The 5 people at every networking event—and what to do if you’re one of them.

At every conference, offsite, or networking event, there are 5 types of people.

I’ve been all 5 at different points in my career.

Let me introduce you to them — and tell you what to do if you recognize yourself.

The 5 Conference Personas

1. Newbie Natalie

Natalie just got invited to her first big industry conference or company offsite. She’s overwhelmed and wondering: Do I even deserve to be in this room?

If you’re Newbie Natalie:

Someone thought you were worth inviting. Trust their judgment.

Your superpower? You have nothing to lose. Ask the “dumb” questions everyone else is too afraid to ask. Introduce yourself to people who seem unapproachable. You’re new. Use it to your advantage!

2. Imposter Ian

Ian’s been in his industry for a few years, but he still feels like everyone else is smarter, more experienced, and more successful.

If you’re Imposter Ian:

Everyone at that conference has felt like you at some point. The person you think has it all figured out? They don’t.

Your move: Contribute once in the first session. Just once. Ask a question or make a comment. You’ll realize no one is judging you as harshly as you’re judging yourself.

3. Jaded Jane

Jane used to love this conference. But now? She’s over it. The people feel repetitive. The content feels recycled. She’s wondering if she should even come back next year.

If you’re Jaded Jane:

Good news: You’ve outgrown it. Don’t come back next year. Seriously. Save yourself three days and find a new conference, a new community, or a new challenge that serves where you are now.

4. Busy Ben

Ben showed up to the conference, but he’s not really there. He’s taking calls outside. Answering emails during sessions. He’s physically present but mentally checked out.

If you’re Busy Ben:

Why are you here? If the conference isn’t valuable enough to focus on, stay at your desk at home. It’s a waste of your time and everyone else’s.

But if you do come: Put your phone away. Engage. Ask for help. That’s where the value is — not in the Slack message you’re responding to during the keynote.

5. Guilty Gary

Gary is my personal nemesis because I’ve been him a thousand times. He feels guilty about everything. Guilty he’s not spending enough time with close friends at the event. Guilty he’s prioritizing new connections. Guilty he’s not in every session.

If you’re Guilty Gary:

Let it go. Your close friends aren’t offended. The session leader doesn’t care if you skip. Everyone is making their own strategic choices about how to spend their time.

The guilt is pointless. Release it.

So, Which One Are You?

The interesting thing? You can be different personas at different events — or even at different points in the same event.

Knowing which persona you are helps you show up intentionally.

If you’re Newbie Natalie, give yourself permission to be new.

If you’re Imposter Ian, contribute once and watch the imposter syndrome fade.

If you’re Jaded Jane, skip next year and find something better.

If you’re Busy Ben, either engage or don’t come.

If you’re Guilty Gary, stop apologizing for making strategic choices.

Want more tips like this? Subscribe to my weekly newsletter!

How This Helps You Get What You Want

Give yourself what you need: permission, boundaries, a reality check, or an exit plan.

Stop wasting energy fighting against how you feel and start using that energy to actually get value from the event.

So before your next conference or offsite, ask yourself:

“Which persona am I going to be? And what do I need to do differently?”