An easy way to get noticed at any event where there are speakers and opportunities for Q&A…
In advance of the event, prepare questions for the speakers. Make an effort to be the first one with your hand up for a question, sitting in one of the front rows can afford you good visibility for this, but with most speakers the first person to ask a question is usually resistant so if you are ready to go and don’t hold back I assure you there will be many opportunities.
Then stand, THIS IS YOUR TIME, YOU HAVE THE MIC, and be sure to loudly and clearly state your name, and whatever else you want the speaker and audience to know about you (THE STAGE IS NOW YOURS) then ask your question. And after the answer, if appropriate and there is time, do not be afraid to add your own commentary or ask a follow-up question. As long as you keep it relevant, and engaging, you have done even more to imprint yourself on the speakers and the audience. *Another tip is to create a few evergreen questions, and response one-liners, that you can use in various Q&A situations…. Personal Brand Building.
➡️ You just gained visibility with the entire audience. Do this again and again and you have gotten stage time without qualifying or being picked as a speaker. ⬅️
P.S. And always a good idea to get someone to take a photo for a LinkedIn post (see below). I also like to wear t-shirts, buttons, and/or hats with messages… great conversation starters.