Event networking tips: Minnesota PRSA Classics

Jason DeRusha of WCCO-TV emceed the 2009 Classics banquet. (Photo:  Minnesota PRSA)

This Thursday is the 34th annual Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Classics banquet.

While the Minnesota PRSA Classics banquet showcases the best public relations campaigns and tactics, it's also an excellent event for networking. Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of the evening:

• Know whom you want to connect with. To get an idea of people that might be at the event, look at the list of finalists and the Minnesota PRSA board of directors page.
• Look around the room. When you arrive at the registration table and pick up your name badge, take a quick look. Do you see one of the people that you want to connect with? If not, look for someone you know. Perhaps he or she can help you find others whom would be good to talk to.
  
• Bring business cards. Even though we are in an electronic age, business cards are still very useful. One can easily get professional-looking business cards at Vistaprint.
• Follow up. The next day, connect with the people whom you met on LinkedIn. Rather than using the standard LinkedIn invitation to connect introductory text, incorporate something unique about you or the other person to help jog his or her memory.

If you stick around after the event for a little bit, you can congratulate the winners and possibly meet some new people by going to an afterparty.