At conferences, there is often an imbalance of networking opportunities. Many believe speakers and/or sponsors are the people who they need should meet.  As a result, a long line usually forms with people waiting to meet certain individuals. Meanwhile, there are other people in the room who are by themselves waiting and wanting to talk to other attendees. These people are often the gems in the room, hidden in plain sight.

The Founder and Managing Director of Fearless Revival has created unique event networking strategies. Recently he shared the following tip:  "After a session ends, introduce yourself to the audience member who asked the most interesting question. The panelists will be up there for a while so you don't lose by doing this, you only gain. I'm amazed at how often that person is as fascinating as the speaker(s)!", says CEO advisor and keynote speaker David Dalka.

David said that this technique has led him to meet startup founders both pre-launch and post-exit, senior executives at Fortune 500 companies, and journalists. He has met some very interesting people this way. 

Many times, you may be the only person in the room who will connect with the individual who had asked the question. Your post conference follow-up with this person will be easier to schedule a meeting or call in part because the individual received fewer business cards than the keynote speaker. Also, your interaction at the conference with this person was most likely more memorable and more meaningful.

Consider introducing yourself to the person who asks the most interesting question at a conference. You often will be glad that you did.