title: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable - Conference Edition published: true description: Tips for making the most of a tech conference, especially if you're an introvert! cover_image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504026136304-3d198b522973?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=2100&q=80 tags: career, conferences,

Get comfortable being uncomfortable is a phrase I've heard often as a software engineer. Generally it's been applied to learning new programming languages and concepts. If you're comfortable in the space of not knowing something, it makes it a lot easier to learn and grow.

I just got back from Abstractions II in Pittsburgh, PA and over the past week I've thought a lot about how the same advice is just as important at tech conferences. I'm an extremely introverted person. Striking up conversations with people I don't know can certainly be a challenge. But each time I'm at a conference, I make a conscious effort to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Every time I do this, I grow as a person, learn new things, and make new friends. I've never regretted it once. I think it's important to try to engage and participate in the conference to get the most out of it rather than shuffling from talk to talk only keeping to yourself.

Here are five tips I have for making the most out of a tech conference, especially as an introvert:

1. Prepare a few conversation starters Have a couple conversation starters in mind for times when you run into a new person. I love to ask "What was your favorite talk today?" It gives some insight into what topics the person is interested in and gives a jumping off point for further conversation. You could also ask things like "What's your favorite project you've worked on?" or "What are some hobbies you have outside of programming?"

2. Use Twitter and Slack It can be much easier to make plans to hang out with new people online than it is in person. Many conferences have Slack groups and Twitter hashtags that can be used to connect with fellow conference goers. You can use these channels to make dinner plans or find people with common interests.

3. The Pac-Man Rule! If you find yourself in a group conversation, instead of standing in a closed circle, leave the circle partially open in a Pac-Man shape. This makes your group seem more open to having others join you. This is something to look out for as well if you're trying to join a conversation.

4. Chat with the speakers Many speakers will stick around their session a little afterwards to take questions or discuss their talk topic further. If there are any talks you're particularly excited about and the speaker is open to it, let them know how much you enjoyed their talk and chat with them a bit! They'll be happy to hear their talk resonated with you.

5. Take breaks There's a lot going on at conferences! So much information to take in and so many new people to meet. But if you're go, go, go the whole time, you will quickly get burned out and exhausted. If your brain feels like it can't soak up anymore information, don't feel bad about taking a break in a quiet area or going back to your hotel for a nap.

It may seem overwhelming to put yourself out there like this, but the next time you attend a conference, set a goal for yourself to do something outside your comfort zone at least once. You never know who you'll meet, what you'll learn, or how you'll grow.