Of all the conferences that I’ve been to, Pubcon is my favorite. Part of it’s because I’ve learned so much over the years because of Brett Tabke’s WebmasterWorld forums. But the biggest part of it is the concept: at any conference, the best networking happens at the bar after the sessions. Hat tip to Mike Mackin who kicked it off 10 years ago with: “I’m headed to London, who wants to get together for a pint?”

Here are my tips for getting the most out of your PubCon networking.

Stay at the official hotel.

Some of the best tips/ideas/conversations I’ve had at Pubcons have been in the hotel bar or lobby. Hang out where most SEO’s hang out & you’ll do more networking. Book early so it’s not sold out.

Go to dinner with groups.

You never know who you’ll get to talk with but it’s always good. I remember one of my 1st dinners I sat next to some old, foul mouthed geezer who helped me more than I can ever repay: Mike Mackin. I still get affiliate checks from several sites that Mike inspired with his “ugly sites sell” mantra.

Don’t drink or gamble too much.

Loose lips sink ships. Some of the best tips & ideas come out after people have a few drinks. Stay alert enough that you can remember the good stuff.

Be forward.

It was hard to do at my 1st Pubcon but you’ve got to approach people. I usually start asking “Are you here for Pubcon?” as soon as I get off the plane. A shared cab fare to the hotel has started several friendships.

Stay out late but not too late.

If you’re going to hoot with the night owls, you’ve got to soar with the eagles in the morning. There’s great networking in the late hours but the sessions are always valuable. Get enough sleep that you can do both. Plus, you can network with an entirely different set of people at 8am vs 3am.

Go to sessions but stay flexible.

I’ve never been to a session where I didn’t walk away with value. However, if you see Matt Cutts (or any of the SEO rockstars) having a late lunch by themselves, skip the session & go introduce yourself.

Bring biz cards and a pen.

At least 50-100 but I’m always optimistic and bring more. Better to have too many than not enough. And bring something for writing. My usual is to write on the back of business cards to help me remember the conversations.

Network ahead of time.

I’ll just repeat some great tips by others. Pick the people who you really want to see at Pubcon like moderators (they’re all friendly except webwork, apparently) and the others who’ve earned your respect online. Send them sticky mail & follow them on Twitter. Offer to buy them a drink or meet them for dinner.

Network with everybody.

The geek setting next to you with #000000 stitched into his black baseball hat banks mid six figures despite being banned by Google twice last year. And nobody else is talking with him!

Buy me a beer.

I’m the tall guy with the persistent smile on his face. Seriously, I’m passionate about SEO & internet marketing. Let’s swap a couple stories. Maybe we can help each other or maybe we’ll just enjoy being around 2000 like minded people who “get” what we do.