “outsider perspective” can bring valuable new impetus to an existing network. Networking works best when you get involved in conversations with people who don't immediately “bring you something”. Maybe it's an exciting exchange with students today that will lead to a joint idea tomorrow.

2. Actively involve others in the conversation - figuratively and literally
If you are out and about in a group, you quickly appear closed. Therefore, consciously pay attention to individuals in your vicinity: Perhaps there is someone standing there who would like to make a connection but is afraid to take the first step. Actively invite them to become part of your conversation. A short sentence or a nice smile is often enough to get networking off to a relaxed start! Also, always leave some space free so that someone can sit or stand next to you.

3. Thinking ahead: recommending and connecting
Networking is not just about: What can I take away? During the conversation, think about how you can support the other person - perhaps you know someone you can introduce or have a helpful tip. This is how networking becomes a living community concept.

Good networking doesn't always happen by chance - it needs space, impetus and sometimes a conscious impulse. As an event organizer, you have the special opportunity to create precisely these conditions: an atmosphere in which encounters are easy, conversations can take place and networks can grow. Use these tips to promote authentic exchange:

1. Create space
Networking starts with the space you give it - literally and figuratively. Whether it's cozy seating areas, well-placed bar tables or clearly marked networking zones: Those who can linger in an informal and inviting environment are more likely to stay in conversation.

2. Greet participants personally
First impressions count. A personal greeting from you as the organizer can make all the difference: Make participants feel like they are not just part of the audience, but an active part of the event. A direct approach creates closeness and lowers inhibitions. If you show right from the start that interaction is welcome, it creates an open atmosphere in which networking can happen in a relaxed manner.

3. Starting aids for introverts
Not all participants jump into networking on their own - and this is exactly where you as the organizer can provide targeted impetus. Whether interactive elements such as small icebreakers, playful formats or a “contact wall” for shy people: Offering low-threshold points of contact makes it easier to start a conversation.

4. Breaks are the program
A good event not only thrives on exciting program items, but also on its breaks. In-depth networking requires more than five minutes at the coffee machine. If the schedule is too tight, there is often a lack of time and energy for open discussions. So consciously plan time for these breaks to facilitate networking.