EP 29 - In-Person Networking Guide

Date: 2026-05-07
Co-hosts: Aaron Makelky, Dan Yu, John Lovig

Aaron, Dan, and John make the case that in-person networking is back, and that the people who prepare for it are going to separate themselves from everyone still treating networking like a cold LinkedIn chore. They talk about why companies are trying to scale live events again, why people are hungry for real rooms after years of digital-first connection, and how to pick events where the conversation starts naturally. Aaron lays out his before, during, and after playbook for turning a conference into real relationships, Dan shares why hosting the side event can beat working the main room, and John explains how casual conversations with the people around you can become future career openings.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00:19 - Why in-person networking is back
00:01:07 - Companies are trying to scale live events again
00:03:24 - Aaron's networking playbook: before, during, and after
00:04:54 - John on choosing events where the conversation starts naturally
00:06:19 - Why transactional networking feels like asking strangers to marry you
00:08:38 - Networking can happen anywhere: bars, flights, and casual conversations
00:10:27 - Dan's move: host the room you wish existed
00:13:14 - Dot cards, social prep, and follow-up DMs that actually work
00:19:12 - During the event: vendors, security guards, AV teams, and hidden gems

CO-HOSTS
Aaron Makelky - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-makelky-m-a-ed-038b852a3/
Dan Yu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danoyu/
John Lovig - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlovig/

LINKS
Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/IMQCaDccPdE
FutureProof You Website - https://futureproof-you.com
FutureProof You on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/futureproof-you

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