The year is 2012. The month is October. The time is Pubcon. No matter if you're a veteran or a rookie, you've most likely read one of the "what to do before Pubcon," "what to pack," "rookie survival tips," and "how to make the most of it" posts. Since everyone is busting out their how-to lists, why not another one?

Every year during one of the many Pubcon or related networking events you have the chance to meet a huge number of people. So with 3,000 to 5,000 people at a conference, how do you stick out? How do you find yourself meeting new people all night and having a great time? And how do the people you already know find you in such a large sea of people?

Time to take it up a level

You don't necessarily need to go big or go home, but you may want to go outside your comfort zone. As Ralf and CK have proven, something as simple as a unique shirt can go a long way toward meeting new people.

CK in his "Suits Suck" t-shirt at Pubcon

I asked CK about his experience with the "Suits Suck" t-shirt, and he had this to say:

"Yeah, that was fun. I got a lot of mixed reactions… most people had a laugh even if they didn't know it was from the HBO series, Entourage."

This doesn't have to be a one-conference trick. Over the years you've probably seen Mikkel deMib Svendsen in his orange suit or Rand in his yellow shoes. Both are trademark looks that I'm sure have broken the ice for more than one conversation.

Gadgets and gallops

At any given conference where you find Jeff Randall, Tim Ash, Michael Dorausch, Andy Beal, or Matt Siltala, you'll find a camera nearby, possibly pointing at you. With a camera in hand you can walk up to a group, ask if they want a photo, snap the shot, and then introduce yourself. Quick and easy way to meet people anywhere.

This year Michael Dorausch is taking it up another level by offering photo ops to any and all attending Pubcon. Great idea. If anyone meets more people this week than he does, I'll be genuinely shocked by their speed-networking abilities.

Maybe you don't consider your photography all that developed. What about creating your own Pubcon Pony and getting people to pose for quick shots with their own phones? Never heard of the Pubcon Pony? Here's a bit of background from Kristy, the owner of Pubcon Pony:

"The pony started as a bit of a joke between Brian Carter and myself on Twitter… ultimately it was a way to comfortably approach people in the industry I admired and may have otherwise been too shy to talk to."

The Pubcon Pony

It's been quite a few years (sadly) since Pubcon Pony last made an appearance, but maybe Kristy brought Pony back this year. Does your company have its own traveling gnome or Pubcon Pony? Get it in the suitcase and try it out at one of the events next week.

Rydin' scooter dirty

And then there's simply making a big entrance. Some years ago the SEO Rascals hit the scene and Vegas hasn't been the same since. What better way to strike up a conversation than by riding by on a scooter… on only two wheels? Don't run out and rent a gocart, just think outside the box, or at least outside your comfort zone, and you'll meet more people than you will sitting in your room. Pubcon has great content and speakers, but if they don't answer that one burning question, you may overhear someone on the way to lunch say your hometown's name. Be ready to jump at the chance. Video thanks goes out to Snoop and Hooley.

My story

Years ago, when I was a "leave me alone and let me hide at my desk" web developer, I knew that if I didn't force myself to attend the networking events, I never would. Eventually I got out of my comfort zone and found I could walk into an event of 100, 300, or 5,000 people and leave with at least a few new friends each time.

So as you finish packing for your flight or drive to Pubcon, think about how you can get a bit out of your comfort zone. Then get to as many events as you can, sit with new people at lunch, strike up conversations between sessions, and get to networking.