No Default Option: The Engineer’s Guide to Trade Shows and Social Events

A field guide for IBC, NAB, and every “you really should go” event in between – and why parties are not optimized for your default settings.

A personal confession

When I attended my first IBC, I had no network and dreaded the idea of “working the room.” Year after year, I struggled to join conversations or make meaningful contacts. But gradually, by showing up, learning a few practical moves, and gaining some familiarity, things got easier. I’m not a natural networker—far from it—but I learned that with the right approach, even introverts and engineers can find value in trade show socials.

This article is inspired by two things. First, my own direct experience navigating trade shows as an introvert. Second, my experience working with fellow introverts who tell me: I hate these social events. They are not for me.

Trust me—even seasoned professionals face networking challenges. You don’t have to become a social butterfly; you just need a strategy that lets you succeed on your own terms.

This is for the geeks, engineers, creators, and newcomers who’d rather ship code than work the room. Let’s lay out the real pros and cons—and a practical playbook.

Why Social Events Feel So Challenging

I once watched a German programmer try to order a burger in the U.S. After a barrage of choices—meat temp, bun type, toppings, sauces—he sighed and looked at me, “Isn’t there a default option?” Trade-show socials feel exactly like that: no defaults, too many variables.

Trade show socials can feel overwhelming: noise, unclear rules, rapid status shifts, and fast-draining energy can leave even experts hesitant to join in. If you’re on deadline, exhausted, or can’t see a connection to your goals, it’s perfectly fine to protect your energy and skip an event.

But showing up has its advantages. Serendipitous hallway chats and new connections can unlock solutions, ideas, or opportunities that aren’t found in official sessions. Just a few events—chosen thoughtfully—can expand your luck surface area and help you build a reputation, gather career support, and learn lessons you won’t get from documentation.

The key: attend with purpose. Balance your schedule, know your energy limits, and aim for quality over quantity.

A workable playbook for introverts

In competitive environments, standing out requires a clear, concise introduction of who you are and the value you bring. Tailor your message to your strengths and audience so it feels natural, not forced.

Prepare Your Introduction

Here’s an easy blueprint:

  • I am a_______ (what you do),

  • who helps_______ (audience)

  • with_______ (value proposition)

  • so they can_______ (ultimate positive outcome).

Example: “Hi, I’m Sarah. I design and scale real-time video systems—LL-HLS/DASH, WebRTC/QUIC, ABR tuning, and player instrumentation—so streams start faster, buffer less, and cost less to deliver. If you’re wrestling with ingest spikes, DRM edge cases, or QoE blind spots, I can help.”

If your introduction fails to quickly highlight what makes you unique or the value you bring, listeners may not be motivated to engage further with you.

Adopt a Role

To reduce decision fatigue, you could for example adopt a role to play:

  • Scout: Mapping who’s wrestling with a specific challenge.

  • Asker: Collecting stories or insights about a topic.

  • Connector: Introducing people with shared interests.

Pick a Theme

Pick one theme to focus on during the event. Use “observer mode” at first—listen to how others start conversations and gradually join in. Consider attending with a friend or colleague as an anchor to reduce social friction.

Invite Conversation

Use open-ended questions to invite meaningful conversations that invite stories, not pitches or yes or no answers. For example:

  • “What bottleneck keeps sneaking back into your pipeline?”

  • “If you could delete one legacy constraint tomorrow, what would it be?”

  • “What did your last failure teach you that the documentation never mentioned?”

Prepare Your Exit Lines

If a conversation feels one-sided or exhausting, use polite exit lines and shift your attention elsewhere. Your goal is mutual value, not wearing yourself out. Be polite but firm. For example:

  • “I promised myself I’d meet two more people before I go—great to meet you.”

  • “This has been helpful; I’m going to compare notes with another team and circle back.”

  • “I’m heading to catch someone before they leave—shall we swap contacts?”

Manage your Energy

Manage your energy deliberately. Prioritize key conversations early in the event when your energy is highest. Take short breaks outside or in quiet spaces to recharge, stay hydrated, and if possible, don’t schedule morning meetings after late nights.

Follow-Up

Close the loop while the connection is warm. Follow up within 24–48 hours after the event with a brief, personalized message mentioning a detail from your conversation. This reinforces connections and opens the door for continued engagement.

Measuring Results

Reflect on your results beyond the number of contacts made. Did you gain actionable next steps, learn something new, or establish a few meaningful connections?

And If You Prefer to Avoid Socials Entirely…

Consider alternatives like quiet 1:1 coffees, small themed dinners, or online forums to build network connections on your terms.

If you attend the physical event, recognize that you are on a mission. Someone is paying for you to be there, even if that person is you. So try make the most of the fact that everyone is gathered in one place. Just find a way that works for you.

A final word

I’ve hated networking. I still have to work at it. But I’ve also learned that attending selective socials events with a clear goal, a few strong questions, and kind boundaries can change the trajectory of a project—or a career. You don’t need to become someone else. You just need a plan that respects your temperament and expands your chances of a positive outcome.

If you decide to show up, show up with intention. Start early, Bookmark our annual IBC or NAB Party & Event List, get our First-Timers Guide to IBC, set yourself a few micro-targets, ask the questions only you would ask, and leave when your battery says it’s time. Do that, and the room stops feeling like a test—and starts working for you.

Janet Greco, August 2025

Broadcast Projects helps media and entertainment technology companies cut through the noise. Whether you're refining your positioning, creating standout content, or supporting commercial goals around trade shows, our work turns communications into meaningful business outcomes.

We also support the media and entertainment technology community with resources and support including:

> The IBC and NAB Annual Party Lists

> Our TV Industry Events Hub - calendar of industry events

> The First Timers Guide to IBC

> No Default Option: The Engineers Guide to Trade Shows and Social Events

> And our press release distribution service

Want to prep smarter for your next trade show?

Janet Greco