What is the context of the event? Is it an organized mixer? A general event to which you’ve been invited? A social event?

What are your goals for the event? Would you like to talk to as many people as possible, or have one or two longer conversations? Would you like to get information about specific fields, companies, or job listings? Obtain referrals?

Who will be in the room, and what can you learn about them? Potential employers? Alumni? Random guests? Are they younger alums or employees? Higher level executives? Recruiters?

Smile, be yourself and have a positive attitude. Research shows smiling has benefits such as slowing down the heart and reducing stress.

Make good eye contact. If you are uncomfortable, try and focus on making the other person feel more comfortable.

Listen more than you talk. Focus on what the other person is saying instead of what you want to say, and connect with them.

Ask open-ended questions. How did you get to your present position? What careers did you consider while in college? What do you like about living in [city]? What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Show gratitude. Thank people for their time and participation. Ask for their card and for permission to contact them again.

How will you follow up with those that you met? Will you email and/or write notes? Request an informational interview? Connect on LinkedIn? Follow up with referrals? How will you organize these tasks?

What are your next steps? What research will you do based on what you learned? How will you continue to cultivate networking skills? How will you be creative in growing your network?