Making the Most of the North Puget Sound Contracting Conference

Networking events are excellent opportunities to expand professional circles, build relationships, and discover new opportunities, and the upcoming North Puget Sound Contracting Conference (NPSCC) in Lynnwood is the perfect opportunity for businesses to do that.  

The event will be held November 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Lynnwood Convention Center and will include an exhibitor hall full of government agencies, prime contractors and resource organizations, panel discussions about upcoming opportunities in the region, one-on-one meetings (match making), and informal networking.

To help make the best of the event, Washington APEX Accelerator and Economic Alliance Snohomish County have come up with best practices to use both before and after the event.

Before the Event

Set Clear Goals

Before attending the North Puget Sound Contracting Conference, define your goals. Are you looking for potential clients, partners, mentors, or job opportunities? Knowing your purpose will help you stay focused and make strategic connections. Goals could include:

• Meeting 3-5 new contacts in your industry.
• Finding a mentor or mentee.
• Gaining insights into a specific industry trend or company.
• Following up with someone you’ve previously met.

Research Attendees and Speakers

Review the event agenda for key attendees, speakers, or companies you want to connect with. Use platforms like LinkedIn to learn about their background. A personalized introduction referencing their work leaves a strong impression.

Prepare Your Pitch

You'll likely have just a few moments to make an impression, so it's important to have an elevator pitch prepared. This should be a concise, engaging summary of who you are, what you do, and what you’re seeking at the event. Keep it:

• Brief (around 30 seconds).
• Specific (highlight your key strengths).
• Adaptable (tailor it to different audiences).

Bring Business Cards and a Capability Statement

Even in the digital age, business cards remain a valuable tool as a quick and professional way to exchange information. If business cards feel outdated, consider digital alternatives like apps that let you exchange contact details instantly through QR codes.

A Capability Statement is a resume for your business. It is a concise, one-page document that states what your company does, what makes your company better than the competition and a list of projects your company has performed on. Need more information on creating a Capability Statement? Watch this On Demand Webinar prepared by Washington APEX Accelerator or sign up for “Capabilities Statement – Writing for Impact”, a workshop offered by APEX Accelerator on October 29th.

Bring copies of your Capability Statement and/or offer to send an electronic version as a follow-up after the NPSCC.

Master the Art of Conversation

• Listen more than you speak: Show genuine interest in the other person by asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to their responses.
• Find common ground: If you're both in the same industry, you already have a shared context. Use that as a starting point to explore mutual interests or challenges.
• Stay positive: Avoid controversial topics or complaints. Keep the conversation upbeat and professional.

Stay Open, Adaptable

You might go to NPSCC with a specific goal or type of person you want to meet, but networking is about building relationships. Be open to unexpected conversations. Sometimes, the most beneficial connections are the ones you didn’t plan for.

After the Event

A crucial part of networking happens after the event. Send personalized follow-up messages to those you connected with within 24 to 48 hours. This quick follow-up helps keep the connection alive and makes you stand out from those who don’t bother to reach out.

Provide Value and Stay Connected

Networking is not a one-time activity; it requires nurturing relationships over time. To maintain your new connections:

• Share useful resources: Send articles, tools, or opportunities that may be relevant to them.
• Engage on social media: Comment on their posts, share their successes, or give endorsements on LinkedIn.
• Meet for coffee: If you’re local, suggest meeting up in a more informal setting to deepen your connection.

Over time, your network will become stronger if you stay in touch and offer value to others.

Track Your Progress

After the event, take stock of what went well and what didn’t. Did you achieve your goals? Who did you connect with, and how can you improve your approach next time? Keep notes on the people you met, and the conversations had.  

• Leverage Social Media
• Share pictures of you and others from the event
• Connect with people via LinkedIn