You think you do networking well? When was the last time you attended a conference?

Networking! I just typed in this word on Google and the first suggestion for it was 'networking tips'..?! In a social context, a network reflects the people you connect to, those who represent your network - either at work or family and friends, or even special interest groups. Networks and networking have recently gained prominence in our lives. Some people even argue that the bigger your network of peers is, the more successful you are, in both work and life. It is then essential you communicate well and know how to grow your network! But how we get to succeed as networkers?


It turns that conferences are great venues that can help you boost your professional network by connecting individuals you share similar areas of expertise and interests with. Attending and presenting at both international and home conferences is normally expected from you if you are a research student (as in my case). By doing this, you have the chance to disseminate your research work to a diverse professional audience, get valuable expert critique, and even more importantly - do take advantage of the extensive networking opportunities while being there! Although being a novice researcher (in month 4 of my 3 years PhD programme), I decided to give it a try.

I submitted a paper for the International Conference on Tourism Trends and Advances in the 21st Century, taking place on the island of Rhodes, Greece. Yes, it sounds a great location for a conference on tourism, one would say. And it was: warm and sunny destination, engaging conference programme, an opportunity to present my work internationally.

My top achievement, however, was that I met some of the best academics and practitioners in my subject field, and I got to network with them, in personal. An example here is Prof Chris Cooper who is championing business networks in tourism. Chris then introduced me to Prof Noel Scott from Australia – another great expert in the field, working on projects for UNWTO and OECD. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards, it involves creating professional links with peers, sharing ideas and experience that are from mutual benefit. And I did it all!

Here, I have to admit that communication is not among my key strengths and I was a bit unsure of how my networking experience will go in Rhodes. The best advice I can give you would be: you just have to go for it! You may be inexperienced communicator still, but the way of improving oneself is through practice. You will note over time, that it goes better and better - you will spot how quickly your professional network, as well as subject knowledge grows. And this is truly valid for conferences, where you get to meet professionals from all over the world discussing the latest developments and advances in a research area.

So, don't be afraid of it, networking is great! See the latest calls for abstracts and submit one in case you want to present your research, or simply register for a conference and practice your networking skills. It is worth having a look at Conference Alerts website, where you will find details on worldwide, forthcoming conferences in a broad range of disciplines.

Improve your communication, enhance the way you approach conference attendees and present yourself, meet exciting like-minded people. Be bold, be positive and you will expand on both your network of professional peers and expert knowledge, and of course - learn how to be more successful in networking.

About the Author: Deyan Hristov

Deyan is a Graduate Academic Assistant at the University of Bedfordshire Business School, where he has been engaged in various research projects. He joined the Business School in January 2013 and has also been working towards completing his PhD in organisational change since then.