Samantha Lydon, managing director at Empower Development, shares how delegates can network with confidence when attending Biba’s annual conference in Manchester this year
The annual Biba Conference, this year being held on 13 and 14 May 2026, is not just about insightful agenda sessions and a busy exhibition floor – it also provides an ideal opportunity to put faces to email addresses and make new, meaningful professional connections.
But approaching a group mid-conversation at networking drinks or trying to flag someone down on an exhibition stand can be daunting – especially at an event with the scale of the Biba Conference, which has a vast number of diverse delegates to potentially engage with, as well as an array of very different networking opportunities during the day and evening.
Insurance Times asked Samantha Lydon, managing director at training consultancy Empower Development, for her top networking tips – tailored for UK general insurance’s attendance in Manchester this month.
1. Use LinkedIn as a memory bank and follow up tool
After meeting someone, connect with them on LinkedIn while the conversation is still fresh. This provides an easy way to remember who you have met and what you spoke about. A quick personalised note makes all the difference and, because your newest connections sit at the top of your list, this is a great way to keep track of the people you have just met, helping you to remember to follow up post-conference.
2. Look for the easy way in
At busy networking drinks, there is a great hack to spot who is open to being approached.
Our body language gives out signs without us even knowing and the most honest part of our bodies are our feet.
Closed circles, with feet directly facing those we are talking to, indicate that individuals are deep in conversation and do not want to be interrupted. Instead, look for groups with open feet, people standing at an angle, or groups with a gap in their circle.
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3. Be realistic with your time
Conferences can be packed and it is easy to overcommit. Plan your day so you have space to actually have conversations without feeling rushed.
Factor in time for the informal moments because that is often where the best connections happen. A realistic plan will help you get far more value from the day – as will a decent night’s sleep.
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