The 2010 Tribute and TrulinX User's Group conference is taking place this week. In Part 1 of our blog series we gave you some general tips on preparing for a business conference. In Part 2 we gave you tips for packing.

In Part 3 we'd like to pass on some networking tips. One of the main reasons that people cite for attending a conference is the networking opportunities. Here are a few strategies courtesy of About.Com:Entrepreneurs to help you get the most out of connecting with others at a conference: 

• Have a plan. Know in advance whom you want to meet (personally and/or the type of distributors), which sessions you want to attend, and what vendor booths you want to visit.
• Talk to the people sitting next to you. When you walk into a seminar, take the time before the presentation begins to say hello to the people seated around you. Once you have said something as simple as "hello", it will be easier to talk with them later in the week if you see them again.
• Put your technology away. Do not run to your phone, BlackBerry, or laptop at every break. When you are working on electronics you send the message that you are unapproachable because you are busy. Utilize the time on breaks to converse with others.

And don't forget these networking rules of thumb from the Wall Street Journal:

• Forget the artificial sales pitch
• Communicate your passion
• Don't commandeer the conversation
• Keep in touch