Networking during this summer’s national convention season is easier than ever thanks to technology, but that only gets aspiring operatives, staffers and job seekers so far.
Thousands of politicos have descending on Cleveland and Philadelphia for their respective party conventions, many with the hope of finding their next, or a better, campaign job.
With some 1,200 events taking place outside of Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland this week, there’s been plenty of opportunity—even for those still furiously Googling “RNC events” on Thursday morning.
To be successful at any breakfast, happy hour or evening reception, it helps to have a plan and that starts with knowing who’s going where.
“You can find who’s here because people put it online,” said Samantha Osborne, digital director for the Republican National Convention. “Even though I haven’t been able to run out and be a part of the scene, I’ve been able to see, ‘Oh, Ryan’s in town.’ There’s that added awareness.”
Parties are great for meeting people, but attendees shouldn’t waste each convention day. “Take advantage of the daytime hours,” Osborne advised. “Everybody’s here. Keep a business card on you; say ‘hi.’ Media row is great for passing through. We haven’t had that at past conventions. We had a filing center and the convention all, but outside space like this has created a lot of opportunities.”
Osborne also pointed out that there are easy landmarks around the convention space that can serve as meeting points like the media center’s Google lounge, Facebook Live studios or the Twitter space. Same goes for next week’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
And whether at the GOP convention or the Democratic Convention, one thing all networks need to have is a willingness to trade favors. Sometime it’s the only way to gain access to the week’s best evening parties and networking events, according to Michael Moschella.
“You should always be asking friends and acquaintances where they’re going, if they’ve got extras, and how you can help,” Moschella, now the vice president for innovation at DKC, wrote for C&E. “Be willing to trade, especially for events that cost money.”
Another thing attendees at both conventions should remember: they have a built-in conversation topic, and it’s not trading job titles. Attendees at the once-every-four-years confabs tend to be passionate about campaigns. Have that in common, advises Moschella.
“So think for a minute about what you stand for. Why do you care so much? And what’s your story? Be willing to share, and you’ll make lifelong friends.”