Very few people are at ease striking up a conversation in a room full of strangers. Here are some simple ways to make network meetings more productive and more fun.

• A great way to network at a conference is to volunteer at the registration desk. You get to say hello to everyone who registers in your line. At the event, you’ll feel more comfortable talking with people because you’ve ‘met’ them already.

• Once you join a new group, ask the chairperson what volunteer opportunities are available.

• When you are planning to attend a meeting, call up whomever you can from the organisation. Ask them if you can meet them at the meeting. Then you’ll ‘know’ someone that you can look for when you arrive. — Maria Marsala